2023 Saint Augustine's University Commencement Program

2023

Saint Augustine’s University

COMMENCEMENT EXERCISE SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2023 9 A.M. RALEIGH CONVENTION CENTER 500 S. SALISBURY STREET // RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA

Dear Class of 2023, On behalf of the faculty and staff and Board of Trustees, I extend my warmest congratulations to everyone on your graduation day.

Today, we celebrate your achievements, hard work, and steadfast determination to succeed. You have persevered through challenges, overcome obstacles, and reached the finish line. As a result, you are now part of the esteemed group of alumni who embody the spirit and values of Saint Augustine’s University.

Since my arrival, I have seen the Class of 2023’s growth as scholars, leaders, and community members at SAU. You have made a significant impact on our campus and the broader community. I do not doubt that you will continue to do so as you begin the next chapter of your life.

As you leave Saint Augustine’s University, we ask that you carry the Falcon spirit and put your knowledge and skills to good use, serving your communities and striving for excellence in all you do.

Remember, you are now part of a long line of alumni who have significantly contributed to our society.

We cannot wait to see your mark on the world.

I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors on this special day. Stay connected, stay involved, and be proud of your accomplishments. Congratulations, Class of 2023!

Sincerely,

Christine Johnson McPhail President, Saint Augustine’s University

Saint Augustine’s University

COMMENCEMENT EXERCISE 3

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SAINT AUGUSTINE’ S UNIVERSITY

aint Augustine’s University was chartered as a “Normal School and Collegiate Institute” on July 19, 1867, by the Reverend J. Brinton Smith, D.D., secretary of the Freedman’s Commission of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and the Right Reverend Thomas Atkinson, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina. Bishop Atkinson became the first president of the Board of Trustees and Dr. Smith was the first principal. The new school opened its doors for instruction on January 13, 1868.

Baccalaureate degrees were first awarded in 1931.

Since the beginning of its existence, Saint Augustine’s University has blazed the trails in academics. Alumna Anna Julia Cooper, who was a prominent writer, educator and scholar, became the fourth African-American woman in United States to earn a doctoral degree. Today, Saint Augustine’s University is proud of preserving its legacy by continuing to ensure scholars are academically equipped to be the global change agents of tomorrow.

In 1893, the School’s name changed from Saint Augustine’s Normal School to Saint Augustine’s School. In 1919, the name changed to Saint Augustine’s Junior College, the first year in which postsecondary instruction was offered. The School became a four-year institution in 1927. In 1928, the institution was renamed Saint Augustine’s College.

On August 1, 2012, Saint Augustine’s College transitioned in name and status to Saint Augustine’s University.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP

The Honorable Justice James E. Perry, ’66, Chairman Mr. Rodrick Miller, ‘99, Vice Chairman, Gurabo, PR Ms. Marley Bollinger, Wilmington, NC Mr. Brian A. Boulware, ‘95, Tyrone, GA Dr. George Brooks, Atlanta, GA Mr. Joseph B. Cheshire, V, Esq., Raleigh, NC Dr. Sheilah P. Clay, Farmington Hills, MI Mr. Hadley Evans, Sr., Charlotte, NC Dr. Antonio Knox, Raleigh, NC Mr. Joseph Lynn, ‘79, Knightdale, NC Mr. Magdalene Johnson Obaji, ‘81, Leesburg, VA Bishop Diocesan Samuel Rodman, Raleigh, NC Mrs. Esther Silver-Parker, Rogers, AR Ms. Tequila Smith, Morristown, NJ Mr. Peter Musenge, ‘23, Student Trustee

Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail, 13th President Dr. Mark A. Melton, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Leslie Rodriguez-McClellon, Senior Vice President of Student Experience Dr. Carolyn Carter, Vice President for Institutional Advancement Ms. Gwen Kea, Vice President of the Division of Business and Administration Dr. Runell King, Vice President of Institutional and Sponsored Research

Saint Augustine’s University has a strong tradition of excellence and a rich legacy that bonds thousands of Saint Augustine’s University sons and daughters from across the globe.

