Thursday, May 12, 2022 class of celebrating the
Thursday, the Twelfth day of May Two thousand and twenty two Delaware State University 1200 North DuPont Highway Dover, Delaware 19901 desu.edu 2022
Congratulations to the graduating class!
Table of Contents Message from the President........................................................................................4 Keynote Speaker........................................................................................................5 The AlmaCommencementCommencementAdministrationTrusteesLetterUniversityUniversityUniversityHistory2022Program..............................................................................................................6DegreeCandidates.............................................................................................8oftheUniversity..........................................................................................12ataGlance..............................................................................................13Mace.......................................................................................................14BibleandChainofOffice........................................................................15fromtheAlumniAssociation.......................................................................16oftheUniversity.........................................................................................18oftheUniversity..............................................................................18Committee...................................................................................19Notations.....................................................................................19MaterandAlumniOath..................................................................................20
Over the last challenging years, we have learned together, and we— the faculty, staff, and leadership of this incredible institution—thank you for your patience, hard work, and dedication. We know that there are a myriad of ways to serve, many of which we cannot even imagine. We also know that you will take the lessons symbolized by your degree to find your place of usefulness and honor in the world— as professionals, as parents, and as citizens of our global community. Take heart; know for sure you are prepared for it all.
2022 Graduate Commencement
TonyTogether.Allen, Ph.D. President
As each of you breaks from our student ranks to join the broader legion of alumni, know that “Hornet Pride” travels with you as you go, wherever you go. New adventures await, but always remember that Delaware State University alumni are as committed to reaching beyond the self to serve as they are to fulfilling their own dreams. And no dream is beyond your capacity!
We have arrived at a joyous season…one in which you will be graduated from the most substantively diverse, talented, and passionate community in the national higher education landscape— your Delaware State University. This moment is yours. Revel in it—in your job well done, in the joy of friends and family, and in the pride associated with genuine and complex achievement. You have earned it!
“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” Congratulations and remember . . .
Graduates:
Message6 from the PresidentDelawareStateUniversity
Ceremony
The eleven-year deal will introduce an additional game into the regular season but also provide players with their guaranteed highest share of NFL revenue in history. He also led the negotiations to create comprehensive COVID-19 protections and protocols for his membership, obtained comprehensive testing and opt out provisions for players and designed the return to play agreements that secured NFL players being paid their full salary for the season despite a projected $3 billion revenue shortfall for the NFL in 2020. The NFL was able to play an entire season, playoffs, and Super Bowl LV in Tampa Bay, Florida, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr. Smith is a sought-after motivational speaker for corporations, labor unions, and charities, and a guest lecturer and distinguished speaker on college campuses around the country on the topics of leadership, ethics, sports law, and high-stakes negotiation.
On August 4, 2011, Smith signed an historic 10-year Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with NFL management, leading the players through the owners’ 132-day lockout. The two Collective Bargaining Agreements remain the longest standing agreements between labor and management in any sports league. Prior to his post at the NFLPA, Smith was an Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Columbia and was Counsel to then-Deputy Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr. Smith served as a Partner in the international law firms of Latham & Watkins, LLP and Squire Patton Boggs, LLP, in Washington, D.C. where he represented corporations, boards of directors and senior executives in civil and criminal matters.
DeMaurice Fitzgerald Smith is the Executive Director of the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA), the Labor Union for Players of the National Football League (NFL). He was reappointed to his fifth term as Executive Director in fall 2021.
Smith, a native Washingtonian, resides in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area with his family.
Graduate Commencement Speaker 7Delaware State University 2022 Graduate Commencement Ceremony
DeMaurice Fitzgerald Smith
In March 2020, he successfully negotiated his second long-term Collective Bargaining Agreement with the National Football League.
