FSU Honors Nearly 1,000 Graduates During Commencement Weekend
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Fayetteville State University (FSU) proudly celebrated its 158th Spring Commencement with two separate ceremonies held on May 9 and May 10, honoring nearly 1,000 graduates. The weekend marked a significant milestone for the Bronco community, filled with inspiration, reflection, and celebration of academic excellence.
The Graduate Commencement Ceremony was Friday, May 9, in Felton J. Capel Arena on the university's campus. Chancellor Darrell T. Allison opened the ceremony, applauding the achievements of the 243 graduate students and nine doctoral recipients.
"I want you to know that I'm excited about your bright futures," said Chancellor Allison. "I'm also excited about the world that you are heading into. Do not be discouraged. Walk boldly into this next phase of life, confident in your intelligence, secure in your skills and abilities, and ready for your career."
Kieara Porter, President of the Graduate Student Association, introduced the keynote speaker, The Honorable Mitch Colvin, Mayor of Fayetteville and a proud 2013 graduate of FSU. In his address, Mayor Colvin reminded graduates of the significance of their achievement, noting that only 15% of the population holds an advanced degree.
"This is an amazing accomplishment that you have earned through sacrifice, through intellect, and sheer perseverance," he said. "But as beautiful and special as today is, your future will not be defined by the titles or the degrees you earn, but by the impact you make in this world."
After his address, Chancellor Allison presented Mayor Colvin with the Chancellor's Medallion in appreciation of his continued commitment to the university.
The ceremony also included a commissioning ceremony for 2LT Sean Coleman, administered by Lt. Col. Daran Linthicum. Coleman, who completed four years of Air Force ROTC, was commissioned as a United States Space Force officer. He will now pursue a master's degree in aerospace engineering, fully funded by the Space Force.
Among the notable graduates was Alexis McNeal, former Miss FSU, who earned her Master of Business Administration with a concentration in project management. Currently serving in the U.S. Air Force Reserves and recently employed by Bank of America, McNeal reflected on her journey: "It feels amazing making it to the end of this journey with so much on my plate and completing the program with all As."
The Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony, which conferred 754 bachelor's degrees, was held at the Crown Coliseum on Saturday, May 10.
During the event, Mr. Michael Williford of the UNC Board of Governors presented the UNC Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching to FSU faculty member Dr. Amanda Virelles. Dr. Kimberly Jeffries Leonard, FSU Board of Trustees Chair and FSU Class of 1986, presented the FSU Teacher of the Year Award to Dr. John I. Brooks III.
Student Government Association President Johnae Walker introduced the undergraduate keynote speaker, Mr. Ryan McCurdy, Senior Vice President & President of Lenovo North America. McCurdy shared four guiding principles: "Do hard things," "Autograph your work with excellence," "Prioritize relationships," and "Be healthy."
Mr. McCurdy had one question for the class of 2025: "What's one dream you hold for your future?" he asked the graduates. "Imagine a world where you're choosing to do hard things, your deeds build communities, your excellence inspires change, your network of relationships uplifts others, and your health fuels your impact."
Graduates shared their triumphs and plans. Cesar Rodriguez, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Intelligence Studies, shared his joy at crossing the stage for the first time with his family in attendance. He plans to pursue a master's degree. Wyanner Ellerbe earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting after a 10-year journey that included overcoming significant health challenges, including dialysis and a kidney transplant.
FSU also honored the Golden Broncos Class of 1975 on their 50th anniversary. Class member Dr. Mildred Summerville offered words of wisdom to the Class of 2025: "Know your self-worth and put God first."
Fayetteville State University's Spring Commencement Weekend reflected the strength, resilience, and promise of the Bronco community—past, present, and future.