class of celebrating the
Friday, May 9, 2025
Message from the President
Graduates:
Today is your graduation day—at last! Your entire Delaware State University family is so very proud of you!
“Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hand not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.”
(Ecclesiastes 11:6)
Graduates, you have sown good seeds—night and day—and I can assure that both will do equally well. If your promise was ever hidden, it is hidden no longer! If the treasure of your potential was ever dormant, it is dormant no more! If your excellence ever required discovery, let today be the day!
You, Delaware State University graduates, are the future.
And beginning with this ceremony, your families will know, your friends will know, your communities will know, and…most significantly… YOU will know what we, at your beloved alma mater, already know— you are the truth! The world needs your skill, wisdom, experience, voice, and leadership.
We herald you at this momentous beginning just as we congratulate you on the official conclusion of your time as a Delaware State University student. As you “go forth and serve,” rest assured that Hornet Pride travels with you into tomorrow. The diploma you’ve earned is this institution’s highest award and honor; may it always remind you of your big dreams, your hard work, and your shining achievement.
On behalf of every member of your University community, we are honored to welcome you as alumni into the broader Hornet Family. Congratulations!
Together.
Tony Allen, Ph.D. President
Presentation of Honorary Degree Dr. Tony Allen
Musical Selection “Brand New Day” by Luther Vandross
Performed by the Delaware State University Concert Choir
Remarks from the
Mr. D’vontae Scott, Mister Delaware State University Student Leadership
Ms. London Downing, Vice President, Senior Class
Ms. Aasiyah Abdul-Kareem, Vice President, Student Government Association
Ms. Jadah Forbes, President, Student Government Association
Presidential Academic Dr. Tony Allen and Leadership Awards
Presentation of Dr. Tony Allen, Provost and Deans Candidates for Degrees
College of Agriculture, Science and Technology
Dr. Cherese Winstead, Dean
College of Business
Dr. Michael H. Casson Jr., Dean
Wesley College of Health and Behavioral Sciences
Dr. Gwendolyn Scott-Jones, Dean
College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences
Dr. Adenike Davidson, Interim Dean
Heralds:
Mr. Terry L. Bankston, Office of Career Services
Ms. Ava Perrine, Mass Communications, Visual and Performing Arts
Conferring of Degrees
Induction of Graduates into
Dr. Tony Allen
Ms. Leah Williams ’15 ’16 Delaware State University President, Delaware State University Alumni Association Alumni Association
Closing Remarks
Benediction
Alma Mater
Dr. Tony Allen
Dr. Terrell Holmes
Lyrics by Ms. Pauline Williams LeCompte ’26
Music by Mr. Alexis F. Lvov (1799-1870)
Presidential Academic Awards
Annalise Marie Bond Mathematics Education Selinsgrove, PA
Chloe Davis Physical Education Lewes, DE
Kynise Anyae Dixon Public Health North Plainfield, NJ
Madison Tai-Lynn Ingram-Montgomery Biological Sciences Germantown, WI
Jasmin Jackson Management Smyrna, DE
Mariana Kebaso Biological Sciences Bear, DE
Madison E. Martin
Engineering Physics Palos Park, IL
Areli Martinez
Biological Sciences Dover, DE
Presidential Leadership Award
Olayimika Joy Adeyemi Biological Sciences Smyrna, DE
The
Legend Administration 2024-2025 Student Government Association (SGA)
President Jadah Forbes Psychology New Castle, DE
Vice President Aasiyah Abdul-Kareem Management Philadelphia, PA
2024-2025
Mister Delaware State University
D’vontae Scott Management Detroit, MI
