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
Introduction of the Dr. Tony Allen Keynote Speaker
Commencement Address
Major General James A. Benson The Adjutant General, Delaware
Presentation of Honorary Degree Dr. Tony Allen
Remarks from the Mr. Tobenna Amanfo Student Leadership President, Graduate Student Association
Musical Selection
“Brand New Day” by Luther Vandross Performed by the Delaware State University Concert Choir
Graduate Excellence Dr. Tony Allen in Leadership Award
Presentation of
Dr. Tony Allen, Provost and Dean Candidates for Degrees
Dr. Gwendolyn Scott-Jones, Dean School of Graduate, Adult and Extended Studies
Herald: Dr. Renee’ C. Marine, Mass Communications, Visual, and Performing Arts
Conferring of Degrees Dr. Tony Allen
Induction of Graduates into Ms. Leah Williams ’15 ’16 Delaware State University President, Delaware State University Alumni Association Alumni Association
Closing Remarks Dr. Tony Allen
Benediction
Alma Mater
Dr. Terrell Holmes
Lyrics by Ms. Pauline Williams LeCompte ’26 Music by Mr. Alexis F. Lvov (1799-1870)
Graduate Excellence in Leadership Award
Jordan Spencer Master of Public Administration | Harrisburg, PA
2024-2025 Graduate Student Association (GSA)
President
Tobenna Amanfo PhD in Neuroscience Imo, Nigeria
Vice President
Samara Benjamin MS in Clinical Psychology Sacramento, CA
Secretary
Katarzyna Rosikon PhD in Neuroscience Myslowice, Poland
Treasurer
Darice Wheeler PhD in Neuroscience Evanston, IL
Public Relations
Alondra Anderson-Hardin Master of Social Work Frederica, DE
Membership and Engagement Coordinator
Kayla McKinley PhD in Integrative Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Odenton, MD
Mr. GSA
Kelvin F. Ofori PhD in Integrative Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Accra, Ghana
Miss GSA
Alexxis Sanchious Master of Public Administration Prince George’s County, MD
Graduate Class of 2025
School of Graduate, Adult and Extended Studies
Dr. Gwendolyn Scott-Jones, Dean
Candidates for Doctorate of Philosophy Degree
Tobenna Ikechukwu Amanfo | Neuroscience
Dissertation: Modulation of Neuronal Network Activity: Role of Astrocytic SNARE Proteins Advisor: Dr. Murali Temburni
Nagasoujanya V. Annasamudram | Mathematics & Physics
Dissertation: Machine Learning and Computational Methods for Analysis of Multi-dimensional Biomedical and Biological Images: From Macro to Micro Scale Advisor: Dr. Sokratis Makrogiannis
Nicholas Christopher Cottam | Neuroscience
Dissertation: Investigating the Pathology of the Cerebellum in Mouse Models of Spinal Muscular Atrophy Advisor: Dr. Jianli Sun
Chelsea Emerald Ann Harris | Mathematics & Physics
Dissertation: Joint Sparse Approximation and Deep Learning Techniques for AI-assisted Disease Diagnosis Advisor: Dr. Sokratis Makrogiannis
Kwadwo Ampong Ofori | Neuroscience
Dissertation: Therapeutic Approaches: NOX Inhibition and Senolytic Strategies in Parkinson’s Disease Pathology Advisor: Dr. Melissa Harrington
Katarzyna Dominika Rosikon | Neuroscience
Dissertation: Molecular Biology of Synaptic Transmission and Its Contribution to Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases Advisor: Dr. Hakeem Lawal
Tasia Sharneé Walker | Applied Chemistry
Dissertation: Occurrences of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the Environment and Their Oxidative Degradation by Modified Fenton Treatment Advisor: Dr. Kimberly A. Milligan
Lianxin Xin | Optics
Dissertation: Numerical and Computational Methods in Simulations of Complex Systems and Optimizations Advisor: Dr. Jun Ren
Candidates for Doctorate of Education Degree
Carrietta Brown | Educational Leadership
Dissertation: An Examination of the Need for Mandatory Higher Education Degrees for Law Enforcement Officers in the 21st Century in Jamaica: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study Advisor: Dr. Karen Holland
Renney J. Brown | Educational Leadership
Dissertation: Build Systems: An Inquiry of Urban Secondary School Teachers’ Implementation of Intervention Utilizing Multi-Tiers of Supports: A Phenomenological Study Advisor: Dr. Richard Phillips
Shanique Cornwall | Educational Leadership
Dissertation: Exploring the Impact of Leadership on Organizational Culture and Commitment within Jamaican Higher Education Institutions: A Phenomenological Study Advisor: Dr. Tina Mitchell
