TMCF President and CEO Addresses Nearly 600 Graduates During FSU’s Winter Commencement

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Campus buzzed with excitement and joy as family, friends and alumni filled the Felton J. Capel Arena to celebrate and cheer in support of 592 new Fayetteville State University graduates during the 2024 Winter Commencement on December 13.  

Proud faculty, staff and administrators opened the ceremony filing into the arena in their multi-colored robes from their universities that prepared them to assist FSU’s students to this moment of wonderment. As the procession continued, the crowd sporadically praised the students donning FSU’s signature blue and white, hoods, stoles and cords denoting their extraordinary accomplishments. 

FSU Chancellor Darrell T. Allison, presiding over the ceremony, incited an eruption of ovations beginning his remarks by asking the crowd to show the graduates how much love and support there was in the building. Chancellor Allison stated, “whether your experience felt as light a feather or as heavy as ton, you made it! 

“For many of you, you are the living embodiment of your ancestors’ dreams. Their hopes for a better tomorrow are literally draped on you,” Chancellor Allison said to graduates. 

He went on to welcome distinguished guests, from elected officials to FSU leadership, including FSU’s Board of Trustees (BOT). He was followed by the board’s chair and FSU alumna, Kimberly Jeffries Leonard, giving remarks on behalf of the BOT. “Graduates, you have a reason to be happy, and families this is a cause for you to be joyful as well,” Leonard said, “because your perseverance, a milestone is being reached.” Joined by more members of the BOT, she delivered a formal congratulations from the board and implored them to make them even prouder by showing the world what “Bronco Pride is all about.” 

Student Government Association President, Johnae Walker, addressed the graduating class encouraging them to be brave enough to remain aligned with their values and master the art of pivoting. “Pivoting is not about giving up but overcoming obstacles, it’s about growth,” said Walker. “Some of you faced trials, late nights, financial struggles and self-doubt during your time here. Your challenges were not obstacles, they were steppingstones,” she added. 

Continuing a theme of inspiration, Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) President and CEO Harry L. Williams, Ph.D., highlighted the intentionality that each graduate displayed by obtaining their academic degrees. “You’re not here by accident,” he told the graduates. “You’ve set yourself apart by choosing FSU and it’s a big deal to get your four-year degree. You have earned the right to be here,” Williams continued. 

He also asked them to embrace the idea of continuous improvement. “Wake up every day and ask yourself how you can be better than yesterday,” Williams said. He recalled how he desired to improve the effectiveness of the TMCF’s mission when he became president seven years ago. Williams proudly stated their scholarships grew from 1,000 to 3,500 annually because of subscribing to continuous improvement.

As proud as the parents, family members, guests and FSU faculty and staff were of the graduates, the graduates were equally excited. “It’s really inspiring being a first-generation graduate, so this is a big milestone for me and my family,” said Queen Blackasia Stokes, who graduated with honors receiving a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Gillian Jackson graduated from the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership program signifying an accomplishment she didn’t always plan achieve. “This is a dream come true after a lot of hard work and late nights,” Jackson said. “I said I would be done with school after getting a bachelor’s degree, but here I am getting a doctorate. It is a feeling I can’t explain,” she concluded.

FSU’s winter commencement finished with nearly 600 graduates shaking Chancellor Allison’s hand, hearing praises shouted from their families and representing another class of new alumni joining the ranks of the Fayetteville State University National Alumni Associate.