ACADEMIC DEANS Dr. Kengie Bass, School of Professional and Extended Studies Dr. Lin Dawson, School of Exercise Science and Collegiate Athletics Dr. Shawn A. Lewis, School of Graduate Studies Mr. James Lyons, II, School of Arts and Communications Dr. Van Sapp, Dean, School of Business, Management and Technology Mr. Alien B. Wurie, School of Sciences, Mathematics and Allied Health

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ACADEMIC REGALIA The academic regalia has a history of nearly eight centuries.

In medieval Europe, all townspeople – men and women – wore long flowing robes and gowns. The materials and colors varied according to the wealth and rank of the individual and were governed by royal decree. Gradually, distinctive gowns were developed for the various professions, trades and guilds.

discipline or the area in which the honorary degree is awarded.

For example, purple indicates an honorary degree for Civil Laws, white for Humane Letters or Arts and Letters, and gold for Sciences. The reading of the degree, not the department or discipline in which the major work was done, determines the proper color of the border.

When academic regalia came to America in 1754, styles were quite varied. In Europe they still are; however, in the United States, usage has been standardized by the Intercollegiate Code of Academic Costume.

THE COLORS The colors of representative fields are: • Architecture - Violet • Arts, Letters, Humanities - White • Accountancy, Business, Commerce - Drab • Education - Light Blue • Engineering - Orange • Fine Arts - Brown • Journalism - Crimson • Law - Purple • Medicine - Green • Music - Pink • Philosophy - Dark Blue • Physical Education - Sage Green • Science - Gold-Yellow • Social Science - Citron • Speech - Silver-gray • Theology - Scarlet

THE GOWN Students in the medieval universities of Parish, Bologna, Oxford and Cambridge organized themselves into guilds. Their usual garb, a long gown, was necessary for warmth in the unheated buildings. Scholars, generally members of church orders, wore robes and also hoods to protect their shaved heads. Later, skull caps were worn on the head and the hood became a cope that could be pulled over the head during unpleasant weather.

As additional universities were founded, distinctive forms of the robe and hood were adapted by their faculties for bachelor’s (apprentices of arts), master’s (teachers), and doctor’s (teachers, who had completed postgraduate studies). Variations appeared mostly in the hood and were regulated by strict rules. Tailors who departed from the authorized design could be punished.

When caps and hats came into fashion in the fifteenth century, the hoods became ornamental, draped over the shoulders and down the back.

THE CAP The academic hat was adapted from the headdress of the ordinary people. It was first worn as a symbol of the master’s degree and existed in various forms. Some caps were stiff, some soft, some square, and some round with a tuft in the center. The tassel of today is an elaboration of the tuft. The mortarboard style comes from Oxford University.

THE HOOD Hoods for American usage are lined with colored silk. The colors of the linings are indicative of the degree-granting institution and the velvet trim indicates the degrees awarded.

The colors used in the hood of Saint Augustine’s University academic regalia are blue and white. When the University awards honorary degrees, the outside of the hood is black and bordered with different velvet or velveteen colors to indicate the

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STAR-SPANGLED BANNER

Led us into the light: Keep us forever in the path, we pray— Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee; Lest our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee.

Shadowed beneath Thy hand, May we forever stand, True to our God, True to our native land.

Written by Francis Scott Key

Oh, 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 rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.

Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

UNIVERSITY HYMN

Words and Music by William Augustine Perry, Class of 1902 God of every Nation, Every Race and Creed; Lord of every creature, Every budding seed; Friend of every right and foe of every wrong; Father, Son, Great Spirit, Listen to our song.

LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING Written by James Weldon Johnson Music by John Rosamond Johnson

So with thankful hearts, we worship and adore Thee, Father, Son, Great Spirit, Holy Trinity.

Lift every voice and sing Till 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 till victory is won.

Ye alumni loyal, who have passed and gone, Of your Christian lives this day for us was born.

Grant, O God, that we may live as worthily, Passing onward greater opportunity.

So with thankful hearts, we worship and adore Thee, Father, Son, Great Spirit, Holy Trinity.

Stony the road we trod, Bitter the chastening rod, Felt in the days when hope unborn had died; Yet with a steady beat, Have not our weary feet Come to the place for which our fathers died?

We have come over a way that with tears has been watered; We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered, Out from the gloomy past, Till now we stand at last Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.