Executive Director of the National Football League Players Association
8 2022 Delaware State University 2022 Graduate Commencement Ceremony The OpeningProgramRemarks Dr. Saundra DeLauder Provost and Chief Academic Officer Invocation Rev. Pamela Adams Director of Spiritual Life and University Chaplain Presentation of Colors Delaware State University Honor Guard The National Anthem “The Star-Spangled Banner” by Mr. Francis Scott Key Performed by Delaware State University’s Approaching Storm Marching Band and University Choir Musical Selection “The Word Was God” by Dr. Rosephayne Powell Performed by Dr. Derrick Thompson and University Choir Welcome Remarks Dr. Tony Allen President Chair’s Remarks Dr. Devona E.G. Williams Delaware State University Board of Trustees, Chair Introduction of the Dr. Tony Allen Keynote CommencementSpeaker Address Mr. DeMaurice Fitzgerald Smith Executive Director of the National Football League Players Association
9
Musical
Arranged by Delaware State University Band Director
Voice-over Talent: Mr. Marty Denson, Instructor Ms. Renee Marine, Assistant Professor Ms. Ava Perrine, Instructor Mass Communications, Visual and Performing Arts
Induction
Conferring
Alma
Mr. Terry Bankston, Director of Career Services of Degrees Dr. Tony Allen of Graduates into Ms. Leah Williams ’15 ’16
Performed by Mr. Elijah August ’23 and Members of the Music Program
ClosingAssociationRemarks
Lyrics by Ms. Pauline Williams LeCompte ’26 Music by Mr. Alexis F. Lvov (1799-1870)
Ms. Dionne Williams from the Student Leadership Graduate Student Association, President Neuroscience Ph.D. Program Selection “Total Praise”
Rev. Pamela Adams Director of Spiritual Life and University Chaplain Mater
Mr. Sidney Sessoms
Candidates
Performed by Dr. Derrick Thompson and University Choir, Mr. Sidney Sessoms and Concert Band of Dr. Tony Allen for Degrees Dr. Patrice Gilliam-Johnson, Dean School of Graduate, Adult and Extended Studies
Benediction
Presentation
Delaware State Song “Today”
Class Challenge and Remarks
Delaware State University Delaware State University Alumni Association, President Alumni Dr. Tony Allen
University 2022 Graduate Commencement Ceremony Musical Selection Original
Dissertation: Servant Leadership, Effects on Mentoring in Higher Education and Faculty in the Northeastern United States: A Comparative Case Study Analysis Advisor: Dr. Nirmaljit Rathee
Advisor:
Dissertation: Work-Life Balance as a Predictor of Higher Education Learning Satisfaction for Single Mothers in Doctorate Degree Programs: A Phenomenological Study Advisor: Dr. Richard Phillips Mark James | Educational Leadership (EdD)
Dissertation:
Dissertation: Critical Examination of Inequities in High Stakes Collegiate Football: A Meta-Synthesis of Recruitment, Finance, and Administrative Relationships of Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletics and the National Collegiate Athletic Association Advisor: Dr. Chetanath Gautam Marvin Jones | Educational Leadership (EdD)
Dissertation:
Graduate
Advisor:
Educational Leadership (EdD)
Schentel Jones | Educational Leadership (EdD)
10 Delaware
Dissertation:
Karen Holland | Educational Leadership (EdD)
Dissertation: A Phenomenological Study of the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Minority High School Seniors’ College Readiness Advisor: Dr. Nirmaljit Rathee and Dr. Richard Phillips
Advisor:
Through
Dissertation:
Academic
Dissertation: No Great Principal, No Great School: A Phenomenological Study of Principal Turnover Advisor: Dr. Richard David Phillips
Advisor:
Dissertation: Examining the Impact of Supportive Relationships in Facilitating African American Males’ Success in College Advisor: Dr. Richard David Phillips Class of 2022 State University 2022 Graduate Commencement
Quiana Hutchins | Educational Leadership (EdD)
Justin
Dissertation:
School of Graduate, Adult and Extended Studies
Jacqueline Griffith |
Advisor:
Linguistically
Dr. Patrice Gilliam-Johnson, Dean Candidates for Doctorate of Education Degree Alexander | Educational Leadership (EdD) Transforming Learning: Improving Culturally & Diverse Student Engagement and Retention Culturally Responsive Pedagogy Dr. Chetanath Gautam Tameca Beckett | Educational Leadership (EdD) Collaboration Between PK-12 Public and Librarians: Improving the Information Literacy Gap Among Incoming High School Seniors and College Freshmen Dr. Joseph Falodun Jessie Cathey | Educational Leadership (EdD) A Comparative Case Study Analysis of the Increase of Student’s Mental Health Crisis on College Campuses: Factors, Impact, Responses, and Resources Dr. Chetanath Gautam Jaracus Copes | Educational Leadership (EdD) A Grounded Theory Study from the Perspective of New Teachers on Their Preparedness to Teach in At-Risk Schools in the United States Dr. Joseph Falodun Neisha Coursey | Educational Leadership (EdD) Socialization and Student Expectations Affecting Retention of First-Year College Students: A Comparative Case Study Analysis Dr. Joseph Falodun
