2009-2010 commencement program
DESCRIPTION
Edward Waters College 2009-2010 Commencement Program.TRANSCRIPT
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To Our Guests
2010 1866
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
L a n e , D e c a t u r , G e o r g i a 3 0 0 3 3 - 4 0 9 7 ;
telephone number 404-679-4501).
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The History of Edward Waters College
2010
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.
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 21st
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
2010 1866
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 in-
dustry partnerships. Become productive in building your respective communities such that peo-
ple 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.
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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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 administra-
tion, 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,
Bishop McKinley Young
Chairman, EWC Board of Trustees
Chairman of the Board of Trustees
2010
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Honorary Degree Recipient Commencement Ceremony 2010
2010 1866
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.
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 Han-
nibal; two sons-in-law, Walter Reed and Cecil Hannibal; and two grandchildren, Walter A. Clyburn Reed and Sydney
Alexis Reed.
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Commencement Ceremony
2010
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
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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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.
Commencement Ceremony
2010 1866
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Candidates For Degrees
2010
BACHELOR OF ARTS CRIMINAL JUSTICE
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+
BACHELOR OF ARTS ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
LaTonya Hankins+
Toran Lott+
Bobby Rivers+
Yvonne Taylor-Jones
BACHELOR OF ARTS MASS COMMUNICATIONS
Ra’Shamel Alvarado+
Nashira Butler
RaeShawn A. Hall
Gabrielle Pitt
BACHELOR OF ARTS MUSIC
Drickus Horne
Derek T. Nicholas
Latasha R. Perry
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
Nyja Brown
Terrance Johnson
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
degree.
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2010 1866
BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Triana Albert+
Charles Christopher+
Rondez Dennis
Yeisha Forbes
Farah Jeanty
Amber Lee
Kenneth Martin, II
LaTeena Moore
Nadens Madeus
Ernest Wade
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 BIOLOGY
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 SCIENCE MATHEMATICS
David Hunt**
Natasha Lero^
Kyle Loftin+
Astrel Moise
Marcella Ridgel
Marquinta Ridgel^
Demetrice Thomas
+ Completed degree requirements in Fall 2009
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
degree.
HONOR CORDS KEY ***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”)
Candidates For Degrees
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2010
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 estab-
lished 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 col-
lege. 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 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 corre-
spond 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 Maize
Arts, Letters, Humanities White
Business, Accountancy, Commerce Drab
Dentistry Lilac
Economics Copper
Education Light Blue
Engineering Orange
Fine Arts, including Architecture Brown
Forestry Russet
Journalism, Communications Crimson
Law Purple
Library Science Lemon
Medicine Hunter Green
Music Pink
Nursing Apricot
Oratory (Speech) Silver Gray
Pharmacy Olive Green
Philosophy Rich Royal Blue
Physical Education Sage Green
Public Administration includes Foreign Service Peacock Blue
Public Health Salmon Pink
Science Gold
Social Work Citron
Theology, Divinity Scarlet
Veterinary Science Gray
2010 1866
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2010
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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2010 1866
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
Dr. Rosa Simmons
Mrs. Esther Snowden
Mr. Charles Spencer
Dr. Suzan Armstrong-West, Faculty Representative
Mr. Melvin Cotton, Student Representative
Ms. Marguerite Warren, National Alumni President
Board of Trustees
15
2010
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
MUSIC
Mrs. Barbara McNeely-Bouie, Choir Director
Omar Dickenson, Organist
BRASS ENSEMBLE
Cliff Newton, Trumpet
Brian Urso, Trumpet
Bill Thomas, Trombone
Marc Dickman, Trombone
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ALL HAIL THE POWER
OF JESUS’ NAME 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.