ALMA MATER

“The Blue and White” Words and Music by William Augustine Perry, Class of 1902 The dark hue of the violet The snow white lily’s bloom, Are emblems of the virtues rare That seal all failure’s doom; That give us courage ever To dare to do the right; For Alma Mater dear they stand, All hail the Blue and White.

God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who has brought us thus far on the way; Thou who has by Thy might

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KEYNOTE SPEAKER

JERONICA GOODWIN, DHA Dr. Jeronica Goodwin is a seasoned healthcare human resources professional with more than twenty years of experience. She has experience working in both large and mid-size hospitals and healthcare organizations. Recently Dr. Goodwin worked for Unity Health Care as the Vice President of Human Resources and for Howard University Hospital as the Associate Administrator overseeing HR and several support departments. Before that, she held various executive-level roles in human resources at the Dimock Community Health Center, Providence Hospital, and Suburban Hospital, a Johns Hopkins Medicine member. Dr. Goodwin started her career in human resources at WakeMed Health and Hospitals. She has returned after several years and is their Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Chief People Officer overseeing all human capital functions.

Dr. Goodwin is a frequent presenter at national conferences, speaking about healthcare and human resourcesrelated topics. She also participates in dissertations and advisory committees. Besides her work as a full-time executive, she occasionally teaches healthcare and human resources subjects as an adjunct professor.

Dr. Goodwin received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Saint Augustine’s University, a Master of Science in Human Resources Administration from Central Michigan University, and a Doctor of Health Administration from Central Michigan University. Dr. Goodwin was a Fellow with The Washington Center in Washington, DC, where she spent a semester working for a Presidential cabinet member. She has completed global immersion studies in Belize, Central America, with ProHealth Belize and Geneva, Switzerland, at the World Health Organization and the International Office of the Red Cross, researching international healthcare systems.

Dr. Goodwin is very active in her community. She serves on the boards for InterAct and Urban Ministries of Wake County. She is also a member of the Provost Advisory Council for Wake Tech Community College’s Perry Health Sciences Campus and a member of NC State’s Poole College of Management HR Advisory Board.

She was recently appointed to serve on the City of Raleigh’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (BPAC). Commissioner Goodwin will serve two years.

She enjoys international travel, dancing, cycling, and the arts in her spare time.

Dr. Goodwin belongs to the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), and the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE). She chartered the Raleigh/Triangle Chapter of the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources (NAAAHR).

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Saint Augustine’s University

COMMENCEMENT EXERCISE SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2023 // 9 A.M.

RALEIGH CONVENTION CENTER 500 S. SALISBURY STREET // RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA

Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail, 13th President - Presiding PLEASE REMAIN SEATED DURING THE PROCESSIONAL PROCESSIONAL “Pomp and Circumstance” The Saint Augustine’s University Chamber Winds

Written by Edward Elgar; Arranged by Robert E. Foster, Mr. Alfred L. Davis, Jr., Conductor

PLEASE STAND FOR THE NATIONAL ANTHEM, NEGRO NATIONAL ANTHEM AND THE INVOCATION NATIONAL ANTHEM “The Star-Spangled Banner” The Saint Augustine’s University Chamber Winds Written by Francis Scott Key; Arranged and Conducted by Mr. Alfred L. Davis, Jr. NEGRO NATIONAL ANTHEM “Lift Every Voice and Sing” The Saint Augustine’s University Chamber Singers Written by J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson; Arranged by Roland M. Carter Mr. Dessalines Ford, Conductor

THE INVOCATION The Reverend Hershey Mallette Stephens Dean of the Chapel and Spiritual Life PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail

PLEASE STAND AND SING THE UNIVERSITY HYMN LOCATED ON PAGE 6 OF THE PROGRAM THE UNIVERSITY HYMN The Saint Augustine’s University Chamber Singers Written and Arranged by William A. Perry, Class of 1902

Mr. Dessalines Ford and Mr. Alfred L. Davis, Jr., Conductors

REMARKS Mr. Peter Musenge Outgoing Student Board of Trustee, Class of 2023 Ms. Brécha Byrd Outgoing Miss Saint Augustine’s University, Class of 2023 Mr. Jeremee Jeter Outgoing Senior Class President, Class of 2023