Ceremony
Jose
Candidates for Doctorate of Philosophy Degree Alcantara
| Mathematics and Physics (PhD) Dissertation: Magnetohydrodynamics Stokes Flow Around a Magnetic Obstacle Using Chebyshev Pseudospectral Method Advisor: Dr. Dawn Alisha Lott Taposh Biswas | Mathematics and Physics (PhD) Dissertation: Semantic Tissue Identification and Quantification in Radiological Imaging using Multi-Atlas Segmentation Advisor: Dr. Sokratis Makrogiannis Joshua Patterson | Applied Chemistry (PhD) Dissertation: GPS vs MAP: Utilizing Computational Chemistry to Treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease Advisor: Dr. Cherese Winstead Onyekachi Williams | Mathematics and Physics (PhD) Dissertation: A Study of Automated Live Cell Tracking and Performance Evaluation Advisor: Dr. Sokratis Makrogiannis Candidates for Master of Arts Degree Catrina Cosey Tch Engl. As Second Lang. Onyai’ Glover TESOL/Bilingual Education Nicholas Porter TESOL/Bilingual Education Candidates for Master of Education Degree Melayna Hall Educational Leadership Joena Henry Educational Leadership Diamond Lee Educational Leadership Gregory Long Educational Leadership Candidates for Master of Business Administration Degree Dannielle Allen Business Administration Dachaun Clyburn Business Administration Dwight Deloatch Business Administration Lucy Ebanja Business Administration Lashaunda Gainey Business Administration Stephen Gardner Business Administration Pearl Harris Business Administration Malik Henry Business Administration Olamide Laosebikan Business Administration Natoya Manning Business Administration Caitlyn Menard Business Administration Cierra Mingo Business Administration Luna Mishoe Business Administration Malcolm Quallo Business Administration Shereen Winfield Business Administration Candidates for Master of Public Administration Degree Quadia Ameen Public Administration Eva Anambo Public Administration Kharmon Anderson Public Administration Ramon Apellaniz Public Administration Bryce Applewhite Public Administration Jerry Chapusette Public Administration Sydney Curtis Public Administration Aje English Wynn Public Administration Erin Gordon Public Administration Mark Henderson Public Administration Randa Henry-Jenkins Public Administration Precious Igwebuike Public Administration Aishona Jackson Public Administration Dukens Jean-Marie Public Administration Taylor Lee Public Administration Darielle Lemon Public Administration Ayanna Lyons Public Administration Delonte’ Neal Public Administration Jalissa Pollard Public Administration Cassandra Richardson Public Administration Melissa Shaw Public Administration Heting Wang Public Administration Wesley Wootten Public Administration William Young Public Administration Delaware State University 2022 Graduate Commencement Ceremony
11 Lisa Lancaster | Educational Leadership (EdD) Dissertation: Exploring the Relationship and Perception Between Planning and Training for Incidents at Institutions of Higher Education from the Perceptive of Campus Public Safety Administrators: A Phenomenological Study Advisor: Dr. Richard David Phillips Michele McIntosh | Educational Leadership (EdD) Dissertation: Analyzing the Impact of Professional Dispositions of Nurse Educators on Motivating and Retaining Black Male Nursing Students to Diversify the Healthcare Nursing Workforce Advisor: Dr. Nirmaljit Rathee Elizabeth Stewart | Educational Leadership (EdD) Dissertation: Student Affairs Administrators’ Perspectives on Servant Leadership Impacting Students’ Success at Historically Black Colleges & Universities in the Mid-Atlantic Region Advisor: Dr. Richard David Phillips Travis Sudler | Educational Leadership (EdD) Dissertation: Sacred Identity: A Qualitative Study of the African American Classification Within the United States and its Impact on the Education System Advisor: Dr. Chetanath Gautam Amber Ward | Educational Leadership (EdD) Dissertation: An Examination of Institutional Support for Adjunct Faculty Development at Historically Black Colleges and Universities: A Phenomenological Study Advisor: Dr. Richard David Phillips Timothy Yancy | Educational Leadership (EdD) Dissertation: Systemic Racism as an Element of African American Students’ Decision Making While Choosing a Historically Black College and University over a Predominately White Institution: A Comparative Case Study Analysis Advisor: Dr. Nirmaljit Rathee
