By Dillard University
Dillard University has been fortunate to bring notable celebrity speakers to commencement over the years. But this year the University will introduce new celebrities–the class of 2022. The class is represented by students who have excelled through a two-year pandemic which included several major hurricanes and a myriad of personal challenges.
President Walter Kimbrough collected the stories of students who agreed to have those stories told as part of his “senior shout outs.”
“There are some really deep and personal stories that students have shared with me,” said Kimbrough. “And I’m like, ‘Are you sure you want me to tell this story???’ And they feel really strongly that other students like them can be inspired by these stories of perseverance.”
The commencement audience will hear candid accounts of students who have overcome struggles with mental health, challenges as a result of Hurricane Ida, pausing their college careers for a variety of reasons including lack of funds and personal challenges.
Dillard’s 86th Commencement is scheduled to take place May 14, 8 a.m. at the Rosa Freeman Keller Avenue of the Oaks.
