Friday, the Ninth of May Two Thousand and Twenty-Five Seven O’Clock in the Evening
The Benjamin E. Mays Human Resources Center Arena Benedict College Columbia, South Carolina
Dr. Roslyn ClarkArtis President and CEO
Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis President and CEO
PRELUDE: The Circus Bee March Henry Fillmore
The Benedict College Instrumental Ensemble
Mr. H. Wade Johnson, Director of Bands
Mr. Ronald T. Green, Assistant Director of Bands
THE ACADEMIC PROCESSION: Pomp and Circumstance, Theme from March No. 1 (Land of Hope and Glory) ……………………….... Sir Edward Elgar
The assembly will please remain seated during the academic procession. Please rise for the presentation of the colors and remain standing through the singing of Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing.
THEPRESENTATIONOFTHECOLORS ………………………………………. BenedictCollegeArmyReserve Officers’ Training Corps - Color Guard
THEANTHEMS: The Star-Spangled Banner
Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing
FrancisScott Key andJohnStaffordSmith
The Benedict College Instrumental Ensemble
James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson
The Benedict College Vocal Ensemble
Joshua Rodgers, Amaya Morton, Lorenzo Burnside, and Lanelle Burnside
Mr. J. David Bratton, Director
THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER
O! say can you see by the dawn’s early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there; O! say does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave, O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
EV’RY VOICE AND SING
Lift ev’ry voice and sing, ‘til earth and heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of liberty; Let our rejoicing rise, high as the listening skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
Sing a song, full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song, full of the hope that the present has brought us; Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, Let us march on ‘til victory is won.
THE GREETING ……………………………………………………………………………...Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis
THE COMMENCEMENT PRAYER
THE OCCASION
Minister Cameron Seawright Student Campus Minister
Ms.Tirriney Humphrey
President, Senior Class Class of 2025
MUSIC: ………………………………..……….ThisIsTheDay ……………………………………..FredHammond
The Benedict College Instrumental Ensemble
Mr. H. Wade Johnson, Director of Bands
Mr. Ronald T. Green, Assistant Director of Bands
Arr. by Ronald Green
THE INTRODUCTION OF THE SPEAKER
THE COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS
MUSIC:
Ms. Domenica Weems
President, Student Government Association Class of 2025
Dr. Jotaka L. Eaddy
Founder and CEO of Full Circle Strategies Washington, DC
The Prayer Yolanda Adams and Donnie McClerkin
Amaya Morton and Joshua Rodgers from The Benedict College Choir
THE CONFERRING OF THE HONORARY DEGREE …Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis
Trustee G. Tyrone Bonds
Vice Chair, Benedict College Board of Trustees
THE ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS ……………………… Mrs. Leandra Hayes Burgess Vice President for Institutional Advancement
THEANNOUNCEMENTOFACADEMICHONORS ……………………………………...…Dr.JaneenP. Witty Vice President for Academic Affairs
THE PRESENTATION OF THE OUTSTANDING SENIOR AND GRADUATE STUDENTS AWARDS…………………………………………………… Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis
THE PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES FOR BACCALAUREATE AND GRADUATE DEGREES …… ……………………………………………………………...Dr. Janeen P. Witty
Dr. Leon Geter
Interim Dean, School of Communication, Arts, and Social Sciences
Dr. Jessica Furrer
Interim Dean, School of Science and Engineering
Dr. Tracy H. Dunn
Tyrone Adam Burroughs School of Business and Entrepreneurship
Dr. Akilah Carter-Francique School of Education, Health, and Human Services
Dr. Tracy H. Dunn
Tyrone Adam Burroughs School of Business and Entrepreneurship Master of Business Administration Program
Dr. Akilah Carter-Francique
Dean, School of Education, Health, and Human Services Master of Sport Management Program
THE CONFERRING OF DEGREES ……………………………………………..………... Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis
THE READING OF NAMES OF GRADUATES ………………………………………..….... Mr. Scott E. Blanks
Senior Class Advisor and Professor of Theater
THE PRESENTATION OF THE CLASS OF 2024-2025………………………………..…. Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis
THE INDUCTION OF GRADUATES INTO THE BENEDICT COLLEGE
Rod Casey President, Benedict
I hereby solemnly pledge unbroken allegiance to my Alma Mater, in appreciation of the opportunities for development afforded me at Benedict College.