Treasurer Nyjah Rose Smarr Finance and Banking Florence, NJ
Recording Secretary
Darius C. Elliott, Jr. Political Science Wilmington, DE
Sydney Ann Davis Reardon Middle Level Education (6-8) New Milford, CT
Joy Watkins Public Health Las Vegas, NV
Hannah Kate Weiss Hospitality & Tourism Management Wilmington, DE
Corresponding Secretary Lebene Ashinyo Biological Sciences with a Concentration in Health Professions Bronx, NY
Senior Class Vice President London Downing Kinesiology Washington, District of Columbia
Mikail Anthony Hayes Computer Science
Chloe A'leia Henton Biological Sciences
Jayla Hill Biological Sciences
Celina Renee Hoskins Biological Sciences
Madison Tai-Lynn Ingram-Montgomery Biological Sciences
Madeleine Ivy Biological Sciences
Jada Noel Jackson Biological Sciences
Melanie Jimmerson Biochemistry
Melanie Jimmerson Food & Nutritional Sciences
Aniaa Johnson Computer Science
Alysse B. Jones Textiles & Apparel Studies
Shelden L. Kay Biological Sciences
Mariana Kebaso Biological Sciences
La'mia King Biological Sciences
Milan A. King Biological Sciences
Noah Klaus Computer Science
Zachary Ryan Klinkenborg Agriculture
Alani Lawrence Biological Sciences
Winter Lewis Agriculture
Zhaoqi Li Physics
Aaliyah Lynnay Link-Morris Biological Sciences
Robyn H. Logue Engineering Physics
Nathaniel Adlai London Mathematics Education
Anzuri Miroslava Lopez-Ortega Forensic Biology
Q'Lae Mann Computer Science
Kaitai Mao Engineering Physics
Madison E. Martin Engineering Physics
Areli Martinez Biological Sciences
Olivia Matthews Natural Resources
Rasaun McCain, Jr. Engineering Physics
Sakiya McGhee Chemistry for Health Professions
Saniya McGhee Chemistry for Health Professions
Gavin Xavier McNatt Computer Science
Richard Dave McQueen Engineering Physics
Emely G. Mendoza Garcia Agriculture
Caleb Austyn Mertus Chemistry for Health Professions
Logan Miller Agriculture
Anthony Mirto Agriculture
Orianna Moore Biological Sciences
Jahir De Jesus Munoz Licona Computer Science
Dawnye Murchison Engineering Physics
Mi'Kyra Lynette Janae Neal Biological Sciences
Zaniyah Norman Biological Sciences
Michael Nyamkimah Fondong Biological Sciences
Patrick O'Brien Computer Science
Elij'shah S. Ogburn Engineering Physics
Shelby Lynn Ohlig Chemistry Pre-Pharmacy
Prince Chidera Onwuvuche Information Technology
Valeria E. Otero Morales Agriculture
Saunak Patel Computer Science
Tamiah Gladys Pelzer Biological Sciences
Ceasar Alexis Pereira Computer Science
Ja'nayah Shauntel Pickens Biological Sciences
Jaquan Pope Biological Sciences
Abria Price Textiles & Apparel Studies
Rita Prigge Agriculture
Madison Lee Ridgeway Biological Sciences
Luke Roberts Natural Resources
Aaliyah M. Robinson Biological Sciences
Celina Analyse Robinson Agriculture
Julie Robinson Agriculture
Marcus D. Rose Engineering Physics
Zaire Ross Biological Sciences
Destiny Ryals Computer Science
Fatima Sacko Biological Sciences
Robine Saintile Biochemistry
Eunicsa I. Samuels Biological Sciences
Quinnah Sanchez Biological Sciences
Jalen Saunders Chemistry
Khushi K. Shah Biological Sciences
Simone Silent Biological Sciences
Takiyah D. Smith Biological Sciences
D'Jean Steen Information Technology
Da'Raymar Stewart-Harold Engineering Physics
Dajaè Stokes Biological Sciences
Ja'Quan Sullivan Engineering Physics
Brenda Tavera Resendiz Mathematics
Imani Thomas Agriculture
Kianna Tribbett Agriculture
Persia Alyce Valdivieso Agriculture
Wayleom Vargas Rubio Information Technology
Elijah C. Wallace-Baynard Engineering Physics
Lauren Alexis Waller Agriculture
Michael S. Weingrad Agriculture
Aviana Elaine Wiggins Biological Sciences
A'vyn Alexandria Williams Textiles & Apparel Studies
Courtney Williams Agriculture
Prentice Williams Computer Science
