Reflections: Commencement Exercises at Shaw University Hail 405 Graduates
Edgar Huff at the Core of All Hearts and Minds

Raleigh, NC - (May 9, 2009)  The academic work is done and the four years of collegiate toil and experiences have immediately become memories.  Shaw University presented 405 graduates in the Class of 2009 who were eager, tasseled and ready for the events of the day.  One longed to be there with them but was present in spirit from his hospital room.  The Class of 2009 carried Edgar Huff, their classmate, in their hearts and stride with strength and conviction into the Raleigh Convention Center on May 9^th with a resounding realization that he most assuredly was their classmate, friend and fellow Shaw Graduate.

The academic processional of the 2009 Commencement Convocation got underway at the Raleigh Convention Center at 10:30 a.m. with thousands of family, friends and guests cheering the entry of the robed graduates into the Center.  This was the first Commencement at the newly renovated Convention Center and it was a beautiful backdrop for this high academic occasion.  Serving as Chief Marshall, Dr. Cheryl Kirk-Duggan, led the processional carrying the Ceremonial Academic Mace; symbolic of authority given to the President to award degrees.

As members of the Board of Trustees, Administration, special guests and student leaders took their seats on the dais, Dr. Quincy Scott, Dean of the Thomas J. Boyd Chapel, delivered the invocation to begin the order of exercises. Dr. Clarence G. Newsome, President delivered invigorated words of welcome and congratulations.  The order of exercises were changed a bit to accommodate the Commencement speaker, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, member of the 110^th Congress.  Because of pressing congressional business, she was unexpectedly called to New York, therefore, her address was moved up in the program.  Before she addressed the Class of 2009, she was conferred with an honorary degree of Doctor of Law.  

An accomplished lawyer, Dr. Lee addressed the graduates and said, “The soil of Shaw University is sacred ground.  Many have toiled so that you have the privilege to be where you are; never forget sacred ground.”  She spoke of the arduous job of the first African American President, Barack Obama.  She said, “You cannot imagine the things that people ask him for.  Through his tireless efforts, he has given the world a different perspective and a sense of hope.”  She helped them to understand that they have a different world to face; not like many from generations before.  She said, “Design your future.  The sky is breaking open for you.  Go and be an outside agitator causing people to think and act like they never have before.” She also talked about the resources available and the accountability that is necessary in order for them to benefit from them.  “Hook up to your fellow graduates.  Hook up to Shaw University and after you have gone out into the world and done various things in life, tie back to Shaw University.” Finally, as she made the charge to them in preparation to enter the real world she said, “You must overcome obstacles to be the leaders you are meant to be.  A bump in the road is just a bump in the road.”  Parents and students alike, stood as she spoke with power, authority, conviction and life experience.

Attorney Willie E. Gary, Chairman of the Board of Trustees came to deliver greetings and words of encouragement and direction for the Class.  They received his charge with loud applause.  Two other honorary degrees were conferred at the Ceremony.  Mr. Wilson A. Lacy, member of Board of Trustees, and Mr. Olubunmi Oladeinde Peters received the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.  A tireless alum, Mr. Lacy received the honor for his “meritorious, humanistic, professional and altruistic services rendered in business, civic, county and state venues.”  Serving on countless boards, he received an appointment from the Mayor of Fayetteville, NC and was given the highest honor by the State of North Carolina; The Order of the Long Leaf Pine for his exemplary service to the state.  Mr. Peters, a native of Nigeria received the degree for his incredible example of leadership and humanity.  He guided the passage of the FERMA Amendment that provided for improved funding of road maintenance in Nigeria.  He pioneered Nigeria’s effort to develop better methods of creating and servicing roads.  Mr. Peters has received many awards for his humanitarian efforts on the international front. 

The Shaw University Choir, led by Dr. Lonieta Cornwall, Director provided beautiful musical selections, “Ain’-A That Good News” and “Bolero” and the Shaw University Concert Band led by Mr. Charles Brown, Director, beautifully accompanied them.  They provided all of the music for the special day.  Special recognitions were made by Dr. Linda Bryan, Associate Professor of Missions and Ministry of the Shaw University Divinity School.  Dr. Newsome and Dr. Herman Thomas, Vice President for Academic Affairs conferred degrees in course. 

Dr. Elvira Williams, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Dr. Joan Barrax, Dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies presented the undergraduate degrees.  Dr. James T. Roberson, Jr., Dean of the Shaw University Divinity School and Dr. Barrax presented the graduate degrees.  Dr. Thomas recognized the senior honor graduates.  Another special highlight of the day came from Evingerlean D. Blakney, President of the Class of 2009, Presidential Scholar and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated delivered a powerful message to her fellow graduates.  She said, “We must never forget to make progress a priority.  Don’t become complacent with today’s achievement being graduates of the first historically black college of the South under the first African American President.  We must never be satisfied with mediocrity.  We must realize the power of one.  We must keep faith in one Father, one Son and one Holy Ghost and it will lead us one way and that’s forward!”  She received a rousing standing ovation.  Shaw University’s best! 

In the tradition of the University, Emily Perry, member of the Board of Trustees and President of the National Alumni Association inducted the new graduates into the NAA.  She congratulated them and challenged them to become fully engaged.  The NAA gave special gifts to each graduate as they exited the dais; the newest members of the NAA. 

Finally, Dr. Newsome delivered the Presidential Farewell statement to the Class.  He told them that they have accomplished much but there is much more to be done.  He mentioned Edgar Huff, their fellow classmate who was in a serious accident on Tuesday.  “Even though he cannot be here today physically, he is here with us.  His family has issued this message that I will read to you now.”  It stated, “On behalf of my son, Edgar R. Huff, we thank you for the unending kindness that has been shown to us during this difficult time.  Edgar loves every one of you; the Shaw Family and faculty.  He will never forget the Shaw University experience and he carries it proudly in his heart.  He tries to make it show through his spirit and now in this courageous fight towards recovery.  Edgar wishes more than anything that he could be there with you during Commencement but it is not humanly possible. With sincerity and pride, Edgar says to each of you, “Go Bears and Keep Marching!” A standing ovation was given for Edgar. 

Side note: This writer spoke to Edgar and his family on Commencement day and told them of the love and ovation from classmates at Baccalaureate and Commencement and he was so very happy.  He sounded stronger and again, the grace of God continues in his healing.  Edgar is a Shaw graduate!  His degree will be presented to him at Pitt County Memorial Hospital in Greenville, NC.  Details will be provided upon completion.

The end of Commencement Convocation for the Class of 2009 had come.  Hands and hearts were joined as the Alma Mater was sung and Dr. Scott gave the final benediction to the Class of 2009.  Their presence will be missed but the expectations of personal and professional accomplishment are at hand.  They have been prepared to go forward and become invested stewards and change agents of the world.  Look out world!  The best is yet to come.

Congratulations to the Class of 2009; the newest alumni from the first historically black college of the South; Shaw University.