I pledge my active membership in the Benedict College National Alumni Association, wherever I may be.
Through association with my fellow alumni, I shall forever do my best to uphold the ideals and traditions of my Alma Mater.
I pledge, as a person, to exemplify high ideals by rendering positive and dignified service to the community, the state, the nation, and the world thus, living to bring honor and respect to Benedict College and represent “TheBESTofBC.”
***The assembly will lease stand for the Alma Mater and the benediction. Please be seated for the recession.
THE ALMA MATER …………………………………………………………………... Lyrics by Anna I. Douglas Benedict College Instrumental Ensemble, Vocal Ensemble, and Audience
Where the golden sunshine falls,
We’ll remember in the years, Rustling leaves about her, Coming swiftly toward us, Breezes whispering round her walls, All the smiles, but not the tears, Stands our Alma Mater. Alma Mater brought us.
Students all, a sturdy band,
If the path of life be dim, Loud our voices ringing, And the way be dreary, Of her kindly helping hand, Alma Mater points to Him, Of our love, we’re singing. Who will guide the weary.
Chorus
Alma Mater, strong and true, Alma Mater, ever, Benedict, we sing to you, Faithful we forever.
THE RETIRING OF THE COLORS
THE BENEDICTION
………….. Benedict College Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps - Color Guard
Minister Cameron Seawright
THE ACADEMIC RECESSION: Pomp and Circumstance, Theme from March No. 1 (Land of Hope and Glory) …………………………………. Sir Edward Elgar
The Benedict College Instrumental Ensemble
POSTLUDE: I’m so Glad Arr. by Ronald T. Green
The Benedict College Instrumental Ensemble
Thecaps, gowns,andhoods wornat collegeanduniversityfunctions datebackto theMiddleAges. Monks and students used them to keep warm in medieval castles and halls of learning. From these practical origins, they have developed into the accepted garb which symbolizes scholarly achievement.
The master’s degree gown is worn open, and the sleeve is cut so that the forearm comes through a slit just above the elbow. Gowns for the doctor’s degree are also worn open. They carry broad, velvet panels down the front, and three velvet bars on the full round sleeves. This velvet trimming may be either black or the color distinctive of the degree.
Mortarboards or caps worn with baccalaureate and master’s gowns have black tassels. The tassel of the doctoral cap is usually made of gold bullion.
The hood gives color and real meaning to the academic costume. Its silk lining bears the color of the institution conferring the degree. The hood is bordered with velvet of a prescribed width and color to indicate the field of learning to which the degree pertains as follows: medicine, green; music,pink; nursing, apricot; pharmacy,olivegreen; publicadministration,peacockblue;science, golden yellow; social work, citron; theology, scarlet; architecture, blue-violet; arts, letters, and humanities, white; business, drab; dentistry, lilac; education, light blue; engineering, orange; fine arts, brown; law, purple; and philosophy, dark blue.
Faculty members and guests in today’s procession are wearing gowns and hoods which represent their disciplines, their degrees, and the institutions from which they received degrees.
To demonstrate their high academic achievement through the School of Honors, these graduates receive the Medallion of Honors. The gold medallion contains a torch inside a V for Victory and is hung on a purple and white ribbon. The medallion is worn by Honors Seniors at formal convocation activities, graduation, and serves as a reminder of their commitment to world service.
The ceremonial academic mace is an historical amalgam of the regal scepter of rulers with the weapon-like instrument known as a mace. Academic maces are historically regarded as manifestations of the ‘immortal dignity’ of colleges and universities and thus represent the past, present and future. The College Mace is carried in procession on occasions of outstanding importance, such as commencements, convocations, and formal dedications. The placement of the Mace on its stand signals that the proceedings are about to come to order; its retirement indicates the conclusion of the exercises.