Aaron Robert Woody, Jr. Biological Sciences
Kayla Simone Young Biological Sciences
Candidates for Associate of Science Degree
Febe Evans Biological Sciences
Raegan Logue Biological Sciences
Kara E. McCarthy Biological Sciences
Summa Cum Laude [Latin] — with the greatest praise
3.75 and above Magna Cum Laude [Latin] — with high honors
3.50 to 3.74 Cum Laude [Latin] — with praise
3.25 to 3.49
College of Business
Dr. Michael H. Casson, Jr., Dean
Candidates for Bachelor of Science Degree
Aasiyah Abdul-Kareem Management
Lamont Able Sport Management
Ezel Adu Accounting
Elvira Agaton Felipe Aviation
Elexus Monique Austin Management
Ritchelle D. Awoyera Accounting
Jessica Monet Baker Management
Brendyn Jeffrey Banner Finance
Mackhial Barnett Management
Kelci Anne Barnette Finance
Keshaun Black Sport Management
Elijah Karsten Booker Management
Alycia Bradshaw Management
Emily Diane Breidegam Management
Cameron J. Brown Aviation
Olivia June Brown Management
Iye'Sha Bundu Aviation
Matthew Burton Management
Olivia N. Burwell Accounting
Keon Lewis Caison Accounting
Kayin Campbell Finance
Daniela Guadalupe Campos Hospitality & Tourism Management
Naim Medley-Castro Aviation
Xinyu Chang Accounting
Stephanie Charles Management
Timothy Allan Cheeks Management
Jingwen Chen Accounting
Keyu Chen Accounting
Qian Chen Accounting
Rouyi Chen Accounting
Shiyi Chen Accounting
Siyu Chen Accounting
Xi Chen Accounting
Yi Chen Accounting
Yiting Chen Accounting
Yujie Chen Accounting
Zekai Chen Accounting
Soloman J. Chishti Aviation
Jalyn Conklin Sport Management
Brucionna Kelvina Cook Sport Management
Isaiah Glenn Cook Management
Brianna Y-R Cooper Management
Saniya Elizabeth Ann Craft Management
Troy Curlett II Aviation
Sanai Daniels Management
Diu Tong Dau Management
Jenia David Accounting
Connor Davis Aviation
Miles Davis Sport Management
Derrick McNeil Deadwyler, III Finance
Brooke DeSha Aviation
Yue Dou Accounting
Rodrigo De Jesus Escobar Management
Anthony Christopher Evans Management
Sailu Fan Accounting
Yuqin Feng Accounting
Jalen Alexus Fields Management
Christian Foreman Aviation
Kaili Gao Accounting
Xin Gao Accounting
Yuting Gao Accounting
Rigoberto Garcia Peña Aviation
Reuben J. Garnett Sport Management
Erik Deandre Goynes Management
Julian David Gray Finance
Julian David Gray Financial Planning and Wealth
Sarah A. Greene Accounting
Alaysia Cyanni Gregory Management
Trinity Griffin Aviation
Lingjia Gu Accounting
Azucena Beatriz Guevara Garcia Management
Chenyi Guo Accounting
Zhanhong Guo Accounting
Christopher M. Hagan Sport Management
Yeabsira Hailu Finance
Yeabsira Hailu Financial Planning and Wealth
Quatique J. Hall Aviation
Ayonna Marie Hardy Accounting
Caleb Josiah Harris Aviation
Mseba S. Hassani Management
Dynari C'ann Hatwood Management
Yimeng He Accounting
Jayden Alexander Lewis Hicks Aviation
Arianna Jo' Lee Horton Management
Boyang Hou Accounting
Xinghui Hu Accounting
Binxian Huang Accounting
Weining Huang Accounting
Torre Inzar Management
Jasmin Jackson Management
Jie Ji Accounting
Yilin Ji Accounting
Ruiqiao Jiang Accounting
Zeen Jiang Accounting
Leyi Jin Accounting
Lulu Jin Accounting
Peiai Jin Accounting
Ryan Howard Johnson Management
Cheryl Patricia Jones Hospitality & Tourism Management
Peter Kimani Kamanu Management
Ibrahim Kane Sport Management
Andre William Karpov Aviation
Elijah M. Kendall Sport Management
Quaseem Shakur LaRue Sport Management
Frederick R. Lee Sport Management
Ryan Antonio Lee Sport Management
Rhyan Legington Accounting
Huiying Li Accounting
Jing Li Accounting
Jintao Li Accounting
Nuo Li Accounting
Shuo Li Accounting
Sijia Li Accounting
Xuhan Li Accounting
Yang Li Accounting
Yuxin Liang Accounting
Hui Lin Accounting
Junqiang Lin Accounting
