Delaware State University Convocation 2020

DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY

Thursday, September 17, 2020 11-11:50 a.m.

DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY

September seventeenth, two thousand twenty | Eleven o’clock in the morning Delaware State University | Dover, Delaware

Dr. Tony Allen, President Presiding Welcome and Announcement of the Platform Party Dr. Saundra F. DeLauder, Provost and Chief Academic Officer Presentation of Colors (Please stand) Delaware State University Police Honor Guard Harry Downes, Chief of Police National Anthem (Please remain standing) University Choir, directed by Dr. Derrick Thompson, Director of Choirs The Occasion Dr. Tony Allen Inspiration Dr. Alexandra Silver, Chair, Faculty Senate Mr. Clifton Burrell ’87, President, Delaware State University Alumni Association Mr. Semaj Hazzard, Vice President, Student Government Association Musical Selection Sing Me to Heaven

by Mr. Daniel Gawthrop University Choir directed by Dr. Derrick Thompson Welcome from the Board of Trustees Dr. Devona E. Williams, Chair Introduction of Convocation Speaker Dr. Tony Allen Convocation Address Ms. Leah Williams ’15, ’16 Closing Remarks and Proclamation Dr. Tony Allen Alma Mater Audience and choir (Lyrics are located in the program.)

Convocation Speaker Leah Williams ’15, ’16

Supply Chain Specialist, Northrop Grumman Leah graduated from Delaware State University in 2015, making history as the first person to ever be awarded both the Presidential Academic Award for her cumulative 4.0 GPA and the Presidential Leadership Award for her campus leadership. Leah returned to DSU, completing her MBA the following year. She currently works as a Supply Chain Subcontracts Specialist for Northrop Grumman, one of the top Defense Technology companies in the world. Leah graduated with her second master’s degree this past March in Cybersecurity Technology, with a 4.0 GPA, from the University of Maryland.

Although very humble, Leah has received several honors, and has been recognized worldwide for her outstanding leadership, performance, and service to the community. For 2017, Leah was selected as one of the top 30 under 30 Rising Supply Chain Stars in the Country by Thomas & the Institute of Supply Management. In 2018, Leah was recognized as the Top Supply Chain Analyst of the Year by the International Association of Top Professionals. In 2019, Leah was selected Woman of the Year by the Northrop Grumman Women’s International Network. Leah has been featured on Aspire TV Network, the HBCU Nation Radio Show, HBCU Times Magazine, Black Women In Business, and other media networks.

After being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at the age of 22, Leah serves as an advocate and strives to be an inspiration to others who are battling illness. Leah is also an advocate for Historically Black Colleges & Universities. Leah was awarded the HBCU Young Alumni of the Year by the DCHBCU Alumni Association for 2019. Leah was selected by the White House in 2015 to serve as an HBCU All Star supporting President Obama’s Initiative to promote the excellence, innovation, and sustainability of HBCUs. Leah introduced former Vice President Joe Biden at the HBCU Week Conference. In addition, Leah currently serves as the Vice President of DSU’s National Alumni Association and in 2016, DSU selected Leah as one of its top under/ over 40 alumni.

A lifelong learner, Leah has continued to further her education by obtaining the Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), and Security+ Certifications. A gifted musician, Leah plays nine instruments and arranges music. Leah plans to keep making her mark on the world and in her community any way she can.

DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY

Board of Trustees Dr. Devona E.G. Williams, Chair Mr. John Ridgeway ’75, Vice Chair Dr. John J. Allen, Jr., Vice Chair The Honorable Michael N. Castle The Honorable Norman D. Griffiths, Esq. Dr. Debbie Harrington Ms. Lois M. Hobbs The Honorable Jack Markell Ms. Estelda Parker Selby ’69

The Honorable Harold Stafford Ms. Jocelyn Stewart Mr. Leroy A. Tice, Esq. ’02 Ms. Margie Lopez Waite ’90 Ms. Bernadette Dorsey Whatley Dr. Wilma Mishoe, President Emeritus

