By Ashley McLeod, Staff writer
June 6, 2016, 11:47
RICHMOND — The 2016 class at Virginia State University celebrated the culmination of their college careers on Sunday, while their loved ones watched as they walked across the stage becoming the 130th graduating class from the university.
“Each of you today has a story to tell. A hurdle that you have had to overcome, a time of self-examination, but being here today, reflects on your character and focus. You made it,” said Rector Harry Black at the opening of the commencement ceremony, which was held at the Richmond Coliseum.
“The degree you receive today is not only a representation of your dedication; it is a culmination of perseverance combined with the prayers and support of the thousands of people surrounding you today,” said VSU President Dr. Makola M. Abdullah.
632 graduates filled the floor of the Richmond Coliseum to receive their diplomas, which included bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees.
While family members and friends watched on, the class of 2016 was given sound advice from one of their own, who was described by President Abdullah as ‘a prime example of the success of a Trojan.’
“Commencement is all about transition. And today is the day of not only completing a successful chapter in your life but to really spread your wings and take your rightful place in society,” said Del. Lashrecse D. Aird.
Aird, who represents Petersburg in the Virginia House of Delegates, is a 2008 graduate of VSU. Since graduating, she went on to become the youngest member ever elected into the Virginia House of Delegates
Her message to the fresh graduates was simple – to take their passions and use them to better the community, and better the world, to have an impact.
“Now is the time for each and every one of you to go back to your communities and take all that has been poured into you and apply it to the challenges of our time. And you can only do this if you accept that your success is defined by how much you can bring out the success in others,” said Aird.
Aird was awarded the Presidential Medallion at the ceremony, along with Petersburg resident and actress Daphne Maxwell Reid.
Among the group of students receiving their diplomas that day included James Tyron Cheives, Jr., from Chester. Cheives received the Reginald F. Lewis Prize, which is given to the student who makes the most progress academically from sophomore to senior year.
Graduate Morgan Monia Pollard was recognized by the university’s president as the highest-ranking senior for the class of 2016, with a perfect grade point average of 4.0.
The Student Government Association President, Marshawn Shelton, spoke to his classmates at the ceremony about the importance of the day, and what it meant for their futures.
“Today, we stand with true resolve. Our presence here today is more pivotal than ever.
Hundreds of leaders are here today, not only to participate in our commencement ceremony but to usher us into the next chapter of life,” said Shelton.
“Understand that with every situation, there is a lesson. The lesson of this part or journey is to realize that we are the sole directors of our future,” he said.
Also in attendance at the ceremony were VSU graduates from the class of 1966, who were celebrating their 50th-year reunion.