Nyghee Dayvon Lolley Management
Junyi Lu Accounting
Pang Lu Accounting
Ciani Unique Mitchell Psychology
Kermani Dior Mitchell Public Health
Autumn M. Moore Psychology
Eryn Michelle Moore Psychology
Myles Aaron Morales-Rigaud Kinesiology
Donnia Bernadette Yazmine Murphy Public Health
Bessann Muuo-Wambua Nursing
Zoe Nika Chosen Oakley Nursing
Fiyinfoluwa Omifare Psychology
Brianna McKenzie Owens Psychology
Christiana Marie Perez Nursing
Ajaylah Nalani Swift Pitts Kinesiology
Bria Danielle Porter Public Health
Olivia Powell Psychology
Chloey Grace Prichard Psychology
Ashley Paige Richardson Kinesiology
Taja Mona Ricketts Psychology
Asia Simone Ridley Public Health
Ayon Roberts Psychology
Corlin Robinson Psychology
Tamia Shayla Robinson Kinesiology
Isleviss Yuliet Ruiz-Ferreyra Public Health
Ruth Saintil Public Health
Tyrese L. Sanabria Nursing
Michael Sanchez, Jr. Public Health
Khianna Scott-Roberts Nursing
Christopher Michael Shephard Kinesiology
Shaun Simmons Psychology
Italia Mulan Simpson Nursing
Sarah Aya Osaaba Simpson Public Health
Jevene Smith Public Health
Kashawn Soares Nursing
Ashley Noelle Stanley Nursing
Jasmine Olivia Starling Psychology
Vincent Isaiah Stevens Kinesiology
Raven Marie Alyssa Sudler Psychology
Justin Sydney Public Health
Frances Aba Nyarkoa Tackie Nursing
Jessika Breanna Taylor Psychology
Aaliyah Milagros Torres Psychology
Nicholas Michael Vinci Psychology
Wanjiku Wainaina Nursing
Jevanta A. Wallace Kinesiology
Shariah Warren Public Health
Joy Watkins Public Health
Nyla Amani Weir Public Health
Judea West Psychology
Jasmine Wheaton Public Health
Jordan Faith Whidbee Public Health
Chyna Monae White Public Health
Kassidy Marie Willey Kinesiology
Brandy L. Williams Psychology
Brooke-Angel Williams Public Health
Trinity Joi Faith Williamson Psychology
Diamond Nisonja Wilson Public Health
Shanell N. Wooten Public Health
Cierra A. Young Psychology
Candidates for Bachelor of Social Work Degree
Jaliyah Abdul-Haqq Social Work
Kevin Anderson Social Work
Kevin Barbour, Jr. Social Work
Kayla Sanaa Black Social Work
Taylor Carthan Social Work
Tamika Shanel Chandler Social Work
Chelsea Chukwu Social Work
Trinity Clark Social Work
Aeryon Raki Driver Social Work
Mayechele Etienne Social Work
Bianca N. Garcia-Martinez Social Work
Hermaine Price Greene Social Work
C'Yonie J. Holden Social Work
DessiRae Irenie Ingram Social Work
Gelisa Marlit Jimenez Social Work
Angelina Joachim-Sabb Social Work
Nina Jones Social Work
Robert Joseph Karpin Social Work
Makayla Imani Kiyaga Social Work
Autumn JeNaye Lessane Social Work
Chinomnso Ijeoma Madukwe Social Work
Skyler McClure Social Work
Sa'rah Olivera Social Work
Olivier Pauleus Social Work
Shakia Register Social Work
Ian Salisbury-Timmons Social Work
Miniya Saunders Social Work
Michelle Antonia Slaughter Social Work
Ashlynn Nicole Troyer Social Work
Aysa R. Walker Social Work
Jalyne Williams Social Work
Candidates for Associate of Science Degree
Jannat Blakeney-Griffin Psychology
Aniah Monea Johnson Psychology
Antwaine Anthony Reid Psychology
Summa Cum Laude
[Latin] — with the greatest praise
3.75 and above
Magna Cum Laude [Latin] — with high honors
3.50 to 3.74 Cum Laude [Latin] — with praise
3.25 to 3.49 Wesley Legacy Student
History of Delaware State University
The Delaware College for Colored Students, now known as Delaware State University, was established May 15, 1891, by the Delaware General Assembly under the provisions of the Morrill Act of 1890 by which land-grant colleges for blacks came into existence in states maintaining separate educational facilities.