Ex-Officio The Honorable John Carney, Governor of the State of Delaware Dr. Tony Allen, President, Delaware State University Trustee Emeriti Dr. A. Richard Barros, Esq. Dr. Claibourne D. Smith Administrative Council Dr. Tony Allen, President Dr. Saundra DeLauder, Provost and Chief Academic Officer Mr. Cleon Cauley, Sr., Esq., Chief Operating Officer Dr. Irene Chapman-Hawkins ’14, ‘19, Chief Administrative Officer and Vice President for Human Resources Ms. LaKresha Moultrie, Esq., Vice President of Legal Affairs, General Counsel and Chief Risk Enterprise Officer Mr. Antonio M. Boyle, Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management Dr. Stacy Downing, Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Vita Pickrum ’16, Vice President for Institutional Advancement Mr. Herman Wood, ’73, Associate Vice President of Facilities Management, Planning and Construction Dr. D. Scott Gines, Director of Athletics Ms. Jackie R. Griffith, Director of Government and Community Relations and Special Assistant to the President Mr. Darrell McMillon, Chief Information Officer Ms. Tamara Stoner, Director of Enterprise Risk Management and University Secretary Academic Leaders and Deans Dr. Clytrice Watson, Associate Provost Dr. Michael Casson, Dean, College of Business Dr. Francine Edwards, Dean, College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences Dr. Marshá T. Horton, Dean, College of Health and Behavioral Sciences Dr. Dyremple Marsh, Dean, College of Agriculture, Science and Technology Dr. Patrice Gilliam-Johnson, Dean, School of Graduate, Adult and Extended Studies Ms. Jarso Saygbe, Associate Vice President, Student Success Dr. Melissa Harrington, Associate Vice President, Research and Sponsored Programs Dr. Lynda Murray-Jackson, Assistant Vice President, Institutional Effectiveness Dr. Alexandra Silver, Chair, Faculty Senate Dr. Terrell Holmes, Registrar Grand Marshal Dr. Mable R. Morrison, Associate Professor of Music — senior employee with 58 years of service

DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY

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.

--Pauline Williams LeCompte, 1926 --Music by Alexis Lvov, 1833 Convocation Convocation (Latin ‘calling together,’ translating the Greek ecclesia) is a group of people formally assembled for a special purpose.

The purpose of the ceremony is to honor the opening of the academic year and the unrelenting efforts to fulfill the mission of the University.

The Mission Delaware State University is a public, comprehensive, 1890 land-grant institution that offers access and opportunity to diverse populations from Delaware, the nation, and the world. Building on its heritage as a historically black college, the University purposefully integrates the highest standards of excellence in teaching, research, and service in its baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral programs. Its commitment to advance science, technology, liberal arts, and the professions produces capable and productive leaders who contribute to the sustainability and economic development of the global community.

The Vision As one of America’s most highly respected Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Delaware State University will be renowned for a standard of academic excellence that prepares our graduates to become the first choice of employers in a global market and invigorates the economy and the culture of Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic Region.

DSU Core Values Outreach, Community, Scholarship, Diversity and Integrity PRIDE Personal Responsibility in Delivering Excellence The Mace The mace, borne by the grand marshal, is a traditional symbol of authority which dates back to the Middle Ages. The use of ceremonial maces by educational institutions began in the 17th century when Cambridge and Oxford universities in England adopted the mace as an emblem to be carried on ceremonial occasions. In keeping with tradition of many colleges and universities in the United States that began using ceremonial maces in the 20th century, Delaware State University adopted the mace in 1963 as an emblem of authority to be used at especially significant University affairs. The Delaware State University mace was designed and constructed in 1963 by the late John McCollough, assistant professor of art education at the institution. At today’s Convocation ceremony, the entry of the grand marshal bearing the ceremonial mace heralds the arrival of the academic year.

DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY

Delaware State University | 1200 N. DuPont Highway | Dover, Delaware 19901 | desu.edu