When Adam Traoré receives his master’s degree from TSU this Saturday in agricultural sciences, he wouldn’t be walking the stage only for himself, but as a first-generation college student. By getting his degree, Traoré’s is also fulfilling the dream of his family as well.
The child of a West African immigrant father, Traoré says obtaining his second degree from Tennessee State University means everything to himself, his parents Habib and Mattie Traoré and his younger brother.
Adam. M. Traoré creating endophyte-colonized sweet sorghum plants in Dr. Ondzighi’s greenhouse at TSU. (Photo submitted)
“He knew that moving to the U.S. would provide opportunities for us that aren’t as easily accessible in his country,” Traoré says, referring to his father. “That sentiment has always motivated me to recognize the opportunities I am given, and appreciate the sacrifices that both my mom and dad made to get me where I am today.”
The 24-year-old Knoxville native describes this moment as ‘surreal.’
“I went directly from undergrad after graduating early and went straight into my master’s. To be so young and have job opportunities lined up afterward, it feels good.”
In 2017, Traoré came to TSU to study agricultural sciences as an undergrad and followed that up immediately with his graduate program, with a concentration in biotechnology.
He finished his master’s program with a 3.6 GPA.
Adam Traoré. (Photo by SupermaPhotography)
Months before the upcoming graduation, Traoré received great job offers. One of which, from the federal government for a biosecurity position and another within the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences as a drug chemist. Traoré says he has not made a final decision on which job to take just yet.
Traoré says his family and loved ones have supported his educational journey every step of the way, but also credits his TSU advisor, Dr. Christine Ondzighi, for his progress and success in undergraduate and grad school.
“Adam is a very good student,” says Ondzighi, an associate professor in Department of Agricultural and Environment Sciences.
“Coming from TSU, and coming from my lab, I am very proud of that.” She noted that the early job offers Traoré has received speak volume of his work ethic and the talents the university produces. He is a great person, super enthusiastic and passionate. I am very proud of him on graduating and he is so far deserving.”
Adam Traoré says as a first-generation college student he looks forward to paving the way for his family and to inspire his younger brother Maleek. (Photo submitted)
In addition to Traoré academic achievements at TSU, he is also a mentor with the Tennessee Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (TLSAMP) program. He is a member of Collegiate 100, Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS), and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Traoré looks forward to being a role model to his younger brother, Maleek, who is a senior at Maryville High School.
Traore’ is one of 269 graduate students receiving master’s degrees during TSU’s fall commencement on Saturday, December 3, 2022. MSNBC television host and political analyst Symone D. Sanders-Townsend will deliver the keynote address.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Cynthia Jones will receive a bachelor’s degree in business administration next week from Tennessee State University. It is a milestone of success that started three decades ago for 60-year old Jones, but one she says was well worth the wait.
“I have always wanted to graduate from TSU,” Jones, a Louisville, Kentucky, native says.
Fall 2022 graduateCynthia Jones will receive a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concertation in supply chain management. (Photo by Jonathan’s Photography)
As graduation approaches, Jones says the feeling is amazing. “I am still trying to wrap my mind around this,” she says. The motivation behind her milestone, she says, is her only child Michael Jones, and her faith.
In 1980, Jones graduated from Springfield High School in Robertson County and began her higher education journey at Nashville State Community College. She eventually enrolled at TSU in 1991 but had to drop out due to financial hardships and seek employment. Jones worked in supply chain but was let go after 14 years due to company reorganization. Jones faced a number of difficulties prior to and immediately after losing her job.
“My brother passed (away) six months before they released me, and my mother passed seven days after (losing my job),” Jones says. After taking care of her loved ones’ affairs, she got back into the work force but for a significantly lower pay. Although she had the experience for employment opportunities, Jones didn’t have the degree.
Cynthia Jones. (Photo by Jonathan’s Photography)
“Nobody paid me what I made before,” she says. “My salary was 38 percent less than what I made at my previous job.”
But Jones kept her faith.
Always a Tiger at heart, Jones reflected on a promise she made to herself years before about walking across the stage one day. “Give your battles to God and keep it going,” she says. “It’s never too late.”
