Unshakeable Truths Inspire NCCU’s Largest-Ever Fall Graduation

Human connection still matters. That was one of three "unshakeable truths" shared by Anne Sempowski Ward, chairwoman of CURiO Brands, during her speech to graduate and professional students at North Carolina Central University(NCCU) during its 146th commencement exercises on Dec. 12, the largest fall class in the history of the university

"Our world is crying out for leaders who are connected, compassionate, courageous and capable of critical thought," Ward said. "To propel our world forward you must lead with purpose, include the forgotten and speak the unspoken, both individually and collectively. No matter your field or how technology evolves, people will always matter."

Ward's next truth was that good soil enables greatness to take root.

"If we were farmers like our ancestors, to have a good harvest, the first thing one must know was to understand the quality of the soil," she said. "Know that you are and have been sitting in exceptional soil. What has been cultivated in you will last a lifetime. It also means you must become good soil for others. You can now be a source of nourishment for other through your knowledge, advice and expertise to the greater good."

Her final unshakeable truth was that someone is always watching you.

"You are now role models, light bearers, truth tellers and proof of what is possible," said Ward. "To earn a graduate or professional degree, puts you in rarified air. To whom much is given, much is required. When you believe in yourself, others take notice. They see you take a road less traveled, manage hard times with grace and bring light in dark times. Trust me, they remember."

She added, "Stop. Take in what you have accomplished. Sometimes we can get so busy chasing the next that we forget the now."

Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon underlined that thought.

"Reaching this moment took years of discipline, sacrifice and unwavering focus," Dixon said. "It represents more than an academic achievement."

Among the graduates were two who earned doctorates in integrated biosciences.

The dissertation of Jeffrey Shipman is "Mechanisms for vaping-dependent pulmonary inflammation." The dissertation of Ezekiel Wamble is "Exploring the impact of inflammation and immune function."

NCCU also conferred two posthumous degrees in honor of students whose lives and legacies continue to uplift the Eagle community.

Kelly Bryant, Master of Library Science, left a lasting impact through her humility, service and global learning. Joshua Tillman, Master of Public Administration, inspired peers through leadership, compassion and commitment to community and economic development.

Baccalaureate

Rob Robertson, a former NFL fullback for the Baltimore Ravens and an executive in the financial services field for more than 24 years, opened his talk to baccalaureate students with an old saying.

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me," he said, adding, "That is a bald-faced lie."

Robertson wrote a memoir titled "Persevering through Purpose," which is partially about how one's circumstances should never dictate one's destiny. He speaks from experience as his mother died when he was ten and his grandmother raised him.

"Never say what you can't do," said Robertson repeatedly, using the statement like a chorus in a song. "Your thoughts become things, and your words create the world."

He spoke of keeping a positive attitude. "Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I respond to it," Robertson said. "We have a choice every day for the attitude we will have that day."

He offered graduates seven "plays" for life:

• Take meaningful risks
• Never stop learning.
• Avoid possibility amnesia.
• Build a purpose-driven network.
• Lead with integrity. Never prostitute your character.
• Fight for equal access and justice.
• Pick the words for your life.

Degrees and Community Service

There were 742 graduates at the 146th commencement exercises at NCCU. Those include:

• 2 doctorates
• 14 Juris Doctorate (law)
• 234 master's degrees
• 492 bachelor's degrees

Of the graduates, 639 were from North Carolina, 23 from Maryland, 19 from South Carolina, 12 were from Virginia, 11 from Georgia and eight from Washington, D.C.

Undergraduates collectively engaged in 29,687 hours of community service, valued at an estimated $994,242.

View photos from the 146th Commencement Exercises and the class infographic here.