Gen. Xavier Brunson Returns Home as Fayetteville State University Marks Record-Breaking Graduation
FSU confers over 1,200 degrees, introduces first student keynote speaker, and honors military-connected families during historic weekend.
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Fayetteville State University celebrated a record-breaking commencement weekend May 8-9, conferring 1,247 degrees and marking several institutional "firsts," including a historic student keynote and a homecoming for one of the nation’s top military leaders.
The weekend festivities began at the Felton J. Capel Arena with the launch of a new university tradition. Sierra Osborn, an FSU alumna completing her MBA in health informatics, became the first graduate student in the university’s history to deliver the keynote address.
Speaking to the 244 graduates and doctoral candidates, Osborn spoke on the power of "becoming" and the importance of honoring the community that supports every student's journey.
"What I cherish the most is that they never let their fear become my ceiling," Osborn said, describing the influence of her parents. "They pushed me toward my dreams, even when those dreams were unfamiliar to them."
That message resonated with graduates like Veronica H. Colon-Santiago, who earned a Master of Arts in teaching with a concentration in Spanish. A native of Puerto Rico and former FSU bowling student-athlete, Colon-Santiago said completing graduate school while working full time as a mother required immense persistence.
“It wasn’t impossible,” Colon-Santiago said. “I had a great support system, and I appreciate everything my professors and my family did for me and how they helped me get where I am today.”
The momentum continued Saturday during the undergraduate ceremony at the Crown Coliseum, celebrating 1,003 students—the largest graduating class in the university’s history. During the event, Chancellor Darrell T. Allison presented the Chancellor’s Medallion Award, the university’s highest honor, to Gen. Xavier T. Brunson.
“This is pretty powerful,” Allison said. “Fayetteville State University - underscore the word Fayetteville. This four-star general, who commands tens of thousands of people around the world, is from here.”
A Fayetteville native and commander of United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, and U.S. Forces Korea, Brunson urged graduates to view their degrees as tools for service and vital instruments for community progress.
“Your degree is not just a piece of paper,” Brunson said. “It’s a tool that can make the world a better place.”
Brunson also noted FSU’s deep ties to the armed forces, noting that over one-third of the student body is military affiliated. The university stands as one of the few nonmilitary institutions in the country to offer a four-year, tuition-free scholarship for service members, veterans, and their families.
“The Army and Fayetteville State University have always been committed to one shared mission, enhancing the lives of our students, soldiers, and the communities that support us,” he added.
The university’s military connection was further reflected in the commissioning of two new officers during the ceremony. 2nd Lt. Felipe Justino will serve as an airfield operations officer with the Air Force at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, while 2nd Lt. Devon Matos will begin training as an intelligence officer with the Space Force at Peterson Space Force Base.
In addition to student success, FSU honored academic excellence by naming Melissa J. Haithcox-Dennis, Ph.D., as the 2026-2027 Teacher of the Year. Haithcox-Dennis, an associate professor of community and public health, has secured significant grant funding to support health strategies across North Carolina.
The weekend concluded with a tribute to the Class of 1976. These alumni were inducted into the Golden Bronco Society to celebrate the society's 50th anniversary and its enduring legacy at the university.