The College Mace was commissioned as a gift to the College by the Class of 2002. It was designed and fashioned by sculptor and Assistant Professor of Art, Michael Hale of Benedict College. It is fifty-two inches in length, constructed of bronze, velvet, and oak. Surmounting the Mace is the Great Seal of the College cast in solid bronze. A sphere made of four bronze stanchions represents the Office of the President, Administration, Academic Affairs, and Student Affairs. The sphere sits upon a bronze greave representative of the College’s Board of Trustees. The staff of the Mace is constructed of solid oak with sixteen cabochon amethysts set in 24-carat gold bezels. The oak staff represents the strength of our academic programs, and the amethysts are representative of the College’s faculty, staff, students, eleven academic departments and five schools that existed in 2002. The solid bronze greave at the base of the staff is representative of our founder, Mrs. Bathsheba Benedict. The Mace is completed with a final bronze sphere. The four stanchions of the
final sphere represent the original vocations offered by the College: Teaching, Preaching, Painting, and Carpentry.
Ms. Tirriney Humphrey, President of the Senior Class is carrying the College Mace at today’s convocation.
The 3 1/2” cast bronze President’s Medallion encompasses the Benedict College Seal inscribed with the words, “Office of the President,” on the outer border.
The Medallion is suspended from the neck chain containing fourteen small bronze panels and two decorative laurel wreaths on the connecting links. Thirteen bronze panels are engraved with the names of the former Benedict College presidents. The fourteenth bronze panel is engraved with the name of the current president.
The President’s Medallion was carried aboard the space shuttle Columbia in its 2.5-million-mile voyage around the Earth in 1986.
Ms.DomenicaWeemsisthe2025SchoolofCommunication,Arts,andSocialSciencesOutstandingSenior at Benedict College. Ms. Weems is the exemplary choice, demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to academic excellence, service, and her beloved institution.
Ms. Weems has consistently set the standard for excellence during her time at Benedict College. Her remarkable academic profile, characterized by exceptional performance and dedication to intellectual growth, reflects her unwavering commitment to the pursuit of knowledge. What distinguishes Ms. Weems even further is her steady and increasing engagement in collegiate and community initiatives each year. Through her involvement, Ms. Weems has exemplified the true spirit of a Benedict College scholar by combining academic achievement with meaningful contributions to both the campus and broader community. She currently serves as President of the Benedict College Student Government Association.
Her hard work, leadership, and dedication have earned her this well-deserved recognition as the School of Communication, Arts, and Social Sciences Outstanding Senior for 2025. Ms. Weems represents the pinnacle of endeavors what we strive for within the School of Communication, Arts, and Social Sciences a commitment to excellence, service, and integrity that uplifts the Benedict College community and beyond.
The School of Education, Health, and Human Services 2024-2025 Outstanding Undergraduate Student lives by the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “The time is always right to do what is right.” A native of Battle Creek, Michigan, Ms. Chambers believes that the pursuit of justice, equity, and service is not bound by time but driven by a deep responsibility to make a difference in the world.
Embodying a spirit of resilience and determination, this Social Work major has excelled academically, achieving a 3.67 GPA. Through her coursework she has been emboldened to do more, and she did. In 2022, she obtained a PHRC certification as a part of the Fall cohort of Benedict College’s Student Corp. In 2023, she was inducted into Benedict College’s Honors Program. In 2023, she was also a recipient of the Walt Disney/UNCF Enhance Corporate Scholars Program - a financial award program designed to support her academic engagement and enhance her professional network.
Beyond the classroom, Ms. Chambers is committed to service. She organized a Driver’s License Reinstatement Clinic and served as a volunteer with Revolution Red and Sister Act organizations designed to amplify the marginalized voices and create pathways for access. Ms. Chambers was the 20212022 Freshman Class Business Manager and the 2023-2024 historian, parliamentarian, and service chair for the Sigma Iota Chapter of Phi Beta Lambda Business Fraternity, Incorporated. Notwithstanding, two other notable service endeavors include her leadership with the Belmont and Gable Oaks communities through the promotion of varying mentoring initiatives and an internship with the Richland County Public Defender’s Office that included a service effort to provide informational and tangible support for adults to navigate legal, financial, and social challenges.