Jones son, Michael, 28, said he has always seen his mother work hard, and to see her walk across the stage on Dec. 3, will be something to remember.
“She has been talking about graduating college since I was a baby,” says Michael. “She has always been a fan of TSU, so I know this is big for her. I am excited and happy that she is finally doing it.”
Cynthia’s son, Michael Jones says he is proud to be able to witness his mother walk across the stage. (Photo submitted)
Jones says there has been many lows throughout her journey with losing majority of her siblings over time, as well as her mother, but she knows her family will be watching over her as she receives her degree.
“They are still here in spirit.”
Jones will be one of nearly 600 undergraduate and graduate students who will receive their diploma in the Gentry Center Complex. The ceremony starts at 9 a.m.
Those attending the commencement program are encouraged to wear masks as precaution against the COVID-19, flu and RSV viruses going around. For more information on fall commencement, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/records/commencement/ .
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Symone D. Sanders-Townsend, political strategist and former senior advisor and chief spokesperson to Vice President Kamala Harris, will headline TSU’s fall 2022 commencement on Saturday, Dec. 3. Sanders, host of the new MSNBC program Symone, will give the keynote address for nearly 600 undergraduate and graduate students in the Gentry Center Complex. The ceremony starts at 9 a.m.
Symone D. Sanders-Townsend
People attending the commencement program are encouraged to wear masks as precaution against the COVID-19, flu and RSV viruses going around. For more information on fall commencement, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/records/commencement/
Sanders has held several high-level positions with national campaigns. In 2016, Rolling Stone magazine recognized her as one of 16 Young Americans Shaping the 2016 Election. A year earlier, Fusion magazine listed her as one of 30 women under 30 who would shape the 2016 election. Sanders is the author of No, You Shut Up: Speaking Truth to Power and Reclaiming America. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Creighton University. She is married to Shawn Townsend.
At the fall commencement, Sanders is expected to inspire graduates about the story of her humble beginning in Omaha, Nebraska, where she was born, and how she climbed into the limelight in the nation’s capital as a political strategist.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Delay was not denial for LaTonya Bell-Fitts of Nashville, who received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Tennessee State University at age 50. The motivation behind her milestone were her three children who all have received college degrees in criminal justice.
The tradition of undergraduates turning their tassel at the May 7 graduation took on a whole new meaning for Bell-Fitts as a non-traditional student. She said it is what made the moment surreal, also noting that Vice President Kamala Harris’ speech, reassured her that the sky was the limit.
LaTonya Bell-Fitts at Spring 2022 graduation (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
“It was very motivational and inspiring for me,” Bell-Fitts said. “That was a moment I’ll never forget.”
Bell-Fitts graduated from McGavock High School in 1990 when her son was only four-months-old. She began her higher education journey at Nashville State Community College but was unable to maintain the demands of her course work with her newborn, along with taking care of an ill family member at the time. She dropped out but was always determined to complete what she had started. In 2012 Bell-Fitts decided to pursue an education again and enrolled at Bethel University.
In 2016, she transferred to TSU.
Growing up Bell-Fitts always told her children to finish what they started. She wanted to make sure she took her own advice as well.
While Bell-Fitts was enrolled at TSU she became an administrative assistant in the Division of Student Affairs. “To be able to pour into them (students) … give them the love and guidance they need, helped me as well,” she said, mentioning that the students and staff also motivated her to finish strong.
She is now a TSU alumna like her daughter T’Yana Jackson. Jackson said emotions ran high after witnessing her mother graduate, recalling those days she almost gave up.
LaTonya Bell-Fitts and her daughter T’Yana Jackson smiles at TSU graduation celebration. (Photo submitted)
“It was good seeing her push through,” Jackson, the 2019 TSU graduate said.
“She’s an amazing mom who set the tone … it is not an age limit on doing the things you want to do.”
As her children, grandchildren, and entire family witnessed her walk across the stage to get her degree, she believes that she graduated right on time despite the setbacks. Bell-Fitts looks forward to returning to TSU to receive a master’s degree.