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RECOGNITION OF PLATFORM GUESTS AND INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER

Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail

MUSICAL SELECTION “When Dreams Take Flight” The Saint Augustine’s University Chamber Winds Text by Paul Laurence Dunbar; Music by Rollo Dilworth; Mr. Dessalines Ford, Conductor COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS Dr. Jeronica Goodwin Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Chief People Officer, WakeMed Health & Hospitals PRESENTATION OF MASTERS DEGREE CANDIDATES Dr. Mark A. Melton Interim Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs CONFERRING OF GRADUATE DEGREES Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail

PRESENTATION OF BACHELOR DEGREE CANDIDATES Dr. Mark A. Melton • School of Exercise Science & Collegiate Athletics • School of Education & General Studies • School of Sciences, Mathematics & Allied Health • School of Arts, Social Sciences & Communication • School of Business, Management & Technology CONFERRING OF GRADUATE DEGREES

Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail

RECOGNITION OF COMMISSIONED OFFICERS • Oath of Office LTC Christine Harris Professor of Military Science ALUMNI INDUCTION CEREMONY Dr. Johnelle Sherald, ‘76 President, National Alumni Association Mrs. Sheryl Harris-Ximines, ‘86 Dirctor, Office of Alumni Affairs

50TH ANNIVERSARY CLASS RECOGNITION

Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail PLEASE STAND FOR THE BENEDICTION AND REMAIN STANDING FOR THE PROCESSIONAL BENEDICTION The Rt. Reverend Lloyd Emmanuel Allen, D.D. 3rd Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Honduras THE ALMA MATER “The Blue and White” The Saint Augustine’s University Chamber Singers Written and Arranged by William A. Perry, Class of 1902

Mr. Dessalines Ford and Mr. Alfred L. Davis, Jr., Conductors

PLEASE REMAIN SEATED DURING THE RECESSIONAL RECESSIONAL “Pomp and Circumstance” The Saint Augustine’s University Chamber Winds

Written by Edward Elgar; Arranged by Robert E. Foster, Mr. Alfred L. Davis, Jr., Conductor

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CANDIDATES FOR THE MASTER’S DEGREE MASTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION Fabian Alford Quinton Grant Sherard Johnson Juwan Manning Kevin McClain Gia Minnis Ronald Mitchell II Cynthia Renee Whitney

CANDIDATES FOR THE BACHELOR’S DEGREE SCHOOL OF EXERCISE SCIENCE & COLLEGIATE ATHLETICS BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

Jazmyne A. Jackson, Public Health Science # Kayla Jordan, Public Health Science Peter Musenge, Biology *** Sinanzwayinkosi Ndhlovu, Engineering Mathematics ** Dilicia Rodriguez, Public Health Science *** Linda Stanberry, Biology * Darriel Wright, Biology **

Deandra Small, Exercise Science *

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION & GENERAL STUDIES BACHELOR OF ARTS

SCHOOL OF ARTS, SOCIAL SCIENCES & COMMUNICATION BACHELOR OF ARTS

Jeremee Jeter, English Brittany Jiles, Religious Studies *** Xzavier Wiggins, Religious Studies ***

Nyasia Barnes, Psychology + Aaliyah J. Brewton, Theatre + Malik Bryant, Music Alexis Byrd, Visual Arts Mikahya Carr, Criminal Justice Chasity Chavis, Psychology Taylor Cook, Psychology Glendale Daniels, Criminal Justice Joi Davidson, Communications McKenzie Estep, Political Science # Whitney Green, Criminal Justice Tim’esha Hall, Sociology

SCHOOL OF SCIENCES, MATHEMATICS & ALLIED HEALTH BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Levit Bain, Public Health Science Zachary Barco, Public Health Science Bianca Bowe, Biology ** Jeeta F. Cobb, Public Health Science # Dimitrius Fitzgerald, Public Health Science Kennitha Hart, Biology * Shanel Holley, Public Health Science Jennifer J. Hunt, Public Health Science #