BenedictCollegecelebratesMs. Chambers’sexcellence,passion,andcommitmentto serviceandadvocacy throughout her tenure, which have exhibited that “the time is always right.” The range of service-led experiences provides her with a strong foundation as she embarks on her next stage in life as a Social Work MSW with Advance Standing in the School of Social Work at Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois. The School of Education, Health and Human Services is proud to recognize Ms. DaTonya Chambers as the 2025 Outstanding Undergraduate Student. Congratulations!
Mr. Nabeyou Tadessa
Mr. Nabeyou Tadessa is the School of Science and Engineering Outstanding Senior for 2025. He has demonstrated academic, professional, and personal excellence throughout his time at Benedict College as a computer engineering major.
Over the past three years he has completed prestigious internships with Techwise, AgFirst Credit Bank, and Google. Upon his successful completion of last summer’s internship, he was offered a full-time position as a Software Engineer at Google, which he will begin after graduation. Under the mentorship of dedicated engineering faculty, this student has made significant research contributions in the area of Computer and Electrical Engineering. He has contributed to two published papers, as well as numerous ongoing research projects. His recently-completed senior design project focused on integrating machine learning-based predictive analytics into wearable health-care devices for prediction and prevention of health crises in target populations. In addition to this service to the engineering community in the pursuit of new technology, he has done a great deal of personal mentoring in the technology and computing space at Benedict College.
On a personal note, this student is consistently upbeat, pleasant, and personable. He always has a smile and a positive word to say in any situation. He is willing to spend late nights to help a classmate prepare for a technical interview or debug a code. He is both technically savvy and personally engaging, and a true earlycareer professional in his chosen field.
Mr. Nabeyou Tadessa is the Outstanding Senior for the School of Science and Engineering for 2025.
The School of Education, Health and Human Services 2024-2025 Outstanding Graduate Student is a present leader on the campus of Benedict College. As a member of the athletic staff, Mr. Holmes’ quiet presence may be observed on the football field or walking around campus guiding, encouraging, and mentoring student-athletes through his promotion of a student-first philosophy.
This mindset began fourteen years ago, when Mr. Holmes worked as a football team intern embodying the beliefthat you can achieveanythingwith hardwork,andhehas proventhattimeandtimeagain. Traversing schools and institutions, from Irmo High School to Wofford University, to Limestone College, to Mississippi Valley State University, to South Carolina State University, to Benedict College – all institutions can verify his work ethic. As a young professional in a highly competitive field, his potential is still unlocked.
Balancing professional and academic pursuits, Mr. Holmes has demonstrated great fortitude in the Master of Science in Sport Management program, achieving a 3.91 GPA. As a working professional with the Benedict College football team, he demonstrated excellence in each academic course and drew from his lived experiences as a coach to articulate the legalities in college athletics, identify the psychological challenges on the field of play, and explain the potential barriers as a diverse individual in leadership roles. It is safe to say that his coaching style and philosophy have been strengthened and are exhibited in his dedication to students and his craft. He works out with current student athletes, and gives pep talks in the meeting room, but on the sideline, a young professional, Mr. Holmes is completely locked into the development of the student athletes. Through his dedication and the Benedict College experience, it is no surprisethat he purports a professional philosophy ofrespectingpeople ofdiversebackgrounds and leading with a growth mindset.
Benedict College celebrates Mr. Paul Holmes’ dedication to academic engagement, athletic performance, and a student-first mindset as he continues his professional journey as a wide receiver coach in football with the Athletic Department at Benedict College. The School of Education, Health and Human Services is proud to recognize Mr. Paul Holmes as the 2025 Outstanding Graduate Student. Congratulations!