LaTonya Bell-Fitts, her son Markese Osborne and grandchildren on graduation day. (Photo submitted)
“I had a mission to complete,” she said. “You have to walk the journey that God has planned for you, everything happens for a reason. It was very much worth the wait.”
Visit the Tennessee State University YouTube channel at www.tnstste.edu to view the 2022 Undergraduate Spring Commencement Ceremony in its entirety.
Department of Media Relations
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About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and eight doctoral degrees. TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – “To know that she will forever be a part of my TSU history, and to be inducted as an official member of the Tiger family was a tremendous honor to witness.” That statement sums up how Derrick Sanders felt Saturday after hearing Vice President Kamala Harris’ historic and powerful commencement address at Hale Stadium on the main Tennessee State University campus. The Vice President told graduates to seize the opportunities afforded them to “shape the future of our country.”
Students flock to Vice President Kamala Harris’ side in jubilation to get selfies, as she enters Hale Stadium accompanied by President Glenda Glover. (Submitted Photo)
“Vice President Harris accepted not only the honorary doctorate degree but she accepted the love, worth and fellowship of this great institution,” added Sanders, outgoing president of the Student Government Association, who received his bachelor’s degree in English.
Sanders was not alone in his praise of the vice president’s visit and speech. From the rousing cheers that greeted her as the motorcade entered Hale Stadium, to her inspirational speech, and receiving an honorary degree, sentiments about the vice president have reverberated across the TSU family, graduates, and their families. All are still taking in the historic moment where they got to hear and see the vice president of the United States up close on their campus.
Derrick Sanders, of Cincinnati, Ohio, celebrates after receiving his bachelor’s degree in English. (Submitted Photo)
Sanders’ mother, Marlene Sanders, who came from Cincinnati, Ohio, to see her son receive his degree from the vice president, described the moment as life changing.
“I was really proud of what Vice President Harris and Dr. Glover did together – two Black women with one goal,” said the proud mother. “I appreciated that she stayed through unforeseen circumstances and took pictures with each graduate. Her words were receptive, appreciative, and encouraging.”
Vice President Kamala Harris congratulates Student Trustee Tiara Thomas after receiving her degree in political science. (Submitted Photo)
Tiara Thomas, of Olive Branch, Mississippi, whose parents were also in the audience to see her receive her degree in political science, added, “Having Vice President Harris as the keynote speaker was an incredible way to end my undergraduate experience. Her speech gave me chills as I was able to sit on stage with her and see my future possibilities in her.”
Frederick Parson, a TSU alum and Tiara Thomas’ father, said the vice president’s speech was genuine, relatable, and appropriate.
Tiara Thomas’ family traveled from Olive Branch, Mississippi, to celebrate her graduation from Tennessee State University. (Submitted Photo)
“It not only inspired the graduates but also those in the audience, like my two youngest daughters who look like she does. Kudos to the VP for sharing a special moment in time with us that we won’t forget,” Parson said.
The vice president’s visit to deliver the commencement address at TSU was historic, as it was her first at any university since taking over the second highest office in the land. Citing current domestic and global affairs, Harris reminded members of the Class of 2022 that they are “graduating in an unsettled world” but were equipped to be the change agents needed to make it better for all people.
That note struck a chord with Matthew C. Benton, of Atlanta, who received his bachelor’s degree in business administration.
It was all jubilation Saturday as students celebrated their graduation. (Submitted Photo)
“The speech was as inspirational and empowering as I imagined it would be, and was exactly what I needed to hear,” Benton said. “I’m thankful to have had a university President like Dr. Glover with the right connections and friendships to bring Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States, to our campus to give the keynote address. I’m forever grateful to President Glenda Glover. My commencement day is a very special part of TSU history, thank you President Glover.”
Jacqueline Payne was also in the audience to see her son, Emmanuel Wallace, receive his degree in agribusiness.
“I was extremely proud to see my son along with his peers graduating, and seeing Kamala made me really feel Black Excellence in its rawest form,” Payne said. Her son, Emmanuel Wallace, agreed.
