2023 Saint Augustine's University Commencement Program

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

SAINT AUGUSTINE’ S UNIVERSITY

Saint 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.

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.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

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

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.

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

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.

UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP

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

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

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.

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 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

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.

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

STAR-SPANGLED BANNER

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?

LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING

Written by James Weldon Johnson

Music by John Rosamond Johnson

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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).

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

NEGRO 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.

“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

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

The Reverend Hershey Mallette Stephens

Dean of the Chapel and Spiritual Life

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

RECOGNITION OF PLATFORM GUESTS

Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail AND INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER

MUSICAL SELECTION

COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS

PRESENTATION OF MASTERS DEGREE CANDIDATES

CONFERRING OF GRADUATE DEGREES

PRESENTATION OF BACHELOR DEGREE CANDIDATES

• 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

RECOGNITION OF COMMISSIONED OFFICERS

• Oath of Office

ALUMNI INDUCTION CEREMONY

“When Dreams Take Flight”

The Saint Augustine’s University Chamber Winds

Text by Paul Laurence Dunbar; Music by Rollo Dilworth; Mr. Dessalines Ford, Conductor

Dr. Jeronica Goodwin

Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Chief People Officer, WakeMed Health & Hospitals

Dr. Mark A. Melton

Interim Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail

Dr. Mark A. Melton

50TH ANNIVERSARY CLASS RECOGNITION

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail

LTC Christine Harris

Professor of Military Science

Dr. Johnelle Sherald, ‘76 President, National Alumni Association

Mrs. Sheryl Harris-Ximines, ‘86 Dirctor, Office of Alumni Affairs

Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail

Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail

PLEASE STAND FOR THE BENEDICTION AND REMAIN STANDING FOR THE PROCESSIONAL BENEDICTION

THE ALMA MATER

The Rt. Reverend Lloyd Emmanuel Allen, D.D.

3rd Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Honduras

“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

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

Deandra Small, Exercise Science *

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION & GENERAL STUDIES

BACHELOR OF ARTS

Jeremee Jeter, English

Brittany Jiles, Religious Studies ***

Xzavier Wiggins, Religious Studies ***

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 #

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 **

SCHOOL OF ARTS, SOCIAL SCIENCES & COMMUNICATION

BACHELOR OF ARTS

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

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

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT & TECHNOLOGY BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

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

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)

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

(#) 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.

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

CELEBRATORY GRADUATES

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

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.

COMMENCEMENT CRUCIFER

Mr. Kenneth Hart

COMMENCEMENT COLOR GUARD

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

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

HONORS COLLEGE SCHOLARS

MS. Lauren Banks

Ms. Breanna Dorsay

Ms. Tamia Powell

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

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Delonica’s Florist

Earthquake Productions Management Professionals, Inc.

Pepsi-Cola Compnay

Raleigh Convention Center

SAU National Alumni Association (NAA)

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.

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.