10th Winter Commencement of Livingstone College

Livingstone College hosted its 10th Annual Winter Commencement on Friday, December 8, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. in Bishop James Varick Auditorium, recognizing graduates who earned an Associate’s of Science in Culinary Arts; a Bachelor of Arts in English, Liberal Studies, Music, Psychology and Sociology; a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, Hospitality Management, Sport Management, a Bachelor of Social Work; and honoring three champions of change, each of whom received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree.

As official stage guests and graduates processed to Edward Elgar’s tune, Pomp and Circumstance played by the college’s chair of music, Dr. Lawrence Quinnett, 13^th President Dr. Anthony J. Davis opened the program with a heartfelt welcome reciting “Somebody Said It Couldn’t Be Done,” a poem by Edgar Albert Guest. As he shared with those present his ordained journey to the presidency of Livingstone College, Davis remembered, “I sat in the seats you’re sitting in 2001.”

Board of Trustee member, Bishop Eric Leake who also serves as presiding prelate of the Southwestern Delta Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Zion Church, provided the Invocation, as a collective selection, Lift E’vry Voice, followed; and Rev. Dr. Dwayne Anthony Walker, chaplain for the college’s Board of Trustees rendered Romans 8:28-39 as the ceremony’s scripture.

Bishop Darryl B. Starnes Sr., vice chairman of the college’s Board of Trustees and presiding prelate of the Piedmont Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Zion Church greeted attendees referencing the lifetime graduation experience while extending salvation, as president of the Faculty Assembly Dr. Da’Tarvia Parrish charged the Class of 2023 to remember their irrepressibility as a Livingstonian. The final platform of greetings concluded with 95^th SGA president Matthew Clinton who congratulated his peers on their academic journey.

Choral selections by both the Concert and Gospel Choirs filled the audience’s hearts as commencement speaker, Dr. Steve Perry stated, “I came here for a graduation, but this is a revival.” Perry, educator, and founder of Capital Preparatory Schools encouraged graduates to celebrate acts great and small. He stated, “I thank each of you for taking what has been given to you and turning it into this day. In our community, you do not earn it alone. Join me in celebrating those folks who supported you whether they are here in spirit or body.”

Perry who recognizes the strength in community challenged graduates to think collectively. Perry stated, “Getting there by yourself, leaves you by yourself. Instead of wasting time trying to impress people with who you are, make a difference in the people who helped you to get there.” He continued, “Some people poured all they had in you because they saw something in you, they wish they had in themselves. They need you to make a difference. A degree does not make you better than anybody. It makes you a better somebody.”

Following Perry’s inspiring reckoning, he along with president and CEO of The Annie E. Casey Foundation Lisa M. Hamilton, and Grammy-nominated Stella Award-winning Gospel Artist Brian Courtney Wilson, underwent honorary degree conferrals. The newly minted Dr. Brian Courtney Wilson sang his hit recording, Waiting, that followed with Dr. State Alexander, vice president of Communication and Public Relations, recognizing special guests who included Salisbury City councilman Harry McGlaughlin, Mayor Barbara Mallett of East Spencer, members of the A.M.E. Zion Church and more.

President Davis, vice president for Academic Affairs Dr. Dawn McNair, and the college’s Registrar, Wendy R. Jackson, facilitated degree awards to the undergraduates who celebrated in their unique ways, highlighting their personal affiliations and accomplishments while crossing the stage. Following, president of the Livingstone College National Alumni Association (LCNAA) Bruce Stanback officially inducted the graduates in LCNAA as members.

Songstress Virginia Rush sang, How Great Thou Art, and President Davis followed with his official charge to the graduating class, stating, “You don’t have next. You have now,” while explaining the need for quality educators, social workers, don’t have next. and more. “It is today that our best work can be done,” Davis continued. “Why be good if great is possible? You are the sons and daughters of the stone who affirmed that no matter how dark the night is, we believe in the coming of the morning. What are you going to do with it now?”

The collective stood to sing My Livingstone, the college’s alma mater, and Bishop Brian R. Thompson, presiding prelate of the Western Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Zion Church and member of the college’s Board of Trustees, provided the Benediction.

Sport Management graduate Devon Drakeford of Charlotte, North Carolina, stated, “I simply feel good about today. I was able to serve the college as the mailroom director while earning my degree. Overall, I learned a great deal, met great people, and made great connections. I thank Livingstone College for what they’ve done for me, and most of all, the magnificent celebration today was truly a culmination of what you can expect to experience, whether a student or employee at Livingstone College.”