12 School of Graduate, Adult and Extended Studies Dr. Patrice Gilliam-Johnson, Dean Candidates for Master of Science Degree Al Alexis Physics Gerald Amobi Sport Administration Yue An Applied Optics Siara Bey Sport Administration Abigail Buckwalter Nursing Sonja Cartwright Nursing Amber Conyers Mol. & Cell. Neuroscience Evan Courtney Sport Administration Tyler Cunningham Sport Administration Valerie Davis-Marcozzi Nursing Samantha DeLong Sport Administration Matthew Derks Sport Administration Christina Epps-Chiazor Sport Administration Mohana Gadde Natural Resources Eunice Gyambibi Nursing Kaylynn Hall Nursing Sydney Hall Environmental Science Daije Harris Sport Administration Dennis Hawkins Sport Administration Mark Herron Sport Administration Mariline Hilaire Agriculture Tamieka Jackson Sport Administration Kevin Kapushinski Sport Administration Ivan Keene Sport Administration Nicole Kleponis Natural Resources Myriam L. Kouemo Deumaga Food Sci. & Biotechnology Iris Leder Sport Administration Corey Loper Sport Administration Andrew Martin Environmental Science Amelia Mazza Biology Ayasha McGhee Nursing Amir McNair Mol. & Cell. Neuroscience Jasmine Melgoza Nursing Ashley Merritt Sport Administration Memory Nakazwe Natural Resources Philippe Nziza Computer Science Kimberly Powell-Maull Nursing Mauricio Pulido Physics Steven Reuter Sport Administration Donte Rolley-Williams Sport Administration Katarzyna Rosikon Mol. & Cell. Neuroscience Lindsey Safian Nursing Tabitha Scheibe Nursing Zachary Tyler Applied Optics Ryan Willey Physics Zichao Yu Sport Administration Candidates for Master of Occupational Therapy Talia Baderian Occupational Therapy Sawyer Berrie Occupational Therapy Sarah Bowers Occupational Therapy Elena Brown Occupational Therapy Russita Buchanan Occupational Therapy Dominique Carpio Occupational Therapy Francis D’Alessandro Occupational Therapy Danielle DeFeo Occupational Therapy Lauren Ebling Occupational Therapy Lauren Esser Occupational Therapy Jessica Felton Occupational Therapy Christian Fernandez Occupational Therapy Gabrielle Ferrara Occupational Therapy Ashley Girard Occupational Therapy Paige Grosso Occupational Therapy Joseph Gundel Occupational Therapy Atavia Hammond Occupational Therapy Megan Jerome Occupational Therapy Lauren Kesecker Occupational Therapy Jenna Lipinski Occupational Therapy Joseph McCool Occupational Therapy Dana Mowbray Occupational Therapy Michael Nelson Occupational Therapy Jacqueline Pierson Occupational Therapy Ashley Priante Occupational Therapy Kelsey Ryan Occupational Therapy Andrew Schmeusser Occupational Therapy Alexis Shallcross Occupational Therapy Jonathan Shellem Occupational Therapy Alyssa Sherr Occupational Therapy Justin Sorrell Occupational Therapy Kyle Swanson Occupational Therapy Kelly Szczecinski Occupational Therapy Teaghen Vogelsang Occupational Therapy Andrea Zlinsky Occupational Therapy Delaware State University 2022 Graduate Commencement Ceremony
13Delaware State University 2022 Graduate Commencement Ceremony Candidates for Master of Social Work Degree Anna Adams Social Work Rosemary Ahenkorah Social Work Logan Anderson Social Work Jahmi Bailey-Green Social Work Erin Battle Social Work Dellie Belton-Nichols Social Work Quanisha Best Social Work Rosanna Biondolillo Social Work Courtney Blacha Social Work Deja Blackwell Social Work Carleigh Bodin Social Work Michaela Bressi Social Work Cathy Brown Social Work Christine Bryant Social Work Jada Carwell Social Work Bernadette Cawlo Social Work Channel Chaplin Social Work James Clark Social Work Fatmata Bridget Coomber Social Work Amanda Cousin Social Work Alexus Dover Social Work Shannon Drejka Social Work Siobhan Dupree Social Work Jada Dural Social Work Jade Eaddy Social Work Whitney Earle Social Work Kendall Edelin Social Work Jessica Esham Social Work Courtney Everett Social Work Sherline Exantus Social Work Wale Falodun Social Work Rhonda Feaster Social Work Calondra Ferguson Social Work Veronica Flemmings Social Work Shaneka Flythe Social Work Teisha Fooks Social Work Latanya Gaskins Social Work Bridgette George Social Work Shakerra Glover Social Work Alayah Haney Social Work Leeann Harden Social Work Deitra Harper Social Work Sarah Holmes Social Work Michele Howard Social Work Devin Hunt Social Work Jason Hunter Social Work Emmanuela Ikechukwu Social Work India Isom Social Work Takina Israel Social Work Ayanna Jackson Social Work Aldwin James Social Work Chelsea James-Irving Social Work Stephanie Jarmon Social Work Amanda Kelley Social Work Africa Lancaster Social Work Shayla Lee Social Work Neckisha Leon Social Work Joy Lin Social Work Amber Maxwell Social Work Ahnrea McCaskill Social