The academic year of 2023-2024 culminated Saturday, May 5th, when 70 odd recipients of the Associate of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Social Work, and, for the first time in the history of the institution, Master of Business of Administration degrees joined the ranks of approximately 7,000 Livingstone College alumni.
The 142nd Commencement Ceremony of Livingstone bid adieu to the class of 2024 in Bishop James Varick Auditorium.
Presiding the thirteenth president of Livingstone College, Dr. Anthony J. Davis, stated, “We are gathered today because you made up your mind; no one and nothing would hold you back. We are here because you did it . . . Somehow, some way, you navigated a Covid-19 pandemic. You represent a group that endured, emerged, and escaped. Somehow, you made it . . . This is a day of celebration. This is a day of elevation. This is the day the Lord hath made, and we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
As the crowd collectively sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” Bishop Dennis V. Proctor, Presiding Prelate of the Northeastern Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, led the Invocation, asking God to bless the assembly and the graduates for insight, hindsight, and foresight while acknowledging the raining weather as a metaphor of dewdrops of mercy that fall on believers each day. Board of Trustee Bishop Hilliard B. Dogbe, Presiding Prelate of the Western West Africa Episcopal District, followed with a New Testament reading referencing Philippians 4: 4-9.
Attendees were greeted by the senior bishop of the AME Zion Church and chairman of the Board of Trustees Presiding Prelate of the Eastern North Carolina Episcopal District, Kenneth Monroe, who welcomed attendees to the commencement of the greatest institution in the world. “Livingstone College is a place that makes leaders, and I trust as these new graduates embrace their call to service, they will lead this country.” Faculty Assembly President Dr. Da’Tarvia A. Parrish challenged graduates to embrace their new beginning and move on to issues of the mosaic world, and lastly, Student Government Association President Mr. Matthew G. Clinton challenged his class to “Take pride in how far you’ve come and have faith in how far you can go.”
Under the direction of Christopher Gray, the Livingstone College Gospel Choir warmed the audience with two selections as the commencement speaker (Dr.) Maurice L. Coleman declared, “We are here today because we have decided to go far together.” Coleman referenced the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as an example of strides made in American history when unity and equity were the goals. “We must keep pushing,” said Coleman.
In essence, the Tax Credit Syndication and Investment Executive at Bank of America’s message to graduates paralleled his passion and work within the corporate sector. His address reflected his work in the field as he provided an illustration of his personal background, stating, “Make your passion your paycheck and live your purpose.” He informed graduates, “Need is the mother of creativity. We need new school innovation with old school spirit.”
Additionally, Coleman challenged each graduate to work hard at their passion and purpose. Coleman avidly left the graduates with resounding advice: “Life is 20% of what happens and 80% of how you respond. Hard work beats talent when talent decides not to work hard. The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is one word. Go the extra mile.”Class Valedictorian Collin Dewitt Goodloe addressed the body, reminding the Class of 2024, “We are resilient, we are relevant, we are ready for the world.”
Honorary degrees were awarded to Maurice L. Coleman, the Right Reverend Kenneth Monroe, Alumnus Dr. Willie J. Tabor 71’, Presiding Elder of the Asheville, North Carolina District in the A.M.E. Zion Church, Reverend Herbert Grant, and Presiding Elder of the Hartford District of the New England Conference in the Northeastern Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Zion Church, Reverend Moses Harvill.
After conferring degrees and recognizing Golden and Silver Graduates, President Davis stated to the Class of 2024, “You don’t have next. You have now. Why be good when great is possible?”
Service concluded with attendees in collective song to the college’s alma mater, My Livingstone and Bishop Darryl B. Starnes, Presiding Prelate of the Piedmont Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church closed with the Benediction.
Silver graduate Keisha Gatling said, “It feels great to be back at my alma mater to witness the progress and pride. From new graduate programs to building renovations, Livingstone College was in 1999 and is now a great place to be.”
Attendees recessed to “Trumpet Voluntary D Major” tuned by the college’s organist, Dr. Lawrence Quinnett.