Carol Dalling | Educational Leadership Dissertation: Personal Development and Migration of Jamaica’s Highly Skilled Post-Secondary Trained and Higher Education Graduates to the United States: A Phenomenological Study Advisor: Dr. Pietro Sasso
Micah Macoy Edwards | Educational Leadership Dissertation: Unraveling the Factors Impacting the Retention and Achievement of Black Male Teachers: A Phenomenological Exploration of Social and Task-Related Antecedents Advisor: Dr. Richard Phillips
Beini Fan | Educational Leadership Dissertation: Assessing the Academic Adaptation of International Postgraduate Students in Mainland China: An Empirical Investigation Advisor: Dr. Hazel L. Bradshaw-Beaumont
Oswy Gayle | Educational Leadership
Dissertation: Voices of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging: A Phenomenological Exploration of Employees’ Lived Experiences of Equitable Practices and Its Implications for Employee Satisfaction in Jamaican Higher Education Advisor: Dr. Pietro Sasso
Sara Gildon | Educational Leadership
Dissertation: A Comparative Case Study Analysis on the Relationship between the Early College Model and Increased Learning Outcomes in Underrepresented Communities Advisor: Dr. Richard Phillips
SallyAnn ShellyAnn Gray | Educational Leadership
Dissertation: An Examination of How School Administrators’ Perception of Growth Mindset Influences Transformational Leadership: A Phenomenological Study Advisor: Dr. Justin Alexander
Pengyue He | Educational Leadership
Dissertation: Assessing Ethnic Minority Students’ Perceptions of Culturally Responsiveness Teaching and Its Influence on Belongingness, Motivation, and English Achievements in East China’s Universities: A Perspective for Instructional Leadership Advisor: Dr. Hazel L. Bradshaw-Beaumont
Darrell T. Jones | Educational Leadership Dissertation: A Comparative Case Study Analysis of Informal Mentoring and High School Student Success Advisor: Dr. Reshid X. Walker
Melayna Tianna Hall Laosebikan | Educational Leadership Dissertation: A Comparative Case Study Analysis of the Motivations, Challenges, and Impact of Second Career Teachers (SCTs) in an Underrepresented K-12 Population Advisor: Dr. Richard Phillips
Diamond Amani Lee | Educational Leadership Dissertation: Culturally Responsive Teaching and Social Emotional Learning: A Comparative Study of Their Impact on Student Achievement and Learning Experiences Advisor: Dr. Yvette Pierre
Victor J. (VJ) Leonard, Jr. | Educational Leadership
Dissertation: Examining Delaware’s K-12 Public School System Through the Perception of Students Who Graduated but Do Not Have Gainful Employment 5-10 Years Later: A Qualitative Study Advisor: Dr. Chetanath Gautam
Wan Li | Educational Leadership
Dissertation: Analyzing Salient Factors and Training Requirements Influencing ICT-based Competence of English Instructors Among Fujian Universities of China Advisor: Dr. Li Chen
Patrice Maranda | Educational Leadership
Dissertation: Evaluating Stakeholders’ Perception of the Quality of a Bachelor of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management Program at a Jamaican University: An Explanatory Sequential Mixed-Methods Approach Advisor: Dr. Pietro Sasso
Dorette McKenzie-Steen | Educational Leadership
Dissertation: Assessing the Role of Transformational Leadership in Fostering Mathematical Conceptual Understanding Through Inquiry-Based Learning in Higher Education: A Phenomenological Study Advisor: Dr. Justin Alexander
Allison McKinley | Educational Leadership
Dissertation: An Exploration of the Challenges of Jamaican Students from the Lower Socio-Economic Status in Accessing Higher Education: A Qualitative Social Constructivist Case Study Advisor: Dr. Hazel L. Bradshaw-Beaumont
Fanlong Meng | Educational Leadership
Dissertation: Professors’ Perceptions and Experiences of Situational Teaching Models and Their Impact on Teaching Effectiveness at an HBCU in the United States: A Qualitative Study Advisor: Dr. Chetanath Gautam
Sunlin Morgan | Educational Leadership
Dissertation: Transforming the Jamaica Constabulary Force: A Quantitative Correlational Examination of Leadership Styles and Job Satisfaction Coupled with Perceived Employee Motivation Advisor: Dr. Justin Alexander
School of Graduate, Adult and Extended Studies
Dr.
