To Our Guests Welcome to Edward Waters College’s Commencement Exercise. Commencement, the solemn but joyful climax and recognition of the graduates’ years of study, is an important and meaningful occasion for the College, its faculty, staff, alumni, students, and their families and friends. In keeping with this view, all guests and participants are requested to avoid talking or moving about during the exercise. Only authorized press and college photographers are permitted on the floor to take pictures once commencement is in progress. As the procession enters, the audience should rise and remain standing until after the invocation. Please hold applause for graduates until all candidates have returned to their seats. Accreditation Edward Waters College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097; telephone number 404-679-4501).
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The History of Edward Waters College Edward Waters College is the oldest Historically Black College and the oldest private college in the State of Florida. Following the Civil War, Presiding Bishop Daniel Alexander Payne of the African Methodist Church, sent the Reverend Charles H. Pearce, presiding Elder of the A.M.E. Church, to Florida (1865) to establish the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Reverend Pearce, observing fast-paced social and political changes of the reconstruction era, immediately observed the need for an educated ministry and recognized that no provisions were made for the public education of newly emancipated Blacks in the State. Accordingly, and aided by the Reverend William G. Steward, the first A.M.E. pastor in the State, he began to raise funds to build a school which was established in 1866 and eventually evolved as Edward Waters College. Florida’s State Legislature chartered Brown Theological Institute in January 1872. Construction of the first building was undertaken in October 1872 on ten acres of land in Live Oak. Further support for this new educational institution came from numerous friends including railroad magnate General M.S. Littlefield, State Treasurer, Simon Conaber, and Lieutenant-General William Gleason. In 1892, the school's name was changed to Edward Waters College in honor of the third bishop of the A.M.E. Church. In 1901, the city of Jacksonville was destroyed by fire and Edward Waters College was reduced to ashes. In 1904, the Board of Trustees purchased the present site of the school on Kings Road with the imperative from Bishop M. B. Salter that Edward Waters College must be rebuilt. Under the continued visionary leadership and direction of great Bishops of the A.M.E. Church and energetic and focused presidents, Edward Waters College continues to experience the triumphs that only a rich history provide. Its twenty-eight presidents include many academic and religious notables including one of the founders of the national fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma. Today, Edward Waters College offers a rigorous, relevant and cutting edge liberal arts curriculum. As a co-educational liberal arts college where 56.4% of the current student population is made up of males, we value a liberal education that is grounded in the examination of a diversity of ideas, events, and experiences. As we continue to educate young men and women, the goal is to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to achieve professional and personal success in a 21st century global society.
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In June of 2007, Dr. Claudette H. Williams began her tenure not only as the twenty-eighth president of Edward Waters College, but the first female president in the college’s history. According to Dr. Williams, “As a 21 st Century institution, our vision for sustaining excellence and ethics through unity of purpose, integrity and effectiveness practices will be realized as we produce graduates who will fill the gaps in our local, national and global economies. This is a vision that must be embraced as we step out into a bold new world ready to reinvent ourselves to meet 21st Century needs.”
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Office of the President May 1, 2010 Dear Edward Waters College Class of 2010: Congratulations Graduates! You have reached a most important milestone in your personal and professional lives. While you may feel that you are at the end of your educational experience, the word “commencement” actually implies that you are beginning. Our distinguished faculty has certified that you have demonstrated the requisite knowledge, skills, and dispositions appropriate for the degree you receive today. Now you must begin to show the world what you have learned at Edward Waters College (EWC). I encourage you to pursue your professional goals with pride, knowing that you have been trained academically, physically, and spiritually to meet the demands of the 21st Century work environment. From your first day on our historic campus through today’s benediction, know that our resources, services, and programs have all been focused on ensuring that you graduate well-equipped and well-informed. We entreat you to never forget the invaluable investment that EWC has made in you. In order for EWC to continue in its critical mission, you must play a role in sustaining its legacy. Become model employees and entrepreneurs such that we can strengthen our business and industry partnerships. Become productive in building your respective communities such that people will ask about your training and think favorably of us. Become active and contributing alumni such that we will always know how you are doing and that we know you value what we are doing.