Because there was already a private Delaware College (now the University of Delaware) located in Newark, Del., to avoid confusion new state legislation was passed and enacted in early 1893 to change the black school’s name to the State College for Colored Students. That would be the institution’s name for the next 54 years.
Through the conservative and practical planning of the Board of Trustees appointed by Delaware Gov. Robert J. Reynolds, the College was launched upon its mission of education and public service on February 2, 1892. Five courses of study leading to a baccalaureate degree were offered: Agricultural, Chemical, Classical, Engineering and Scientific. A Preparatory Department was established in 1893 for students who were not qualified to pursue a major course of study upon entrance. A three-year normal course leading to a teacher’s certificate was initiated in 1897. The College graduated its first class of degree candidates in May 1898. The normal course of study (teacher education) was extended to four years in 1911 and the Bachelor of Pedagogy degree was awarded to students upon satisfactory completion of the curriculum.
In the 1916-1917 school year, the Preparatory Department was phased out, a Model School was established, and a high school diploma was granted on completion of a four-year course of study. In 1923, a Junior College Division was added. Four-year curricula in the Arts and Sciences, Elementary Education, Home Economics, Agriculture and Industrial Arts were established in 1932. The College graduated its first class of four-year, baccalaureate degree candidates in June 1934.
In 1944, the College received provisional accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). In 1947, the name of the institution was changed to Delaware State College by legislative action. At the end of the 1951-52 school year, the High School Division was discontinued. In April 1957, the College was accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education in 1962, 1972, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, 2012 and 2022 reaffirmed this accreditation. The University is fully approved by the Delaware Department of Education.
On July 1, 1993, Delaware State College turned another chapter in its history when Governor Thomas Carper signed a name change into law, thus renaming the College to Delaware State University. Since 1957, the University has grown in stature as a center for teaching, research and public service. The purpose of the University has broadened in keeping with changing times.
While recognizing its heritage, the University is among the premier Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in the country, while serving a diverse student population. Undergraduate studies are organized into four colleges that contain a total of 17 academic departments, which offer eight associate, 47 bachelor’s, 26 master’s and seven doctoral degrees.
The University’s Nursing Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN). The Social Work programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Most Teacher Education programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The Accounting, Economics, Finance, Management, Marketing, Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) and other Business Administration programs in the College of Business are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, International (AACSB). The HTM program is also accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA). The Law Studies program has American Bar Association (ABA) approval. The Coordinated Program in Dietetics is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The Master of Occupational Therapy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). Chemistry programs are approved by the American Chemical Society.