Gwendolyn Scott-Jones, Dean
Candidates for Master of Science Degree
Aaron Madsen Angelos Sport Administration
Abigail Ayorkor Armah Food Science & Biotechnology
Asmita Aryal Food Science & Biotechnology
Tahera Attarwala Natural Resources
Joná Alexandria Avent Clinical Psychology
Samara Benjamin Clinical Psychology
Alyssa P. Breidegam Sport Administration
Carlton L. Cannon III Food Science & Biotechnology
Sarah L. Fabietti Nursing
Daunté A.M Gordon Sport Administration
Chayna Hardy Reid Nursing
Daisia Dominique James Nursing
Jariah A. Johnson Sport Administration
Devon Jones Sport Administration
Taylor Brianna Jones Clinical Psychology
Idalis Lee Sport Administration
Cole Anthony Levering Sport Administration
Lingling Liu Mathematics
Tyshawn Levert Marshall Sport Administration
Daniel Philip Mechael Physics
Tahira Zahrah Mohyuddin Natural Resources
Bessann Muuo-Wambua Nursing
Kelvin Fynn Ofori Food Science & Biotechnology
Beckham Oninku Food Science & Biotechnology
Emmanuel Otchere Agriculture
Evans Otoo Food Science & Biotechnology
Emerald Payton Nursing
Kimberly Kate Purcell Nursing
Juan A. Ramos Natural Resources
Colleen M. Schmit Sport Administration
Loren Alexandra Smith Sport Administration
Ian Christopher Thomas Sport Administration
Kristyne Wemegah Clinical Psychology
Terrence G. Wright Agriculture
Candidates for Master of Social Work Degree
Annie Kaki Addison-Cudjoe Social Work
Janet Ajayi Arowolo Social Work
Mishell Elizabeth Arizaga Guerrero Social Work
Terri L. Bailey Social Work
Rayne Del Baynum Social Work
Chakhya Quintara Bell Social Work
Angelique Nicole Bradley Social Work
Sataeya Monea Broadnax Social Work
Carmella Denise Broadway Social Work
Crystal C. Brown Social Work
La'Cole Dominique Burks Social Work
Jamison Chandler Social Work
Andrea Chenault Social Work
Imani Courtney Social Work
Cori Croot Social Work
Saniya Mone't DeWalt Social Work
Amirah Dubose Social Work
Kasia L. Dystant Social Work
Brandi S. Edwards Social Work
Myesha Monae Eutsey Social Work
Da'neisha Evans Social Work
Mykia Farmer Social Work
Jade Kimberlyn Franks Social Work
Jarvis D. Graham Social Work
Moesha Gillian Graham Social Work
Becca Hanus Social Work
Demetria Rene Hardy Social Work
Kim T. Harris Social Work
Marissa Lashay Harris Social Work
Briah Donnei Hobbs Social Work
Kinetria L. Howard Social Work
Zayonna A. Hudson Social Work
Deja Danielle Jackson Social Work
Rosalee Maria Jarrett Social Work
Jennifer Jean-Baptiste Social Work
Adurayemi Jesujimi Social Work
Rosie Lee Johnson Social Work
Michele Denise Jones Social Work
Adeline Kassay Social Work
Marilyn Nyalima Kassay Social Work
Max Koda Social Work
Elizabeth Glaser Krachman Social Work
Kathleen M. Kyzar Social Work
Kelly G. Lehman Social Work
Bridget Lynn Lewis Social Work
Gissenia Londono-Cruz Social Work
Karisma Patriana Long Social Work
Courtney Ashley Mack Social Work
Marissa Michelle Mack Social Work
Allison Rene Manning Social Work
Margaret Mary McClosky Social Work
India Monét McMillan Social Work
Taylor Alexxus Ann Medler Social Work
Stacy A. Miller Social Work
Tanae' Cierra Moore Social Work