Work Tasha McCullough Social Work William McGovern Social Work Clifford McLeod Social Work Mariah Melendez Social Work Kimberly Menns Social Work Jennifer Montgomery Social Work Iyannah Moore Social Work Kayla Moore Social Work Lakedia Mumford Social Work Omar Nichols Social Work Gabriella Olivince Social Work Dahlia Palmer Social Work Jessica Partin Social Work Rocky Polite Social Work Angel Powell Social Work Ashley Powell Social Work Asia Price Social Work Justina Ramdat Social Work Jaden Raynor Social Work Janet Rivera Social Work Shalynn Rogers Social Work Raequan Rose Social Work Courtney Rush Social Work Sa’myia Salters Social Work Kyanna Sexton Social Work Caitlen Sissa Social Work Charley Smith Social Work Jesse Tallyen Social Work Sonya Tazewell Social Work Lajoy Thomas Social Work Romel Thomas Social Work Destiny Thomson Social Work Natosha Thorpe Social Work Tessa Tierson Social Work Doreen Tuete Social Work Chioma Uroegbulam Social Work Antoinette Valentine Social Work Ronique Walton Social Work Stacey Warren Social Work Rebecca Webb Social Work Quenayshia Wilson Social Work Salina Wilson Social Work Tianna Worsley-Bey Social Work Pinar Yanardag Kocabas Social Work Candidates for Master of Sport Leadership Kasey Fry Sport Leadership Austin Mangus Sport Leadership Michael Sabino Sport Leadership Joshua Short Sport Leadership
On July 1, 1993, Delaware State College turned another chapter in its history when Governor Thomas Carper signed a name change into law, thus renaming the College to Delaware State University. Since 1957, the University has grown in stature as a center for teaching, research and public service. The purpose of the University has broadened in keeping with changing times. While recognizing its heritage, the University is among the premier Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in the country, while serving a diverse student population. Undergraduate studies are organized into four colleges that contain a total of 17 academic departments, which offer 46 bachelor’s degrees, 21 master’s degrees and six doctoral degrees.
The Delaware College for Colored Students, now known as Delaware State University, was established May 15, 1891, by the Delaware General Assembly under the provisions of the Morrill Act of 1890 by which land-grant colleges for blacks came into existence in states maintaining separate educational Becausefacilities.there was already a private Delaware College (now the University of Delaware) located in Newark, Del., to avoid confusion new state legislation was passed and enacted in early 1893 to change the black school’s name to the State College for Colored Students. That would be the institution’s name for the next 54 years.
History of Delaware State University
In 1944, the College received provisional accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). In 1947, the name of the institution was changed to Delaware State College by legislative action. At the end of the 1951-52 school year, the High School Division was discontinued. In April 1957, the College was accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education in 1962, 1972, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002 and 2012 reaffirmed this accreditation. The University is fully approved by the Delaware Department of Education.
14 Delaware State University 2022 Graduate Commencement Ceremony
In the 1916-1917 school year, the Preparatory Department was phased out, a Model School was established, and a high school diploma was granted on completion of a four-year course of study. In 1923, a Junior College Division was added. Four-year curricula in the Arts and Sciences, Elementary Education, Home Economics, Agriculture and Industrial Arts were established in 1932. The College graduated its first class of four-year, baccalaureate degree candidates in June 1934.
Through the conservative and practical planning of the Board of Trustees appointed by Delaware Gov. Robert J. Reynolds, the College was launched upon its mission of education and public service on February 2, 1892. Five courses of study leading to a baccalaureate degree were offered: Agricultural, Chemical, Classical, Engineering and Scientific. A Preparatory Department was established in 1893 for students who were not qualified to pursue a major course of study upon entrance. A three-year normal course leading to a teacher’s certificate was initiated in 1897. The College graduated its first class of degree candidates in May 1898. The normal course of study (teacher education) was extended to four years in 1911 and the Bachelor of Pedagogy degree was awarded to students upon satisfactory completion of the curriculum.