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On behalf of the Board of Trustees, and the entire faculty, staff, and alumni of Edward Waters College, I honor your work, resilience and dedication in reaching this laudable goal. Accordingly, I formally extend a well deserved congratulations to you and your families on this day of new beginnings. As the Alma Mater suggests, please continue to think of us “when you leave these sacred walls.” Congratulations and may God continue to bless you and keep you! Best Regards,
Claudette H. Williams, Ed.D. President
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Chairman of the Board of Trustees April 9, 2010 Dear Graduates: The members of the Board of Trustees join me in these expressions of congratulations and commendations for all of you at your commencement in May 2010. Edward Waters College is proud of you and your achievement. We are most especially pleased to salute our distinguished President, Dr. Claudette H. Williams, the capable administration, competent faculty, loyal staff and all support persons for their hard work and dedication in providing an environment which cultivates excellence and ethics in teaching and learning and preparing our students for a life of service and sharing. We wish for Dr. Williams everything of the best in her new role of Vice President at the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). We proudly welcome the Honorable Sheriff Nathaniel Glover, a distinguished alumni, as our Interim President. Your families and communities have made many sacrifices and provided much support and encouragement for you to satisfactorily complete the requirements for a college degree. You should forever thank Almighty God and EWC. Remember, you must never forget the bridge which brought you over to this success. Mrs. Young joins me in wishing you the best of everything for your unlimited futures. Grace and Peace,
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Bishop McKinley Young Chairman, EWC Board of Trustees
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Honorary Degree Recipient Commencement Ceremony 2010 Congressman James E. Clyburn Congressman James E. Clyburn is the first South Carolinian and second African American to serve as Majority Whip in the U.S. House of Representatives. On November 16th, 2006, the House Democratic Caucus unanimously elected him to the third ranking position in the House, and he continues to serve in the post that is responsible for ensuring there are enough votes to pass the legislative agenda in the Congress. His humble beginnings as the eldest son of an activist fundamentalist minister and an independent civic minded beautician grounded him securely in family, faith and public service. He was elected president of his NAACP youth chapter when he was 12 years old. As a student leader at South Carolina State College he participated in many marches and demonstrations, and was chosen as the star witness in a 1960 Orangeburg civil disobedience case. That case developed from the arrest of 388 college students -- two of whom were Jim and Emily England of Moncks Corner, South Carolina, whom he met during that incarceration. Jim and Emily have been married since June 24, 1961. They began their personal and professional lives together in Charleston, South Carolina, he as a history teacher and she as a librarian in the public school system. Jim later served as an employment counselor, and director of two youth and community development programs. In 1968, he became director of a migrant and seasonal farm workers program. Jim launched the pursuit of his lifelong dream to become an elected official in 1970 running for the South Carolina House of Representatives. He went to bed a 500-vote winner, and awoke a 500-vote loser. His measured reaction to the loss caught the eye of the newly elected governor, John West. He asked James, whom he dubbed "Jim," to join his administration making him the first African American advisor to a South Carolina governor since post Reconstruction. After almost four years on his staff, Governor West appointed Jim South Carolina Human Affairs Commissioner. It was a position he would hold for almost 18 years earning Jim a reputation as a fair and firm mediator and consensus builder. But when he ran for South Carolina Secretary of State in 1978 and again in 1986, his lifelong dream continued to elude him.
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In 1992, Jim resigned his position as Human Affairs Commissioner to run for the United States Congress -- where no black South Carolinian had served since 1897. This time he won the primary with 56 percent of the vote and easily won the general election for South Carolina’s Sixth Congressional District. Jim was sworn in as a member of the United States House of Representatives in January 1993. Congressman Clyburn was elected Co-President of his freshman class, and six years later, he was chosen unanimously as Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. In 2002, he was elected in a three-way race to serve as Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, and in January 2006, his peers elevated him to Chair of the Caucus. In addition to serving as House Majority Whip, Congressman Clyburn also serves as leader of the House Democrats’ Faith Working Group. The Clyburns have three daughters, Mignon, Jennifer Clyburn Reed, and Angela Clyburn Hannibal; two sons-in-law, Walter Reed and Cecil Hannibal; and two grandchildren, Walter A. Clyburn Reed and Sydney Alexis Reed. 6
