B-CU Spring Commencement Honors Nearly 350 Graduates

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Bethune-Cookman University honored nearly 350 graduating students at the 76th Spring 2019 Commencement on Saturday, May 11, 2019. The revelry of families outside the Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center embodied the fruition of generational hopes and dreams. Faculty and staff joined with hundreds of family members and friends to celebrate this milestone achievement.

Attorney Benjamin Crump gave the keynote speech at the 9 a.m. ceremony where he charged graduates to be courageous and relentless in their pursuit of social justice, “If we don’t save ourselves, who will?” he asked, as he shared the essential values of hard work and perseverance.

Attorney and alumna Johanna LeBlanc, delivered the 3 p.m. keynote. LeBlanc, a self-described internationalist, shared the history of Haiti’s fight against colonialism contrasted with the current-day political climate urging graduates to embrace their role as global citizens. LeBlanc shared highlights from her personal journey as a first-generation college student and immigrant at B-CU, and the success she has achieved because of B-CU, while urging them to view their diploma as a jump drive on which they would store their future achievements.

Both Crump and LeBlanc were awarded honorary degrees. As Interim President Hubert L. Grimes, Esquire, reflected on his role during what would be his last commencement, he noted that the success of graduates reaching this pivotal moment in their development made his calling to serve in the interim capacity both memorable and immensely worthwhile.

Click here to watch the commencement ceremonies.

Troy LyleMay 13, 2019Comment