Bonita Corine Mullen Social Work
Gregory Munn Social Work
Amanda Michelle Nowoczynski Social Work
Stefan Piscitelli Social Work
Michelle Rains Social Work
Rebecca G. Rodriguez Social Work
Brielle Le'Shay Samuels Social Work
Rian Mycal Shaw Social Work
Jennifer Schidlow Social Work
Shaliyah Ta'Ki Stewart Social Work
Tremayne Stone Social Work
Genovea Striplet Social Work
Felicia Olateju Taiwo Social Work
Andrea S. Timmons Social Work
Diana Elizabeth Usewicz Social Work
Kenneth W. White Sr. Social Work
Mau'niyah Ni'Asia Williams Social Work
Jessica Magsino Wilson Social Work
Paula Reneè Witcher Social Work
Destiney M. Woodson Social Work
Daijon Amanté Wooten Social Work
Jasmine Sharie Young Social Work
Precious A. Zachery Social Work
Wesley Legacy Student
The University Mace
The mace is a traditional symbol of authority which dates back to the Middle Ages. Its use by education institutions began in the 17th century when Cambridge and Oxford universities in England adopted the mace as an emblem to be carried in ceremonial occasions. In the 20th century, Delaware State University joined other colleges and universities in using the mace at significant ceremonies upon the design and construction of its ornamental staff in 1963 by the late John McCollough, assistant professor of art education at the institution.
Mr. McCollough’s design consisted of sterling silver, ebony and rosewood from Africa, lace wood from Australia, rosewood from India, mahogany from the Philippines, pear wood from Switzerland, and lignum vitae (Latin for “wood of life), a dense wood tree indigenous to the Caribbean and the northern coast of South America. Its sphere represents the universe and the roles played by the arts and sciences. The indentations on the periphery of the silver encircling the sphere symbolize explorations in space. The silver crown, in the shape of a star near the top of the mace, represents the significance of the age of space and technology. The ball at the head of the ebony shaft symbolizes the atom. After 60 years of ceremonial service, the DSU mace was refurbished in 2023 by Nicholas Quigley, a machinist in the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology.
At Commencement, the entry of the mace signifies the beginning of the ceremony.
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).
Alma Mater
Hail, Alma Mater
Thy children greet Thee
Greet Thee with loyalty, love, strength and truth
Here in Thine ancient halls O’er Thy plains so verdant Thou art our guide in the pathways of youth.
From the broad world without Come Thy sons and daughters
Bearing our laurels to lay at Thy shrine E’er shall we heed Thy call Ne’er shall we fail Thee Love Alma Mater, God Bless Thee and Thine
Music: Alexis F. Lvov (1799-1870)
Words: Pauline Williams LeCompte, Class of 1926
Alumni Oath
“I solemnly promise...from this day forward...to be proactive...and positive. I will always lift the name...and support the mission...of my alma mater. I will forever point others...toward this place where they, too...may successfully prepare...to make their marks...on the world.”