The University’s Nursing Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN). The Social Work programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Most Teacher Education programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The Accounting, Economics, Finance, Management, Marketing, Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) and other Business Administration programs in the College of Business are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, International (AACSB). The HTM program is also accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA). The Law Studies program has American Bar Association (ABA) approval. The Coordinated Program in Dietetics is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The Master of Occupational Therapy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). Chemistry programs are approved by the American Chemical Society.
Core Values Community | Integrity | Diversity | Contemporary | Scholarship | Outreach The University at a Glance 46 undergraduate degree programs, 21 master’s degree programs and six doctoral degree programs Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), as well as accredited or approved by nine specialized academic agencies The William C. Jason Library houses more than 490,333 publications, including books, electronic materials, media materials and microbooks 210 faculty members | 17 academic departments 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio Total enrollment in fall 2022: 5,649 15 International Representation The Delaware State University Class of 2022 are from the following countries: ChinaCanadaBermudaBahamas SerbiaSaudiNigeriaNetherlandsArabia ThailandSweden Delaware State University 2022 Graduate Commencement Ceremony
As a result of its Presidents’ efforts, the University is well positioned to reach new levels of prestige.
Mission Statement
Delaware State University strives to become America’s most diverse, contemporary HBCU by expanding its capacity to provide a life-changing, high-quality, low-cost education to 10,000+ students; continuing our efforts to achieve R1 “very high research activity” status; and having a significant, measurable impact on the social, technological, and economic challenges that face our State, the nation, and the world.
Dr. Maurice E. Thomasson served as Acting President from 1949 to 1950 and from 1951 to 1953 Dr. Claibourne D. Smith served as Acting President from September 2008 to January 2010 Dr. Wilma Mishoe served as Acting President from January 2018 to June 2018
The University’s physical infrastructure has expanded from its 1891 beginning as a 100-acre property with three buildings to a beautiful 356-acre pedestrian main campus with more than 50 buildings and four outdoor athletic fields. The University also has locations in downtown Dover, Wilmington and Georgetown, DE, and two farm properties in Kenton and Smyrna, DE. The Airway Science Program maintains its fleet of planes and base of operation at the Delaware Air Park in Cheswold, DE, approximately five miles from the main campus.
Vision Statement
Rigorously leverage a proud HBCU legacy and commitment to excellence in every field of human endeavor to enhance the recruitment and preparation of talented professionals to contribute to a sustainable, global community.
The underpinning of the growth and development of Delaware State University has been the leadership of its eleven Presidents, including Wesley P. Webb (1891 – 1895), William C. Jason (1895 – 1923), Richard S. Grossley (1923 – 1942), Dr. Howard D. Gregg (1942 – 1949), Dr. Oscar J. Chapman (1950 – 1951), Dr. Jerome H. Holland (1953 – 1960), Dr. Luna I. Mishoe (1960 – 1987), Dr. William B. DeLauder (1987 – 2003), Dr. Allen L. Sessoms (2003 – 2008), Dr. Harry L. Williams (2010 – 2017), Dr. Wilma Mishoe (2018 – 2019) and Dr. Tony Allen (2020 to present).
The mace is a traditional symbol of authority which dates back to the Middle Ages. The use of ceremonial maces by education institutions began in the 17th century when Cambridge and Oxford universities in England adopted the mace as an emblem to be carried in ceremonial occasions. In keeping with the tradition of many colleges and universities in the United States that began using ceremonial maces in the 20th century, Delaware State University adopted the mace in 1963 as an emblem of authority to be used at especially significant University affairs. The Delaware State University mace was designed and constructed in 1963 by the late John McCollough, assistant professor of art education at the institution. At Commencement, the entry of the mace signifies the beginning of ceremony.the
The University Mace
The University Bible was presented to Delaware State College by the Class of 1942. It is located in the Office of the President. Chain of Office (The Medallion)
The concept of the medallion began in the biblical days as a symbol of authority. During the Middle Ages, the medallion signified membership in the religious orders and guilds and, later, in the elite order of knighthood or government office. It is customary today for medallions to be made for chancellors and presidents of universities to wear at Commencement and other academic events that require regalia. The University Medallion symbolizes the authority that the Board of Trustees entrusts to the President of Delaware State University.