University Bible and Chain of Office
The University Bible
The University Bible was presented to Delaware State College by the Class of 1942. It is located in the Office of the President.
Chain of Office (The Medallion)
The concept of the medallion began in the biblical days as a symbol of authority. During the Middle Ages, the medallion signified membership in the religious orders and guilds and, later, in the elite order of knighthood or government office. It is customary today for medallions to be made for chancellors and presidents of universities to wear at Commencement and other academic events that require regalia. The University Medallion symbolizes the authority that the Board of Trustees entrusts to the President of Delaware State University.
Academic Heraldry
A time-honored tradition of great dignity, the wearing of academic apparel is a survival of the ecclesiastical garb of the late Middle Ages — in turn, a survival of still earlier civilian fashions. The academic gown, necessary for a scholar’s warmth, and the hood to protect his tonsured head were apparently first regularly adopted in the 13th century at the University of Cambridge (1294).
Trustees of the University
Leroy A. Tice, Esq. ’02, Chair
Dr. Debbie Harrington, 1st Vice Chair
Norman D. Griffiths, Esq., 2nd Vice Chair
Mr. William W. Collick
Mr. James L. Collins
Dr. Wilma Mishoe
Dr. Janice E. Nevin
EX-OFFICIO
The Honorable Matt Meyer, Governor of the State of Delaware
Dr. Tony Allen, Ph.D., President, Delaware State University
University Leadership
Tony Allen, Ph.D., President
Mr. Michael S. Purzycki
Mr. John Ridgeway ’75
Mr. Chip Rossi
Dr. Marlene A. Saunders ’67
TRUSTEE EMERITI
Dr. A. Richard Barros, Esq.
Dr. Claibourne D. Smith
Tetra S. Shockley, Esq. ’04
Ms. Jocelyn Stewart
Ms. Bernadette Dorsey Whatley
Irene Chapman-Hawkins, Ed.D., ’14 ’19, Executive Vice President
Mr. Anas Ben Addi, Senior Vice President of Finance/Chief Financial Officer
Patrice Gilliam, Ph.D., Interim Provost/Chief Academic Officer
Kenisha Ringgold, Esq., Interim General Counsel/Chief Risk Officer
Mr. Jonathan Starkey, Senior Advisor to the President
Kareem McLemore, Ed.D., ’24, Vice President of Strategic Enrollment and International Affairs
Stacey Downing, Ed.D., Chief of Staff
Mr. Darrell McMillon, Vice President of Information Technology/Chief Information Officer
Dawn Mosley, Ed.D., ’20, Interim Administrator of Advancement/Foundation/SAVP of Marketing and Communications
Mr. James Overton ’04 ’10, Vice President of Student Affairs/Superintendent of Police
Mr. C. Tony Tucker, Sr., Vice President of Athletics and Wellness Recreation/Athletic Director
Mr. Bernard Pratt, Associate Vice President of Facilities Management, Planning, Construction and Housing
Terrell Holmes, Ed.D., ’17, Senior Associate Vice President of DSU Downtown
Mr. Donald Baynard ’11, Chief of Police
Francine Edwards, Ph.D., Deputy Chief Administrative Officer
Pamela Mosley Gresham, J.D., Associate Vice President for Human Resources
Michelle Fisher, DBA, Associate Vice President of Campus Health Services
Ms. Tamara Stoner, Board Secretary/Associate Vice President of Auxiliary Services
Dean’s Council
Michael H. Casson Jr., Ph.D., Dean, College of Business
Adenike Davidson, Ph.D., Interim Dean, College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences
Gwendolyn Scott-Jones, Ph.D., ’97 ’99, Dean, Wesley College of Health and Behavioral Sciences and School of Graduate, Adult and Extended Studies
Cherese Winstead, Ph.D., Dean, College of Agriculture, Science and Technology