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Colin Hargrove, Criminal Justice Jarret Jiles, Media and Communications Taylor Johnson, Sociology Weiser Johnson, Criminal Justice ** Maleeah Keo, Criminal Justice Gabriel M. Konde, Psychology Cephas Larkin, Sociology Shakia Lowery, Sociology * Savannah Manns, Psychology Shappelle Marshall, Communications *** Sherquita McLean-Kelly, Psychology Ma’Kia McMillon, Criminal Justice # Khiyana Montford, Psychology Joshua S. Page, Media and Communications # Morgan Penny, Criminal Justice *** Ja’Darrin C. Pettiford, Visual Arts # Danielle S. Rainey, Visual Arts # Jameka Richardson, Criminal Justice Alexis Roberson-Autry, Psychology Shivnarine Smalling, Criminal Justice Kyshon Tate, Media and Communications Toriana Thomas, Sociology * Yumeika Thompson, Criminal Justice* Laponda Upchurch, Criminal Justice Destini M. Vance, Media and Communications # Robert N. Walker, Criminal Justice Thomas Washington, Sociology ** Dorian K. Williams, Media and Communications

Kimberley Mitchell, Organizational Management Nikiyia B. Mumphery, Business Administration # Boko Mupungu, Business Administration * Booker T. Peake, Business Administration # Javen Pender, Sport Management Febbie Piersol, Organizational Management * Kameron Nicole Purvis, Business Administration † Jared Ramsey, Organizational Management ** Brandon Reese, Business Administration Jeremiah Reese, Business Administration Alfreda D. Rogers Hicks, Organizational Management Lashawn Sam, Organizational Management Alicia Sims, Organizational Management Madison Smith, Business Administration Todd A. Smith, Sport Management Yasmine Thompson, Business Administration + Savannah Covington Truesdale, Organizational Management Patrick L. Williams, Organizational Management ***# Shelia Williams, Organizational Management LaTesha Woodard, Organizational Management Dakarai Wynn, Sport Management Bernard Zandonda, Computer Information Systems ***

Students Graduating with Honors are notated with (*) asterisks. * Cum Laude 3.40 – 3.59 (double white cords) ** Magna Cum Laude 3.60 – 3.79 (double gold cords) *** Summa Cum Laude 3.80 – 4.00 (one white cord and one gold cord)

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT & TECHNOLOGY BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

(+) Summer 2022 Graduates are notated with a (+) plus symbol.

Amire Brodie, Sport Management Brécha Byrd, Business Administration *** Lori Chevalier, Organizational Management Briana T. Clapp, Business Administration Shellece Clark, Sport Management * Briana Crawford, Sport Management # Janayah Walker-Cutchins, Business Administration Dominic Dawkins, Computer Information Systems + Robert Edwards, Accounting * Oluwajuwon F. Gbolade, Business Administration # Tionna Graham, Sport Management Tatyana C. Hall, Sport Management # Antiqua U. Higdon, Business Administration # Christopher Hill, Business Administration *** Shykeem Jackson, Sport Management Aaron Jordan, Sport Management Dasmine Kasey, Business Administration Shawn Lane, Business Administration Jasmine Lawrence, Organizational Management Travon Mayo, Sport Management

(#) Fall 2022 Graduates are notated with a (#) numeric symbol. (^) Presidential and Honor Scholars are Graduates notated with a (^) caret symbol. † Degree Awarded Posthumously --The Commencement Program is published prior to the satisfaction of all graduation requirements. Therefore, the roster of degree candidates represented may not be complete. This program does not represent the University’s official certification of degree requirements.

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CELEBRATORY GRADUATES PLATINUM CLASS GRADUATE CLASS OF 1953

Alumnae celebrating her 70th Undergraduate Anniversary Frances Cutchin Miller

GOLDEN CLASS GRADUATES CLASS OF 1973

Alumni celebrating their 50th Undergraduate Anniversary Joetta R. Allen Doris L. Atkins Iris D. Atkinson-Kirkland Anna R Barfield Winston (Wimp) Barnes La Verne Peebles Barron William D. Battle Harvey L. Beasley Mary I. Bell Freddie L. Bennett Penelope Dawn Berringer David Best Eloise Best Louise Best-Enoch Katherine McRae Bethea Boise Blackman Donna Phyllis Bomar Edward G. Boston Elizabeth H. Brade Sylvia Lorenza Brooks Douglas Brown Laura Jean Bunn Sondra Maxine Campbell Elbert Campbell Christopher C. Canady Sylvia Y Carr Linda Daniels Carter Chester S. Clack Elijah S. Clarke Patricia A. Clayton Mary Durham Cogdell Frank Colebrooke