Commencement Ceremony PRESIDING Claudette H. Williams, Ed.D. President, Edward Waters College PRELUDE ………………………...……………………………………………………….Omar Dickenson Organist, EWC Class of 2004 PROCESSIONAL* …………..…... “Pomp and Circumstance”…….......................... arr. by James Ployhar Omar Dickenson, Organist POSTING OF COLORS*..…………………………………………………U.S. Army Recruiting Company Jacksonville, Florida PRAYER OF INVOCATION*……………...…………….……..……..……... Rev. Dr. D. Lovett Sconiers Chaplain HYMN OF PRAISE*………...…..“All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”..…..…..……..… Edward Perronet [Tune: Diadem] Mrs. B. McNeely-Bouie, Choir Director GREETINGS FROM THE STATE OF FLORIDA……………..The Honorable Anthony “Tony” Hill, Sr. Florida State Senate GREETINGS FROM THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE………………………………... Ms. Kerri Stewart Chief Administrative Officer, City of Jacksonville THE ANTHEM ………….. …….….…. “Festival Sanctus” ……………………….……….… John Leavitt Edward Waters College Concert Choir INTRODUCTION OF THE SPEAKER……….....……….…………………The Honorable Corrine Brown U.S. House of Representatives
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COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS…………………. …………….……….The Honorable James E. Clyburn Majority Whip of the U.S. House of Representatives THE GOSPEL …………....………… “For Every Mountain” …………...………….…..………. Kurt Carr Dr. Eurmon Hervey, Soloist Edward Waters College Concert Choir SPECIAL RECOGNITION………………………………………………………………….....Dr. Williams PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATE FOR HONORARY DEGREE………………...……………………..……………...… Dr. Bertha D. Minus Vice President for Academic Affairs
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Commencement Ceremony CONFERRING OF HONORARY DEGREE……….....………………………….…..………. Dr. Williams Doctor of Humane Letters Honoris Causa The Honorable James E. Clyburn PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES FOR GRADUATION…………………………...……………………..……………………….… Dr. Minus CONFERRING OF DEGREES………….……………..………………………….…..………. Dr. Williams CHARGE TO THE GRADUATES..…………..………………………………….….…………Dr. Williams ACCEPTANCE OF THE CHARGE……………………………………...………..…………Dalisa Abdalla Vice-President of the Class of 2010 INDUCTION OF GRADUATES INTO THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION……….……………………..………………Ms. Marguerite Warren President, National Alumni Association ALMA MATER*………………….………………………………………………………..............Audience BENEDICTION*..……………………………..…………..….......................................... Rev. Dr. Sconiers RECESSIONAL* ..……...….……...“War March of the Priests”.............................................. Mendelssohn [from Athalia] arr. by E. Pauer *Audience Standing
Acknowledgements The Commencement Committee thanks the Office of Academic Affairs, Ms. Dadra Driscoll, and the Ricoh Printing Company, for aiding in the production of today’s program. The Commencement Committee also thanks Mr. Lindsey Barnette and Dr. Sabrina Edwards and the staff of the Registrar’s Office and President’s Office; Dr. Phyllis Walker, Senior Class Sponsor and the College’s Physical Plant Services departments. Special thanks to the Edward Waters College Concert Choir, and participating musicians. Special thanks and appreciation goes to Mrs. Denise Adams and Thompson Hospitality for the Commencement Breakfast and Dinner.
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Candidates For Degrees BACHELOR OF ARTS
BACHELOR OF ARTS
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
MUSIC
LaQuanda Alston+ Brittney Benford Carrie Billings-Washington** Steven Braddy Brittney Burns Jeralnesha Coleman+ Darren Gardner+ Artesia Graham Ikarl Albert Leslie Terrell Lewis Kimberly Lincoln Travis Madison Joseph Minnis+ SharVegas Moore* Teiura Quick Rubbenz Richards Jessica Scott Jamara C. Stephens Tasha C. Thomas Quntavious Walker Urhonda Williams-Gadson James Woods+
Drickus Horne Derek T. Nicholas Latasha R. Perry
BACHELOR OF ARTS ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
LaTonya Hankins+ Toran Lott+ Bobby Rivers+ Yvonne Taylor-Jones
BACHELOR OF ARTS PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Samuel A. Crawford John L. Hinson Rosaland Itson+ BACHELOR OF ARTS POLITICAL SCIENCE
Lauren Carroll Atem DaHajhock Clarissa Salés BACHELOR OF ARTS PSYCHOLOGY
Dametria Blassingame Jamica Butler Dekevia Cole Shakeela Cooley^ Melvin Cotton* Lyndia Jacques Sean Thompson BACHELOR OF ARTS SOCIOLOGY
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Nyja Brown Terrance Johnson
BACHELOR OF ARTS
MASS COMMUNICATIONS
Ra’Shamel Alvarado+ Nashira Butler RaeShawn A. Hall Gabrielle Pitt
Appearance of a name in this program is presumptive evidence of graduation, but it must not in any sense be regarded as conclusive. The certified diploma of the College, signed and sealed by its proper officers, remains the official testimony of the 9 degree.