Emmanuel Wallace’s mother, Jacqueline Payne, was in the audience to see her son receive his degree in agribusiness. (Subitted Photo)
“Graduating among such a successful and ambitious class is very empowering,” Wallace said. “Having the first black female vice president of the United States deliver our commencement speech while encouraging us to be the change in the world was exceedingly inspirational.”
Jodyn White-Rowell, whose family members traveled from Delaware, Georgia, and Florida to see her receive her bachelor’s degree in agricultural science, said she was inspired.
Jodyn White-Rowell, who received her degree in agricultual science, celebrates with her mother Kimberly White-Rowell. (Submitted Photo)
“Seeing Vice President Kamala Harris, someone who pushes boundaries and inspires others to chase their dreams, come to speak to us encourages me to continue to follow my dreams and push boundaries that are set in front of me,” she said.
Jodyn’s mother, Kimberly White-Rowell, added, “We were so excited to see our daughter and the other graduates walk across the stage. We were also so inspired by President Glover and the commencement speech from VP Kamala Harris who spoke to the heart of all the students, calling the next generation of change agents to the world stage. I can’t wait to see what they all become as educated graduates of TSU.”
You can view the 2022 Spring Undergraduate Commencement on the TSU YouTube channel by visiting tnstate.edu.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – “I’m now a Tiger!”
Vice President Kamala Harris cheered as she received an honorary doctorate degree in humane letters from Tennessee State University after addressing nearly 600 undergraduates at the Spring 2022 commencement ceremony.
As an official member of the TSU Alumni Family, Vice President Kamala Harris joins President Glenda Glover, and University officials for the University Alma Mater song to end a historic commencement day. (Photo submitted)
Harris was hooded by TSU President Dr. Glenda Glover as the crowd looked on, including University trustees, cabinet members and mayors John Cooper of Nashville and Randall Woodfin of Birmingham, AL.
The historic moment took place Saturday at TSU’s Hale Stadium shortly after Harris addressed the graduates with a heartfelt commencement speech, marking this as her first address at a University and HBCU as Vice President of the United States.
Graduate Matthew Benton, who now has a degree in business administration, said that the historic event was as inspirational as he imagined.
“I’m thankful to have had a university President like Dr. Glover with the right connections and friendships to bring Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States, to our campus to give the keynote address.”
Tennessee State University graduate Matthew Benton after receiving a degree in business administration . (Photo submitted)
As a fellow HBCU graduate of Howard University, Harris gave the students a chance to mirror the person they can one day become.
The Vice President celebrated the 2022 graduates’ through their trials, mentioning the challenges of obtaining a degree through the COVID-19 pandemic, fundamental principles, and racial inequalities.
Harris stated that the graduates are more than just a class of 2022 but graduates that the United States need in the near future.
“I look at this unsettled world, and yes I see the challenges, but I am here to tell you, I also see the opportunities. The opportunities for your leadership. The future of our country and our world will be shaped by you.”
The dark skies looming over Hale stadium didn’t stop Harris’ words of encouragement to shine through as she spoke value to more than one thousand attendees.
“You are fueled by self-determination,” she said. “Students from all over the world come here because they have big dreams.”
About 15-mintues into her speech, Harris’ shared a story regarding the first time she flew on the vice-presidential helicopter.
TSU graduate in crowd of students, smiling during spring commencement. (Photo submitted)
She looked out the window as the helicopter circled over her alma-mater and saw her 17-year-old self again toting books around campus.
“At a place just like this,” she smiled.
“That reinforced that I can be anything. Do anything. Even if it had never been done before,” she said as the crowd cheered.
“Like you, and full of hope and full of dreams with a future full of possibility. I stand before you today as the Vice President of America and as a proud graduate of an HBCU to say, there is no limit to your capacity of greatness.”
Vice President Kamala Harris smiles with TSU student on stage during historic Spring 2022 commencement day. (Photo submitted)
Harris reassured the graduates who will embark on a new journey, that their time at TSU has unlocked unimaginable opportunities.