Biology
Sarah Ball
Gabrielle Bell*
Nyree Bell***
Attoria Bennett***
Kira Buford-Rucker***
Lakiya CarterD
Mia Cohen*
JasmineCrockett**
Jada David*
Asia Dickinson**D
Kierra Evans**
Marcus French**
Johnathan Garbutt*
Yamilet Guzman***
Makyiah Hails*
Naya Hall*
ArmoniHammons
Washington, DC
New Orleans, LA
.Greensboro, NC
.Columbia, SC
...Urbana, IL
Lithonia,GA
Columbia, SC
Monroe, LA
...Athens, GA
Nassau, Bahamas
.Fort Benning, GA
.Tomball, TX
North Las Vegas, NV
...Gaston, SC
..Jacksonville, FL
...Granada Hills, CA
Oakland, CA
Caliph Hanesworth Charleston, SC
Raeven Hankins
North Las Vegas, NV
Briasia HolmesD Columbia, SC
Angel Johnson* Cope, SC
Nolan Jones* Hampton, GA
Michaela King* New Orleans, LA
Deanjay Knight*** Port Antonio, Jamaica
Tyannah Lake* Frederiksted, VI
Brittany Mackey* Nassau, Bahamas
Kendersley Marcellin***.. Orlando, FL
Savanna Marshall** Upper Marlboro, MD
Adeja McCord** Fayetteville, NC
Talyia McKenzie***D Exuma, Bahamas
Tuwanda McKenzie*** Port Antonio, Jamaica
Kadian Morrison*** Columbia, SC
Kanesha Moses***D Columbia, SC
Kendrail MouzonPS Lake City, SC
Kathleen Mullings***D
Columbia, SC
Meisha Murray***.. Columbia, SC
Marion NelsonPS
RichardNgwarwi*D
Shanna-Kay Panton***..
Whitney Pierre**
Ty’Teonna Robinson*
Trayleah Rolle**
Brandi Seaborn**
Malisa SmithPS
Joshua StillPS
Charleston, SC
Bedford, MA
Columbia, SC
Nassau, Bahamas
...Fayetteville, NC
Freeport, Bahamas
Detroit, MI
Detroit, MI
.Columbia, SC
De-Andrae Taylor……………………………Kingshill, VI
Kennede Thomas*…………………………....Houston, TX
Alliah Thompson**……………………...Exuma, Bahamas
MarissaTisdale*………………………….....Columbia, SC
Biology (continued)
Godwin Umechiedo*** Lagos, Nigeria
Stenasia Wilson** Nassau, Bahamas
Akira Reed……………………………Moncks Corner, SC
Richard Abhulimhen*** Oke-Aro, Nigeria
David Adetuberu*** Ilesha, Nigeria
Jaedin AikenPS ……………………...
Wyandanch, NY
Shanera Bartlett………………………..Freeport, Bahamas
Mark Chigaazira*D Beaumont, CA
Alyssa Gerhart*** Waldorf, MD
Harry Grant*.………………………..…Freeport, Bahamas
Mary GreenPS …...………………………….Florissant, MO
Tajay Jackson** Buff Bay, Jamaica
Tosin Jimoh** New York, NY
Shapelle PinderPS ……………………....Freeport, Bahamas
Kasie Stewart**……………………Port Antonio, Jamaica
Brion Mackey*.. Coconut Creek, FL
Crystal McIntosh***D …………..…………..Columbia, SC
Nabeyou Tadessa***..………….………………...Irmo, SC
DestinyAdu* Nassau, Bahamas
Ricsheia Barr* New Providence, Bahamas
Avery BasdenPS Freeport, Bahamas
Divine Cooper-Dingle* Mount Pleasant, SC
Christian JamisonPS Irmo, SC
Amari PettisPS Pavo, GA
Ashley PoitierPS Cockburn Town, Bahamas
Delia Smith……………………Melbourne Crest, Bahamas
Hannah Duncombe* Nassau, Bahamas
Tony Munnings** Freeport, Bahamas
Bianca Etienne***D ……………..………Nassau, Bahamas
Tjashe Hudson**D ………………………Nassau, Bahamas
Physics
Elijah DaliePS ……………...Columbia, SC
