GRADUATES PRESENT A SPECIAL GIFT TO MOTHERS DURING COMMENCEMENT CONVOCATION
(AUSTIN, Texas) 6.1.08 — The 96 graduates who participated in Huston-Tillotson University’s Commencement Convocation during Mother’s Day weekend did not have a problem deciding on a Mother’s Day gift. They presented their mothers with a college diploma.
For some, many of whom were the first in the families to graduate, the gift trend was reversed as the graduate instead of the mother received the car, cash, and other milestone expressions of congratulations. More than 2,000 proud friends, relatives, and supporters of the graduates sat through the cool and pleasant 8:30 a.m. ceremony and cheered as they heard the names of their loved ones called and later witnessed their induction into the alumni association.
The sun peaked through the clouds to shine on the gathering on the lawn for about two seconds to a round of brief groans, but even that couldn’t dampen the spirits of those who travelled thousands of miles to witness this special moment.
Dr. Mary Evans Sias, president of Kentucky State University, and the mother of Huston-Tillotson University graduate Adrienne M. Sias, rendered the Commencement Convocation address. She gave the newest members of the real world, sound advice on reaching their goals and conquering challenges along the way. She expounded upon nine points: “Always be who you are, remember that everyone works at different speeds, dream big, never be afraid to challenge what you know, ask for what you want, take part in life, life is not fair, life is not about what you achieve by yourself, and do the work yourself instead of waiting for others.”
Adrienne followed her mother’s path by also graduating summa cum laude, which is the highest academic standing, with a degree in business management. Dr. Sias earned her summa cum laude honors in sociology.
Students from Samuel Huston, Tillotson and Huston-Tillotson colleges assembled for Reunion Weekend 2008 prior to commencement. The festivities began with an alumni brunch on campus and the 20th Annual Alumni Select Shot Golf Tournament at Morris Williams Golf Course. The highlight, Commencement Convocation, featured the 50-year class and the concert choir, under the direction of Dr. Gloria Quinlan, singing the traditional “Hallelujah Chorus.” They also sang “I Will Give Thanks Unto Thee, O Lord,” showcasing graduating soprano Chermaine Burleson. Burleson received her degree in music.
The 50-year class, which included the University’s million dollar donor, brought gifts starting at $1,000. They adorned gold robes and marched with the Class of 2008 during the commencement convocation.
Four of the 2008 graduates were W.E.B. DuBois Honors Scholars. They gave their families the gift of economic relief by maintaining the cumulative 3.2 grade point average in order to receive the renewable tuition scholarship during their college matriculation. The DuBois scholars were as follows: Matthew L. Morris, history; Soleil M. Hernandez, psychology; Richard P. Northcote, chemistry; and Allen N. Davenport, business administration. The University implemented the prestigious Dubois program in 2003 to challenge academically talented students through community service, volunteerism, and leadership opportunities.
Students graduating with the highest honors (summa cum laude, 3.75-4.0 grade point average.) included: Papa M. Diallo, criminal justice; Mary G. Barrera, Greg A. Selden, and Kraven D. Rowry interdisciplinary studies; Trent A. Reynolds, kinesiology; Hernandez, psychology; Yasmin H. Turk, sociology; Chenadra F. Washington, biology; and Diego M. Flores and Sias, business administration. Those graduating with next highest honors (magna cum laude 3.50-3.74 GPA) included: Steven Rodriguez and Nathaniel Whitfield, III, criminal justice; Misty Davis, English; Morris, history; Joshua A. Colvin, kinesiology; Logan T. Blackmon and Kye Y. Tavernier, psychology; and Northcote, chemistry. Those who graduated cum laude (3.30-3.49 GPA) included: Marcos L. Johnson and Lauren R. Westerman, criminal justice; Melanie A. Castro and Michael C. McCook, interdisciplinary studies; Alma N. Portillo-Delgado, kinesiology; Cornell Richardson, Jr., chemistry; Willie J. Showels, III, Trevor L. McLean, Michael L. Adamson, April C.D. Jackson, Ramon A. Ocumarez, and Allen Davenport, business administration.
Honors Convocation was held the day before Commencement Convocation as a recognition for top ranking students as well as those on the Honor Roll, Dean’s List, in honor societies and members of Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.
Alumnus Joseph R. Norman, Jr., a 2002 computer science graduate, and IBM executive, challenged the capacity crowd with his remarks around untouchable integrity. Accomplishments mean nothing to God if they’re not done out of authenticity, with integrity, and with utmost honesty,” Norman said.
The top ranking students were: Gail Maduro and Washington, biology; Kemba C. Valentine and Kim C. Valentine, business administration; Jeffery D. Plummer, computer science; Diallo and Whitfield, III, criminal justice; Davis, English; Morris, history; Rowry and Selden, interdisciplinary studies; Reynolds and Jimmy E. Young, kinesiology; Edward J. Kozel, mathematics; Dorothy J. Milburn; music; Thabo Ramogogane and Valarie Rice-Smith, political science; Blackmon an Hernandez, psychology; and Dawn K. Shannon and Turk, sociology. “Choose a job that you love and you’ll never work a day in your life,” Norman concluded.
Dr. Larry L. Earvin, HT president, reminded the graduates during honors and commencement to carry their accomplishments with pride and lift the name of Huston-Tillotson.