“There is no barrier you cannot break,” she said, noting that the graduate’s perspective and experience will make the United States a stronger country. She mentioned that there will be a time that the graduates will walk into a room where no one else may look like them.
“And at that moment you must remember, you are not in that room alone. Always know that you carried the voices of everyone here and those upon the shoulders you stand,” Harris comforted the students.
A little piece of advice to the graduates from Harris: Be true to yourself.
Tennessee State University graduate Derrick Sanders Jr., after receiving a degree English. (Photo submitted)
Graduate Derrick Sanders, Jr., who now has a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in English, said that Harris telling the students to live in the moment, is what resonated with him most.
“To know now that she will forever be a part of my TSU history, and to be inducted as an official member of the Tiger Family was a tremendous honor to witness.”
As Harris is the first woman, and first person of color as Vice President of the United States, she closed out her commencement speech with a phrase her late-mother always told her.
Kamala, you may be the first to do many things … make sure you are not the last.
“I have been many first in my lifetime and as I look out at all of you today, I know I will not be the last,” Harris told the TSU graduates.
“Your country is so proud of you.” “May God bless you and may God bless America.”
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and eight doctoral degrees. TSU is a comprehensive research-intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.
Friday, May 6, Vice President Kamala Harris traveled to Nashville, Tennessee where she will deliver the undergraduate commencement address at Tennessee State University. The commencement ceremony will take place at Hale Building Stadium on Saturday, May 7th. Vice President Harris will be joined by TSU President Glenda Glover, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, and Nashville Mayor John Cooper. There, she will also accept an honorary Doctorate of Humane Laws. Vice President Harris will speak to more than 500 graduates about the opportunity and responsibility of leadership in this moment in history. She will discuss how the world needs them and their individual perspectives to help shape the principles that will define the future. She will also talk about how her own experiences—including as a fellow graduate of a Historically Black College or University (HBCU)—have influenced the way she views the world.
Vice President Harris’ participation in Tennessee State University’s graduation ceremonies comes after a year and a half of historic investments by the Biden-Harris Administration in Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including $5.8 billion in resources and the reissuance of the White House Initiative on HBCUs. In March, President Biden announced TSU President Dr. Glenda Glover would serve as Vice Chair of President Biden’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs.
As a graduate of Howard University, Vice President Harris understands first-hand the critical role of HBCUs in strengthening our country and developing future leaders, and has prioritized visiting HBCUs and meeting with HBCU leaders. Vice President Harris has visited Hampton University, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Howard University, and as recently as this month met with Thurgood Marshall Fund Presidents and Chancellors.
On January 20, 2021, Vice President Harris became the first Vice President to have graduated from an HBCU. On Saturday, May 7th, she will become the first sitting Vice President to have graduated from HBCU to deliver the keynote address at an HBCU’s Commencement.
Vice President Harris will also deliver the keynote address during the U.S. Coast Guard Academy’s Commencement Exercises on May 18th in New London, Connecticut. In 2021, she delivered the commencement address at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
Excerpts from Vice President Harris’ Remarks as Prepared
“Each of you has your own story. Your own way of looking at the world, shaped by every moment that brought you to this point. I was around your age when I made the decision that I wanted to take on systemic problems from inside the system. That I would seek solutions through the lens of my own experiences and perspectives. That I wanted—that I needed—to be in the rooms where decisions were being made. Graduates, you stand on the brink of a new frontier… and we need you in the room helping to make these decisions.”
“I stand before you today—as the Vice President of the United States of America, and as a proud graduate of a HBCU—to say: There is no limit to your capacity for greatness. There is no obstacle you cannot overcome. There is no barrier you cannot break.
“I want you to always remember that you are not alone. That you come from people. That you come with people. Because I promise you, there will be a time when you walk into a boardroom, or a courtroom, or maybe even the Situation Room. You will walk into the room, and find that you are the only person there who looks like you or has had your life experience. At that moment, you must remember you are not in that room alone.”