Krystin Ferguson* Clinton, MD
Jalen Blash** Rex, GA
Kayla Bowman………………………...Lawrenceville, GA
BriannaByrdsong*…………………....Falling Waters, WV
DaeMonCherryD Cincinnati,OH
Mya Dixon** Laurel, MD
Daryl Dunifer* Rock Hill, SC
Zavien Foster**
Sincere HicksPS
…….Inman, SC
Clemson, SC
Jomari Jacobs** Kingshill, VI
Derrick JenkinsPS Kennesaw,GA
FeOnnia Johnson*
Carlos JonesPS
North, SC
Beaufort, SC
BriannaLowe Columbia, SC
Xavier Marseille* Burlington, NJ
Sadiki Marsh**
Taylor Murray**
....Kingston, Jamaica
Conway, SC
Israel Nwokocha* Hampton, GA
Chase Ransom* Loganville, GA
Divgurjot Singh
Shun TaylorA
Columbia, SC
Decatur, GA
DaNaya Wray Lawrenceville, GA
Psychology
Aramis Bean**
Los Angeles, CA
RiniqueBowles** Nassau, Bahamas
KristinaBurgess* Lake City, SC
Dana Burks**D ..Columbia, SC
Raquel Burrows***D Freeport, Bahamas
Taylor Christmas* Decatur,GA
Bria Combs Columbia, SC
Heaven Day*** Clinton, MD
Gabriel Diaz* Blythewood, SC
Taina Dorsett***D Nassau, Bahamas
Kai Duncan* Simpsonville, SC
Ariana EllisPS Forest Park, GA
Kaya Evans** Aurora, CO
Shiani Futch Hopkins, SC
Alana Gortman* Yonkers, NY
Jonyah Haynes* Branchville, SC
Marshae Jackson*D Sacramento, CA
Aniya Licorish* Hyattsville, MD
CaDynce Montgomery*
Hopkins, SC
Zarreya Payton-Benford***D ………………...Lansing, MI
Ijanah Phillips*
Sofiyat Raji*
.Columbia, SC
...Villarica, GA
Psychology (continued)
Romale Reed**…………………………...…Glendale, WI
Khia Stokley*………………………..……..Greenville, SC
Shamon Thompson…………………………Jonesboro, GA
CANDIDATES FOR THE BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK DEGREE
Social Work
DaTonya Chambers** Columbia, SC
Tashai Cockrell* Minneapolis, MN
Leondra CooperPS Columbia, SC
Shaquella Ford** Florence, SC
Paige Graham Columbia, SC
Gabrielle Guinyard** Orangeburg, SC
Taniyah Hendrickson*……………… Powder Springs, GA
Kyla Lundy**………………………….Freeport, Bahamas
TakiaMartin*……………………… ………Marietta,GA
Mya Tate***D ………………………….Freeport, Bahamas
Autumn Tisdale***……………………..…..Columbia, SC
Princess Tubah*…………………………..…...Buford, GA
AmirWashington***…………………….Summerville,SC
SPECIAL CATEGORIES
CHILD MALTREATMENT CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
DaTonya Chambers**………………………Columbia, SC
Tashai Cockrell*……………………..….Minneapolis, MN
Leondra CooperPS ……………………...……Columbia, SC
Shaquella Ford**………………………….….Florence, SC
Gabrielle Guinyard**……………….…….Orangeburg, SC
Taniyah Hendrickson*……… ……...Powder Springs, GA
Kyla Lundy**………………………….Freeport, Bahamas
TakiaMartin*………………………… ……Marietta,GA
Mya Tate***D ………………………....Freeport, Bahamas
Autumn Tisdale***…………………… …..Columbia, SC
Princess Tubah*…………………………… ...Buford, GA
AmirWashington***………………… ..Summerville,SC
INTERDISCIPLINARY GERONTOLOGY CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
Paige Graham Columbia, SC
AmirWashington***…………… ……..Summerville,SC