Academic Heraldry
A time-honored tradition of great dignity, the wearing of academic apparel is a survival of the ecclesiastical garb of the late Middle Ages — in turn, a survival of still earlier civilian fashions. The academic gown, necessary for a scholar’s warmth, and the hood to protect his tonsured head were apparently first regularly adopted in the 13th century at the University of Cambridge (1294).
17Delaware State University 2022 Graduate Commencement Ceremony
University Bible and Chain of Office
The University Bible
Contacts: Dr. Marcia Taylor ‘84, Assistant Vice President, Office of Alumni Relations
Ms. Tanisha Baker ‘08, Director of Strategic Alumni Relations, Office of Alumni Relations
The Delaware State University alumni community congratulates you on the completion of your degree from our beloved alma mater. This is a great milestone that will set you on a trajectory for success. DSU alumni are ready to assist your transition into professional life. We look forward to engaging with you to keep the Hornet spirit alive world-wide. Here are several ways for you to stay connected to DSU after graduation.
Ms. Ursula Harvey ‘87, Internship Coordinator, DSU Career Services Ms. Tanisha Baker ‘08, Director of Strategic Alumni Engagement, Office of Alumni Relations
The Delaware State University Alumni Association (DSUAA) is an organization of DSU graduates and former students. The DSUAA exists to support DSU in its growth and quest for excellence. May 2022 graduates are being inducted into the DSUAA at Commencement with a free, one year membership. To get involved in national and local DSUAA events, visit the website at https://www.joinit.org/o/delaware-stateuniversity-alumni-association or email dsuaa@alumni.com.
Delaware State University Alumni Association (DSUAA)
DSUConnect.com is a platform for the University community and employers. Students, alumni, DSU campus organizations and academic departments also use it to organize, promote events, and stay connected. To set up your profile on DSUConnect.com for mentoring, networking, professional development, internships, and job opportunities, go to: https://dsuconnect.com/.
Dear DSU 2022 Graduate,
DSU Office of Alumni Relations
Mr. Duane Dey ‘87, Champion, DSU Connect
Contacts: Ms. Leah Williams ’15 ‘16, National President, DSUAA
We look forward to welcoming you back home at Homecoming ’22 on October 29, 2022. We invite you to volunteer to assist in planning this memorable event and other young alumni activities. We welcome your Withinvolvement.Hornet Pride Forever, Dr. Marcia Taylor ’84 Assistant Vice President Office of Alumni Relations Division of University Advancement
DSUConnect.com
Mr. Wesley Ridgeway ‘89, Vice President and Membership Chair, DSUAA
Contacts:
The Office of Alumni Relations provides opportunities for alumni to give back by volunteering their time, talent, and financial support to DSU. Please consider joining our young alumni planning committee to help others achieve their dreams of being a college graduate. To sign up for our monthly digital newsletter, In the Loop, send your personal email address to alumni@desu.edu. Our phone number is 302.857.6055.
Dr. Wilma Mishoe
Mr. John Ridgeway ’75, Vice Chair
Dr. Devona E. G. Williams, Chair
Dr. Irene Chapman-Hawkins ’14, ’19, Chief Administrative Officer, Vice President of Human Resources
Ms. Margie Lopez Waite ’90 Ms. Bernadette Dorsey Whatley
Mr. Leroy A. Tice, Esq. ’02
Mr. John J. Allen Jr., Vice Chair
Dr. Tony Allen, President
TRUSTEE EMERITI
PRESIDENT EMERITI
Dr. Vita Pickrum, ’16, Vice President of Institutional Advancement
Mr. Bernard Pratt, Associate Vice President of Facilities Management, Planning and Construction
Dean’s Council
Administrative Council
Dr. Stacy Downing, Chief Administrator, DSU Downtown Campus
Mr. Chip Rossi
Ms. LaKresha Moultrie, Esq., General Counsel, Chief Risk Management Officer
Dr. Michael H. Casson Jr., Dean, College of Business
Dr. Patrice Gilliam-Johnson, Dean, School of Graduate, Adult and Extended Studies
Ms. Lois M. Hobbs
The Honorable Norman D. Griffiths, Esq.
Dr. Gwendolyn Scott-Jones, Dean, Wesley College of Health and Behavioral Sciences
The Honorable Michael N. Castle
Ms. Tamara Stoner, University Secretary, Assistant Vice President of Risk Management
Dr. Tony Allen
20 Delaware State University 2022 Graduate Commencement Ceremony Trustees of the University
Ms. Jocelyn Stewart
Dr. Harry L. Williams
Dr. Debbie Harrington
Dr. Saundra F. DeLauder, Provost, Chief Academic Officer
Dr. A. Richard Barros, Esq.
