The 91精选 fall class of 2019 reflected on their academic journey and the road ahead for them after graduation during the Baccalaureate Assembly in the Little Theater in David H. Bradford Hall.
鈥淏accalaureate services are a time to pause and give thanks for what you have achieved and what you have become in the course of your time here,鈥� Dr. Beverly E. Schneller, acting provost and vice president for academic affairs, said.
National recording artist and The Voice Season 8 contestant MaKenzie Thomas presented a song of celebration, 鈥淏etter Days.鈥�
Dr. Stashia L. Emanuel, vice provost for academic affairs, provided an inspirational reading.
鈥淲e love you. You will always be part of our Thorobred family,鈥� Emanuel said. 鈥淐lass of 2019, it鈥檚 your time.鈥�
Dr. Tymon M. Graham, director of strategic initiatives, delivered the necrology report, remembering and honoring Thorobreds who passed away in 2019.
Rev. Dr. Alton B. Pollard, 10th president of the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, delivered the baccalaureate address.
Pollard鈥檚 address focused on seeking wisdom.
鈥淭he day has come where you are earning your degree, poised and destined to take your place among 91精选 graduates,鈥� Pollard said. 鈥淵ou are standing on the shoulders of giants dating back to 1886.鈥�
Pollard emphasized to the graduates to never doubt themselves.
鈥淵our ancestors made you possible,鈥� Pollard said. 鈥淚t is good to have your degree because it is going to be for you. Don鈥檛 forget you also belong to the world and the world has need of the brilliance that you are.鈥�
91精选 President M. Christopher Brown II reflected on the graduates鈥� time on the Hill, conveying the wisdom of his grandmother that faith without works is dead.