Candidates For Degrees BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
BIOLOGY
Triana Albert+ Charles Christopher+ Rondez Dennis Yeisha Forbes Farah Jeanty Amber Lee Kenneth Martin, II LaTeena Moore Nadens Madeus Ernest Wade
Dalisa Abdalla* Talisha Avant Guethleen Azimyt Rickell Brookins Josica Dines Christopher L. Donald Edwin Green Claudia Joseph Latehia Merritt Danielle Singleton Sean Thompson
BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Bryan Jones+** Davon Symonette BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT
Dewnesha Bobo+ Nicole Bryant Gloria Calvy-Scott Sharonda Davis Dennis Lofton Davina Martin Patricia McGeathey+ Elijah Robertson Sabrina Shipp+ Cynthia Simpson+ Rose Priscilla Smith
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE MATHEMATICS
David Hunt** Natasha Lero^ Kyle Loftin+ Astrel Moise Marcella Ridgel Marquinta Ridgel^ Demetrice Thomas + Completed degree requirements in Fall 2009
HONOR CORDS KEY
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***Summa Cum Laude Gold Cord (3.8 No grade lower than “B”) **Magna Cum Laude Purple Cord (3.5 No grade lower than “C”) *Cum Laude Orange Cord (3.2 No grade lower than “C”) ^Honors White Cord (3.0 No grade lower than “C”)
Appearance of a name in this program is presumptive evidence of graduation, but it must not in any sense be regarded as conclusive. The certified diploma of the College, signed and sealed by its proper officers, remains the official testimony of the 10 degree.
ACADEMIC REGALIA The history of academic regalia dates back to practices of Medieval European Universities of the 14th Century. The academic regalia of the scholar for both student and teacher was the dress of a cleric. The gown and its attached hook served the dual function of keeping the students warm in unheated buildings and identifying the particular order to which the student belonged. Modern academic costume in the United States is based upon an intercollegiate code established in 1895. These early agreements have been revised periodically to cover standardization to the cap (two basic styles), the gown (three basic styles), and the hood (subject to greater variation than either cap or gown).
THE GOWNS The gown is commonly black, differing according to the level of the degree. The bachelor’s gown is relatively simple in design. It is full-cut, falling in a straight line from an elaborate yoke with long pointed sleeves as its distinguishing mark. Gowns representing the master’s and doctor’s degree vary in style. The master’s gown has long closed sleeves, which extend below the knees. The doctor’s gown is an elaborate, full-cut, flowing costume distinguished by velvet panels down the front and around the neck and by three bars on the voluminous bell-shaped sleeves.
THE HOODS Traditionally, the hood’s silken linings have been the color of the wearer’s university or college. The color of the bordering velvet indicates the special area of study. The length of the hood worn for the bachelor’s degree must be three feet, for the master’s degree three and one-half feet, and for the doctor’s degree, four feet. The hood worn for the doctor’s degree only shall have panels at the sides.
THE TASSEL
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The tassel should be black or the color appropriate to the subject, with the exception of the doctor’s cap that may have a tassel of gold. A long tassel is to be fastened to the middle point of the top of the cap only and to lie as it will thereon. Tassels on the “mortarboards” tams correspond in color to the velvet borders of the hoods.
THE COLLEGE MACE
The mace is the official symbol of the College’s power and authority. The ceremonial mace is a highly ornamented staff of metal and wood, carried before a procession on formal academic occasions by a mace-bearer, intended to represent the official’s authority.
THE PRESIDENTIAL MEDALLION
The ceremonial medallion is the official insignia of the College President, and is worn at commencement and other ceremonial occasions.