Mr. Darrell McMillon, Vice President of Information Technology/ Chief Information Officer
The Honorable Harold Stafford
President, Delaware State University
Mr. Antonio Boyle, Vice President for Strategic Enrollment and Student Affairs
Dr. Dawn Mosley ’20, Senior Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communication
Dr. Akwasi Osei, Interim Dean, College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences
Dr. Cherese Winstead-Casson, Dean, College of Agriculture, Science and Technology
Dr. Wilma Mishoe
Ms. Esthelda Parker Selby ’69
TheEX-OFFICIOHonorable John Carney, Governor of the State of Delaware
Mr. Anas Ben Addi, Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer
Dr. Claibourne D. Smith
Mr. Cleon Cauley Sr., Esq., Chief Operating Officer
Ms. Jackie Griffith, Vice President of Government and Community Relations
Ceremonies, Events and Commencement
This
Dr.
’14, ’19,
Downing Ms.
Dr. Irene Chapman-Hawkins Chief Administrative Officer, Vice President of Human Resources, Chair Francine Edwards, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Co-Chair Aleasha Dorsett, MPA, Director of University
Ms.
our
Elliott Dr.
Dr.
’13 Mr.
Commencement
Sgt. Gregory Michelle Matt Fortune Steve Girgis Jackie Griffith Joann Terry Jeffries Ann Knettler
Ms.
Ms.
Dr.
’20 Deputy Chief Joi Simmons Dr. Marcia Taylor ’84 Dr. Derrick Thompson Ms. Rhonda Thompson Ms. Andrea Wilson Mr. Robert Zipp Mr. Terry Bankston Dr. Brody Bluemel Dr. Kimeu Boynton ’97 Ms. Regina Cotter Ms. Jasmine Couch Mr. Marty Denson ’04 Ms. Diaese Graves ’13 Ms. Shenequa T. Harris Dr. Terrell Holmes ’17 Dr. Quiana Hutchins ’21 Mr. Zak Kimball Ms. Margaret Knowles Ms. Licelis Lamboy-Brewington Ms. Renee Marine ’20 Dr. Akwasi Osei Ms. Ava Perrine Mr. Bernard Pratt Mr. LaShawne Pryor Mr. Jeffery Revel ’15 Ms. Jennifer Rickard Ms. Nikita Robins-Thompson Dr. Gwen Scott-Jones ’97 Ms. Pia Stokes Ms. Marquita Thomas-Brown ’99 Mr. Russell Weaver Ms. Jordin Williams Ms. Stacey Winder Mr. Ted Yacucci Committee Chairs Committee Members 2022
Delaware State University ● 1200 North DuPont Highway ● Dover, DE 19901-2277 ● 302.857.6060 www.desu.edu Commencement Notations
Ms.
Fisher Mr.
As final action cannot always be taken by the time this program goes to press, the list of degree candidates and those receiving honors is tentative. The appearance of a student’s name herein or its absence does not necessarily mean that the student has or has not been awarded a degree from Delaware State University. The student’s transcript is the official record/documentation of the University. is a souvenir program. Any errors or omissions are inadvertent, and the University cannot be held responsible.
Committee
Special thanks to all of the individuals who assisted in making the May Commencement a memorable occasion for graduates and their families. Commencement is not possible without the selfless acts and commitment of the Delaware State University administration, faculty, staff and students.
Holmes Ms.
Mr. Devin Bonner Jasmine Buxton Stacy Charlisa Edelin
Alma Mater Hail, Alma Mater Thy children greet Thee Greet Thee with loyalty, love, strength and truth Here in Thine ancient halls O’er Thy plains so verdant Thou art our guide in the pathways of youth. From the broad world without Come Thy sons and daughters Bearing our laurels to lay at Thy shrine E’er shall we heed Thy call Ne’er shall we fail Thee Love Alma Mater, God Bless Thee and Thine Music: Alexis F. Lvov (1799-1870) Words: Pauline Williams LeCompte, Class of 1926 Alumni Oath “I solemnly promise...from this day forward...to be proactive...and positive. I will always lift the name...and support the mission...of my alma mater. I will forever point others...toward this place where they, too...may successfully prepare...to make their marks...on the world.”
