Courtesy of Talladega College
Talladega College celebrated its largest graduating class at the 148th commencement exercise Saturday, May 6. For the first time, commencement was held at the Dr. Billy C. Hawkins Student Activity Center.
The 187 fall and spring graduates made a dramatic entrance, beginning their procession at Savery Library. They were preceded by the Drum Line, Dean of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Dr. Alison Brown carrying the college mace, and Vice President and Dean of Students Dr. Gary Edwards. Faculty joined the procession near Sumner Hall. The Golden Class of 1973 united with the graduating class as the group passed DeForest Chapel. The 2023 graduates included ten Talladega College staff members and 41 graduate students.
Reverend Cameron R. Thomas, Assistant Vice President and Dean of the Chapel, delivered the invocation and Dr. Tracy Morant Adams, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees, introduced the Talladega High School ROTC color guard and led the Pledge of Allegiance. The Talladega Choir performed several numbers throughout the ceremony.
In addition to President Gregory J. Vincent, Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. Isaiah Hugley (Class of 1979) delivered remarks before Ms. Nikky Finney (Class of 1979) took the stage as keynote speaker. Ms. Finney, a renowned poet and author, has taught at several universities including the University of Kentucky, Berea College, Smith College and University of North Carolina. She has spent her career illuminating the Southern culture and political heritage of Black people. She elevates, misplaced and forgotten black history, and tells the stories of women who prefer to jump instead of ride the traditional tracks of polite and acceptable society. Later in the ceremony, Talladega College awarded Ms. Finney an honorary degree.
Provost Barbara Johnson introduced Valedictorian Mr. Derrick Appiah Osei, a mathematics major from Kumasi, Ghana. Mr. Appiah Osei graduated with a 4.0 GPA. He will attend Drexel University to pursue a doctorate in Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics and has accepted a Graduate Research Assistantship that will cover tuition and fees and include a yearly stipend.
Mr. Appiah Osei reminded fellow graduates:
I hope you remember to keep learning and striving to be your very best selves and to put your best foot forward in all you do. I will remember our shared memories fondly and take heed to the lessons learned. When things around you seem to be up in the air, keep in mind that you were meant to soar. Extraordinary strides require extraordinary investments of time, effort, and resolve. But this campaign is worth the challenge. Because taking no risk is our greatest risk. Because we know the extraordinary is within reach as long as we dare for it.
Reverend Thomas prayed the Benediction to close out the memorable service.
