Page 37 - Alcorn Magazine - Spring, 2019

Christy Pickering
2018 Spring
Commencement Convocation
Scholars and family members gathered together at Alcorn State University to celebrate the culmination of their academic journeys.
e university held the 2018 Spring Commencement Exercise on Saturday, May 5, in the Davey L. Whitney HPER Complex. Christy Pickering, a member of the Mississippi Board of Trustees of the State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL), delivered the keynote speech.
Pickering began by speaking to the students about taking the initiative and being persistent in their search for a successful career.
“Persistence pays o ,” said Pickering. “I encourage all of you to stay active. Choose to remain productive, and go after the career you desire. Don’t ever give up. Step outside of your comfort zone and do the unexpected. Introduce yourself to companies and give them your resume. at persistence will get you far in the workplace.”
After stressing the importance of being persistent, Pickering encouraged the new alumni to identify their passion. She said that being passionate would ensure career success.
“Wherever you go, make sure that you love what you do. Find your passion. When you nd what you love doing, there is no
holding you back. e satisfaction of doing what you love is the key to your success. ose who are passionate about their job are the most successful.”
Pickering concluded her speech by motivating the scholars to nd their purpose in life while helping those in need.
“Find your purpose, because it will be the reason why you get out of bed every morning. Knowing your purpose and taking a leap of faith to ful ll it is the most important thing you can do. Pay it forward by giving to others without expecting anything in return.”
In his nal commencement closing remarks as Alcorn’s president, Alfred Rankins Jr. praised the graduates for their accomplishment and encouraged them to continue their pursuit of excellence.
“I wish you all the success in the world,” said Rankins. “You have the essential tools to be successful, and that is your earned degree from Alcorn State University.”
Emotions were high during the ceremony. Yneka Myers, who earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology, showed appreciation for her journey. She said that becoming a graduate of Alcorn is a dream come true.
“I am so excited about earning a degree from Alcorn,” said Myers. “I’ve been challenged and had to overcome obstacles, but those challenges made me a better student and a better person. I can proudly say that, after four years, I am an Alcorn alumna.”
Earning a bachelor’s degree is not only a milestone for Raymond Banks, who earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communication, but it also a monumental achievement for his family, as he became the rst person in his immediate family to graduate from college.
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BRAVES ON THE YARD