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COLORS For all academic purposes, including trimmings of doctor’s gowns, edging of hoods, and tassels of caps, the colors associated with the different disciplines are as follows: Agriculture Arts, Letters, Humanities Business, Accountancy, Commerce Dentistry Economics Education Engineering Fine Arts, including Architecture Forestry Journalism, Communications Law Library Science Medicine Music Nursing Oratory (Speech) Pharmacy Philosophy Physical Education Public Administration includes Foreign Service Public Health Science Social Work Theology, Divinity Veterinary Science
Maize White Drab Lilac Copper Light Blue Orange Brown Russet Crimson Purple Lemon Hunter Green Pink Apricot Silver Gray Olive Green Rich Royal Blue Sage Green Peacock Blue Salmon Pink Gold Citron Scarlet Gray
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GRAND MARSHAL Dr. Reuben Perechi FACULTY MARSHALS Dr. Joseph Kennedy Dr. Anita Mandal GRADUATES’ MARSHAL Mr. Lindsey L. E. Barnette TRUSTEES’ MARSHAL Dr. Nakamuthu Sundaralingam SPEAKERS’ MARSHAL Dr. Benjamin Okafor USHERS Edward Waters College Ambassadors Bernard Bethel Kobi Gainous Janice Campbell McKenndrick Pringley James Cook Richard Russ Letitia Crimes Richawn Russ Brittnee Davis Tamesha Snider Shammah Fuller COMMENCEMENT COMMITTEE Denise J. Adams Tommie Fox Edward Alexander Rosalind Lopez Lindsey L. E. Barnette, Co-Chair Dr. Bertha D. Minus, Ex-Officio Teri Burnette Dr. Grovenia Parker-Graham Bernard Chapple Anthony Rodgers Frederick Darby Rev. Dr. D. Lovett Sconiers Dr. Sabrina Edwards, Co-Chair Karen E. Smith Dr. James Ewers, Ex-Officio Dr. Phyllis Walker Linda Foster
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Board of Trustees Bishop McKinley Young, Chairman Dr. Orrin Mitchell, 1st Vice Chairperson Attorney Doug Milne, 2nd Vice Chairperson Dr. Claudette H. Williams, President Rev. Jimmie Keel, Secretary Attorney Willie Gary Dr. Freddie Groomes-McLendon Mr. Charles Jackson Mr. Tyron Johnson Rev. Carlton Jones Mr. Ted Pappas Mr. Jimmie Scott Mrs. Lovie Scott
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Mrs. Esther Snowden Mr. Charles Spencer
Dr. Suzan Armstrong-West, Faculty Representative Mr. Melvin Cotton, Student Representative
Ms. Marguerite Warren, National Alumni President
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EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT Dr. Claudette H. Williams President Dr. Eurmon Hervey Executive Vice President Dr. Bertha D. Minus Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. James Ewers Vice President for Student Affairs & Enrollment Management Mr. Randolph Mitchell Acting Vice President for Business and Finance NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Marguerite Warren, President Juliette Fields, Vice President Linda Sue Holmes, Treasurer Jackie Nash, Recording Secretary Claudette Epps, Financial Secretary Levi Bell, Parliamentarian Evangelist Carrie DeJounett, Chaplain, Eric Johnson, Director of Public Relations Geraldine Orr, Director of Event Planning & Logistics Malachi Beyah, Director of Endowment & Fundraising Roy Singleton, Jr., Ed.D., Editor-in-Chief, The Tiger’s Claw
2010 MUSIC Mrs. Barbara McNeely-Bouie, Choir Director Omar Dickenson, Organist BRASS ENSEMBLE Cliff Newton, Trumpet Brian Urso, Trumpet Bill Thomas, Trombone Marc Dickman, Trombone 15
ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS’ NAME
ALMA MATER In the town of Jacksonville, Stands our college dear Where our founding fathers, planned for future years. Strove to educate our youth, and inspire our lives Edwards Waters hail to thee, may you never die.
by. Edward Perronet
All hail the power of Jesus’ name, Let angels prostrate fall, let angels prostrate fall; bring forth the royal diadem, and crown Him, crown Him, crown Him, crown Him, and crown Him Lord of all.
Dear old Edward Waters, you’re the world to me. Dear old Edward Waters, you will always be A guide to lead me onward, everywhere I go. I’m always thinking of you as I move about your halls. I’ll still be thinking of you, when I leave these sacred walls. Dear old Edward Waters, you’re the world to me.
Ye chosen seed of Israel's race, ye ransomed from the fall, ye ransomed from the fall, hail Him who saves you by his grace, and crown Him, crown Him, crown Him, crown Him, and crown Him Lord of all. Sinners, whose love can ne'er forget the wormwood and the gall, the wormwood and the gall, go spread your trophies at His feet, and crown Him, crown Him, crown Him, crown Him, and crown Him Lord of all.
Alumni Oath of Allegiance I, (state your name), agree to uphold and honor the principles, mission and vision of Edward Waters College. I promise to be an active member of the Edward Waters College National Alumni Association and will continue the tradition of providing recognition, leadership and service. I pledge my support to remain connected and active through fundraising, encouraging donations and recruiting students. I will uphold the constitution of the alumni association and represent Edward Waters College to the best of my ability.
O that with yonder sacred throng we at His feet may fall, we at His feet may fall! We'll join the everlasting song, and crown Him, crown Him, crown Him, crown Him, and crown Him Lord of all.
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