Alvin Wayne Coleman Jacqueline Jackson Conyers Norbent Cooper Lillie H. Costin Samuel Cox Everett Dameron Dennis Davis Robert L. Davis Terri R. Davis Whitney G. Davis Elmiza Jean Day Deidre Anthony Djenaba Calvin J. Dobbins Alma Eggerton Sheryl A. Faison Lavolia L. Fate James Fleming Wanda Fore Wanda J. Forte Carolyn H. Freeman Margaret Gatling Ethel Juliette Goodson Theodora G. Grear-Johnson Marie Jones Green Joseph A. Griffin Levi Hamilton George W. Hamilton Victor Hamilton Victor Hampton Minnie R. Hanna Gloria Harden-Harris Gloria Hargrove Jane Harp Alfredia D. Harris Barbara A. Harris Kathy Johnson Harris Cheryl H. Hickerson-Myers James C. Highsmith Linda Hillian Marceline Hinton Deborah Peebles Hodge Richard C. Holcomb Rachel Hull Willetta Patrice Hunt

Lorice Hyman Carole Ingram Mary Jacobs Jacqueline B. Johnson Priscilla V. Johnson Wayne B. Johnson Orietta V. Johnson-Starks Brenda M. Jones John E. Jones Patricia Jones Warren Jones Patricia Jones-Turner Dwight Jordan Barbara Jean Lane Ora Lee Lawrence Leslie Lax Francis Ledbetter Robert C. Lewis Carolyn Lilly Geraldine E. Lucas Joyce L. Malone Bettie Mann Brenda Marrow-Cameron Doris Marshburn Louretta E. McDonald Frederick L. McKinnon Patricia Ann McLaurin Janet C. McPhail Wilma Miles Barbara Jean Miller Jean Vick Mitchell Charles Montague John Harold Morehead William Murchison Walter S. Murphy Carolyn L. Nelson Jesse W. Nettles Travis Outlaw Ethel Overton Emma P. Peoples Woodrow Peterson Leah R. Peyton Martha R. Ramseur Dorthory Rencher

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Sandra Sue Richardson Abdul Rahman Bilal Ritter Reginald W. Ritter Cynthia L. Rogers Grover Rook Evon Elaine Sheron Sanders Brenda H. Scott Sharen Scott Joanne Carty Shaw Edith Shokes Mohammed M. Shyllon Cynthia Simons Jacqueline Simpkins Adrienne L. Smith George Snelling Robert Lee Spencer Larry B. Teele Dora Moore Thompson Margaret Turner Catherine M. Wall Robert E. Wall Kellyn Ware-Johnson Thomas O. Warren Wilma D. Watkins-Lucas Charles White Joyce A. White Gloria Taylor Williams Larkin Ronald Williams Claude E. Willie Claudette Willie Donald C. Wilson Nancy T. Wilson Edith D. Wood Alton E. Woods Peggy L. Wynn

ALUMNI OATH INDUCTION CEREMONY DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI AFFAIRS:

President McPhail, guests, members of the graduating class, ladies and gentlemen. Again, the portals of our Alma Mater have opened and through them appear candidates for graduation who seek admission to the coveted realm of its sons and daughters. They stand with great anticipation awaiting their call to duty in whatever matter may be coming to those who have worshipped at her shrine.

ALUMNI PRESIDENT:

By what means are the candidates proven worthy?

DIRECTOR: By their deeds and actions, their loyalty, and pursuit of wisdom.

ALUMNI PRESIDENT:

Who represents these candidates that are said to be worthy?

DIRECTOR: Their chosen representative, Mr. Peter Musenge, Student Board

of Trustees Member, Class of 2023.

CLASS PRESIDENT:

Let the candidates stand.

ALUMNI PRESIDENT: Graduates, raise your right hand. Do you solemnly swear to uphold the program

of the Saint Augustine’s University Alumni Association with your talents, your time and contributions?

