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More than 500 graduates were granted degrees during the 153rd Commencement at Lincoln University on Sunday. National award-winning journalist Roland S. Martin (left), the commencement speaker, challenged graduates to go forward from Lincoln University with no fear.
Martin, the host of Washington Watch on the TV ONE network and a regular CNN contributor, began his commencement address by naming several individuals who in past generations stood up for a cause. He then said that the one thing that is usually not discussed about these ground-breaking individuals is their absence of fear. Martin encouraged the graduates to have that same no-fear commitment.
“Are you willing to allow someone else to define you based upon a stereotype, or are you willing to step out in this world and look it in the eye and challenge it and say, ‘I’m willing to be a difference-maker for the next generation?’”
Martin told the Lincoln Class of 2012 that while doing so may be uncomfortable, it is far better than doing nothing.
“We have to have no fear to also challenge status quo,” said Martin, who is a staunch supporter of education. “And when I say challenge status quo, it might mean we’ve got to have the guts to even look at our own family members who are not holding up their responsibility.”
Martin concluded his remarks by saying that in order to survive in today’s world, one must have no fear in every facet of their lives.
“Be unapologetic in terms of your faith,” said Martin. “Be unapologetic in terms of being a man or a woman, and be unapologetic about being a graduate of an HBCU.”
Honorary degrees were bestowed upon three individuals, Frank Carlos Gihan, a 1972 graduate of Lincoln University; Clarence B. Jones, a noted scholar and former legal counsel to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; and Dr. Violet J. Plantz (posthumous), a longtime professor in the Lincoln Master of Human Services program.
Class valedictorian, Jolie Ann Wax, drew a loud response when she closed her valedictory speech by saying, “Today I am proud because I am graduating from the best university this country has to offer.”
In his charge to the graduates, Lincoln University President Robert R. Jennings encouraged a life of service and to seek the help of others. “Life is a team sport,” said Jennings.
Earlier in the day, Dr. Jack Evans, Sr. (left), the president of Southwestern Christian College, delivered the sermon at the baccalaureate service, held in Lincoln’s International Cultural Center.
Evans based his address on a question asked by the Apostle Peter to Jesus in reference to the John as recorded nearly 2,000 years ago, “Lord, and what shall this man do?” Evans, speaking about both men and women, said this same question still resonates today, and is being asked with the same sincerity, even though times have changed dramatically. Evans presented several questions that each person must consider on a personal basis.
“Will this man who is graduating today be a part of the future problems of the world, or will he be a part of the solution?” asked Evans. “Will this man be on the way with the good men in the future who want to make the world better, or will he be in the way of the spiritual and moral progress that the world must make if it is to be saved from self destruction?”
Evans closed his remarks by encouraging the graduates to choose roads that lead to abundant living.