Doctorate of Humane Laws
Tennessee State University’s Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree recognizes individuals who inspire others, personify excellence, integrity, and commitment, and enhance the public good. According to TSU, “Vice President Kamala Harris serves as the first female and first person of color in her capacity as the Vice President of the United States of America, and as such makes her an excellent recipient for this award. For these accomplishments and more, Vice President Harris will be presented with the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.”
Notable individuals who have received the Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Tennessee State University include: Coach Ed Temple, TSU and Olympic Track and Field Coach, considered the greatest track and field coach of all times; Rev. Al Sharpton, Civil Rights Leader and Motivational Speaker; and Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, Author and Motivational Speaker.
Biden-Harris Administration’s Accomplishment on HBCUs
The American Rescue Plan included $3.7 billion to help HBCUs support students’ basic needs during pandemic, support campus operations, staffing, teaching, and educational programs; and keep campus safe from COVID.
Tennessee State University received $58.5 in Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds from the American Rescue Plan.
The Department of Education announced $1.6 billion of debt discharged from loans provided to HBCUs institutions in April 2021.
The Department of Education awarded more than $500 million in grant funding to HBCUs for academic capacity-building and fiscal stability.
In September 2021, President Biden signed an Executive Order to re-establish the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through HBCUs and issued a proclamation recognizing National HBCU Week.
During HBCU week 2022, President Biden also named Tony Allen, President of Delaware State University, as Chair of the President’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs.
In response to bomb threats earlier this year at over 50 HBCU campuses, the Administration announced Project School Emergency Response to Violence (Project SERV) grants for HBCUs that have recently experienced a bomb threat. The $50,000 -$150,000 Project SERV grants could be used for mental health services or improvements to security and readiness infrastructure for impacted Universities.
Tennessee State University
Tennessee State University was founded in 1912 and is Nashville’s only public university and a historically black university. TSU offers 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and eight doctoral degrees. TSU is a comprehensive research-intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee. Tennessee State University received $58.5 in Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds from the American Rescue Plan.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University officials say the campus is all a buzz as the 2022 Spring Commencement ceremonies kicked off on Friday and continues this morning with Vice President Kamala Harris. Vice President Harris will deliver the keynote address at the Undergraduate Spring Commencement ceremony at 9 a.m., at Hale Stadium.
“Overjoyed is an understatement to how I feel about Vice President Kamala Harris delivering the keynote address,” says Tiara Thomas, student trustee on the TSU Board of Trustees, who will receive her bachelor’s degree in political science.
“I am so grateful to have a woman like Vice President Harris who has been exactly where I’ve been, step by step, as an HBCU grad, and is where I’d like to be someday. This has pushed my TSU experience over the top.”
Mallory Moore, a Birmingham native and outgoing Miss TSU, added, “I am super excited to have as my commencement speaker the most distinguished HBCU alumnus in the United States.” Moore is receiving her undergraduate degree in health science.
Sydnei Everett’s graduation is still a year away, but the first-year graduate student is among many like her who wish they were graduating Saturday.
“I looked on Instagram and saw that TSU had posted the graduate and undergraduate commencement ceremonies and I said, ‘wait a minute, is that Vice President Kamala Harris?’ She’s actually speaking to the Class of 2022,” Everett says. “I wish that was my class. I look up to Kamala Harris a lot. Not only is she my sorer, but just a prominent figure for black women today.”
Derrick Sanders, the outgoing Student Government Association president, who will receive his bachelor’s degree in English on Saturday, sums up all the excitements this way: “Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to TSU as the commencement speaker is a chance for students to see who they have the ability to be, hear from one who sat in the same seat as they, and be inspired by one of the most distinguished HBCU alumni in the United Stated of America. This opportunity speaks volume to the fact that anything is possible if you have the right mind.”
You must have a ticket to attend today’s commencement with Vice President Harris. Graduates received 10 tickets for the event. Nearly 600 graduates are expected to walk across the stage. On Friday, Birmingham, Alabama Mayor Randall Woodfin was the keynote speaker for the Graduate Commencement ceremony. Music industry giants and mega producers Dallas Austin and Sir James the Baptist received honorary doctoral degrees along with PhD and master’s candidates.