GRADUATES:

We solemnly dedicate ourselves to the program of Saint Augustine’s University Alumni Association. We shall acheive leadership through excellence.

ALUMNI PRESIDENT:

Will you take care to see that your alma mater is informed always of your professional successes and the successes of other alumni?

GRADUATES:

We shall take care to do so.

ALUMNI PRESIDENT:

So help you, God?

GRADUATES:

So help us, God?

DIRECTOR: Graduates, please repeat after me. I shall strive to perpetuate friendships begun while at

Saint Augustine’s University. I shall strive to promote the cause of education, in general.

I shall use my influence in my community to encourage worthy students to matriculate to

Saint Augustine’s University. EACH YEAR, in keeping with my income, I plan to make a

financial contribution to Saint Augustine’s University.

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COMMENCEMENT CRUCIFER Mr. Kenneth Hart

HONORS COLLEGE SCHOLARS MS. Lauren Banks Ms. Breanna Dorsay Ms. Tamia Powell

COMMENCEMENT COLOR GUARD

COMMENCEMENT COMMITTEE Ms. Ann Brown, Chair Dr. Janelle Jennings-Alexander, Co-Chair Ms. Brittaney Baker Ms. Lindsay Baker Ms. Joyce Bannerman Dr. Kengie Bass Mr. Alfred L. Davis, Jr. LTC Christine Harris Mrs. Sheryl Harris-Ximines Mrs. Cianna Jackson Reverend Hershey Mallette-Stephens Dr. Mark A. Melton Ms. Dana Monroe Mr. Donald Pearsall Dr. B. Sherrance Russell Mr. Charles Simpson Mr. Jorge Sousa Mr. Corey Smith Dr. Lamont Sparrow Ms. Yumeika Thompson Ms. Janelle Watts Dr. Shirlkeymu l. Winston Mr. Demarcus Williams

Cadets from the Falcon Battalion ROTC Program

COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIAL MARSHALS Dr. Shirlkeymu L. Winston, Chief Marshal Professor Lamont Sparrow, Platform Marshal Professor Valerie Evans, Administration Marshal FACULTY & STAFF MARSHALS Dr. Marnie Arkenberg Professor James Lyons, II STUDENT MARSHALS Professor Colin Adams Dr. Tyrell Carr Professor Nakotey Hervie Professor Ethel Johnson Dr. Shawn Lewis Dr. Bernard Luscans Professor Alpha Njai Professor Alieu Wurie

COMMENCEMENT USHERS

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

STUDENT GLOBAL LEADERS Mr. Donovan Blackley Mr. Kensington Brown Ms. Nickea Crepsac Ms. Andrea Diaz Ms. DeJai Francis Mr. Jaden Hambric Mr. Jalen Judge Ms. Chyna Marbury Mr. Cameron Moore Mr. Joevensky Seme Ms. Ashley Weekes Ms. Ariana White

Delonica’s Florist Earthquake Productions Management Professionals, Inc. Pepsi-Cola Compnay Raleigh Convention Center SAU National Alumni Association (NAA)

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This Shield of Saint Augustine’s University incorporates two images, Saint Augustine and the Tree of Knowledge, and is the official seal of the University. Saint Augustine’s University was incorporated in 1867 in Raleigh, NC. The background of the Shield consists of seven wavy stripes, representing “Seven Springs,” the original name of the property on which the school was established. Forming a cross against this background are two bands of priestly black, representing the two chief clerics who made the school possible: Bishop Atkinson and Father Smith. The heart of gold, enflamed and pierced by arrows, is the internationally recognized symbol of Saint Augustine of Hippo, representing his zeal and the pain of his sacrifices. The crest above the Shield shows a Falcon’s bell, symbolic of the school’s athletic mascot and subordinate to an oak tree of learning, symbolic of the prime function of the institution.

Lastly, the Latin words Veritas Liberabit Vos (Latin) is a variant of Veritas liberabit vos (the truth shall set you free), Chapter 8: verse 32 of the Gospel of John.

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[RE]imagining SAINT AUGUSTINE’S UNIVERSITY

Founded by:

Saint Augustine’s University celebrates 156 years of scholarship since it’s founding in 1867.

This year marks the 92nd year of baccalaureate ceremonies beginning in 1931.