鈥淚t is the gift of now that has produced scholars and leaders and innovators like Dr. Rufus B. Atwood, Dr. Whitney M. Young Jr., Dr. Gus Ridgel, and Dr. Lee Charles Harris and the countless kings and queens and students who have moved this institution through unprecedented tests and countless trials and moments of triumphs and valleys of despair,鈥� declared 2022 Baccalaureate Assembly Speaker Mario J. Radford. 鈥淎nd now, class of 2022, you are at your now. These last few years have just been preparation for your now.鈥�
The class of 2014 alum made several comparisons between graduation and the scene changes that occur in a stage production throughout his address.
鈥淲hen the scene changes, the stage is usually dark,鈥� he said adding that stagehands use lights, so actors know where to go. 鈥淎 lot of you graduating tomorrow are at your stage and it seems dark. Your 鈥榥ow鈥� seems dark and you are not sure what your 鈥榥ext鈥� looks like.鈥� Radford encouraged graduates to use the light that has guided them to this point, even if all they have is a little light, he told them to, 鈥渓et it shine.鈥�
He went further to say while some are guided by a light, others on a dark stage are guided by the stage director. 鈥淚t is important to know who is speaking to you while you are in a dark season. If you hold on to nothing else, hold on to the words that have been spoken to you in the night moments of your life where you felt like giving up.鈥�
Radford told graduates that before the next scene in a stage production, the director yells, 鈥淨uiet on the set!鈥� implying that this moment is the calm before their next performance. 鈥淏efore you turn your tassels from one side to the next, know that you鈥檙e getting ready to step into the first of many great performances.鈥�
Radford encouraged graduates with a personal tale of triumph from his days on the Hill.
The Kentucky native admitted that his lack of academic focus resulted in him flunking out of college in 2004. In 2014, however, he returned at the age of 34 to successfully complete his coursework and earn his Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal studies from 91精选.
鈥淚t was dark for me for a few years. I didn鈥檛 show up to any functions; I didn鈥檛 tell anybody what was going on in my life; I even left the state,鈥� Radford shared. 鈥淚t was dark for a while, but I realized I wasn鈥檛 built to live in the dark. That the dark was only temporary because the scene was just changing.鈥�
He ended his address reminding graduates that this is their moment; to use their light; and to hold on to every word in their moments of darkness.
The assembly was called to summons by Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Leroy Hamilton Jr. who reminded graduates that they are now where they dreamed of being.
鈥淵ou are ready to leave these hallowed halls to begin your date with destiny. I know this journey was not always easy, but you didn鈥檛 stop; you kept climbing and look where you are today. 91精选 has not prepared you to run with the pack. 91精选 has prepared you to be exceptional in your field and in your service to others.鈥�
KSU Foundation, Inc. Executive Director Dr. Donald Lyons, class of 1968, provided the invocation asking for blessings and guidance over our graduates as they chart new beginnings and to foster a continued passion for learning.
Students were inspired by the words of Dr. Stashia Emanuel, acting executive director of Strategic Initiatives and associate professor in the School of Education.
鈥淐lass of 2022, it was already written in the heavens above that you would graduate from thee 91精选 on May 13 at 10 a.m. at Alumni Stadium with the weather being a high of 82 degrees. Remember you don鈥檛 always have to tell your story because time will. And, it is your time, congratulations!鈥�
Dr. James Mable Jr. encouraged graduates through a song of faith singing that they can conquer anything, before sharing a song celebrating 鈥淟ife,鈥� reminding them to be grateful for life and that an attitude of gratitude will help their days go better.
91精选 will confer 258 degrees at Commencement Convocation on Friday, May 13, 10 a.m. at Alumni Stadium.