WSSU celebrates its largest spring graduating class in a decade
Winston-Salem State University graduates were encouraged May 15 to walk confidently, trust themselves and live with purpose and integrity during Spring 2026 Commencement Exercises in Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
An estimated 905 students – the largest WSSU spring graduating class in more than a decade – received their diplomas in a festive ceremony that lasted three hours and began with a powerful invocation from the Rev. Dr. Herbert Miller II, senior pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Winston-Salem.
WSSU Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Stevie L. Lawrence presided.
“Today marks a significant milestone and the beginning of a new chapter, not just for our graduates but for an institution that is rising to meet this moment with them,” Lawrence said. “Commencement is a significant occasion that gives us the opportunity to celebrate those who have realized our motto, ‘Enter to Learn. Depart to Serve,’ and who will serve their professions, communities, the nation and the world.”
Chancellor Bonita J. Brown announced special guests.
“I, too, am delighted to welcome you today on behalf of the entire Ram community,” Brown said. “This is the first commencement since WSSU launched its strategic vision, ‘We are Rising.’ The graduates crossing this stage today are its first living proof, and that makes this a hallmark occasion.”
Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines spoke after Brown.
“Our 256,000 citizens have hosted you for the past four years, maybe five years, whatever it took, and you’ve made our community a better place,” Joines said. “You brought unity, culture, athletics and a homecoming parade that may be the best in the country. We wish you the very best as you go forth in the next chapter of your life. Don’t ask what the world needs, but rather ask what makes you come alive, then go out and do that and come alive.”
Other speakers included Joel Ford, a member of the University of North Carolina System Board of Governors, who presented the UNC Award for Excellence in Teaching to Associate Professor of Religious Studies Dr. Eric Gréaux; and Brent Moore, chairman of the Winston-Salem State University Board of Trustees.
Moore cautioned graduates against thinking they won’t face challenges because they hold degrees. “No one’s going to hand things to you,” Moore said. “But I can guarantee you this: Your character, armed with this degree from Winston-Salem State University, will take you farther than talent alone ever could.”
Student Government Association President Maliyah S. Winters and Senior Class President Christian X. White were applauded loudly before they spoke.
“Today, we stand in the moment that many of us dreamed of,” said Winters, a business administration major from Raleigh. “We are resilient, determined and stronger than we ever knew.”
Winters thanked her mother during her remarks. “Your sacrifices and prayers have carried me,” she said. “This degree may have my name on it, but your fingerprints are on every part of this journey.”
White, an economics major from Greensboro, told his classmates WSSU has prepared them to face challenges.
“Walk boldly, walk joyfully and walk like you have purpose,” White said. “Walk like your ancestors … Walk like you belong in every room because you absolutely do.”
The ceremony featured special recognition of seniors Devin Cunningham and Ja’Moya Blue, both of Charlotte.
Cunningham graduated Magna Cum Laude with a 3.7 GPA, was a four-year student-athlete, president of his fraternity, the only WSSU student selected for the Wake Forest Pre-Law Summer Program and will enter Elon University’s School of Law as a Dean’s List Scholar this fall. “Devin, you are ‘We Are Rising,” Brown said.
Blue, selected as a NextGen Scholar, will enter Brown University’s Master of Biostatistics program on a full tuition scholarship this fall. “What distinguishes Ja’Moya is not only her achievement but also her grace – celebrating her peers while awaiting her own moment,” Brown said. “Ja’Moya, you combine qualities this institution prides itself in developing.”
Degrees were awarded posthumously to Kharis McGhee and Quentin Glass.
Shortly before commencement ended, Courtney D. Gardner and Jayla A. Warren were commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army Reserve and active-duty U.S. Army, respectively.
Javonna Derricott traveled from Norfolk, Virginia, with close friend Claudette Henderson to celebrate her nephew, Jonathan Derricott, who graduated with a degree in business administration. His mother and two older siblings are also WSSU graduates.
No matter where they traveled from, attendees at WSSU’s commencement appeared to relish the moment. Smiles, hugs, shouts of joy and tears filled the venue, while many people wore T-shirts proudly displaying photos of their graduating loved ones. Graduates, in turn, adorned their caps with scriptures, photos and messages of gratitude.
Jasman Spates, a psychology major, had colorful flowers and “Granny I Did It” on her cap.
“I put a message to my grandmother on my cap because I have three kids, ages 10, 9 and 2, and me getting this bachelor’s degree required her to help me out with my children,” Spates said. “Without her, I really couldn’t have done it at all.”
Graduates also used their stoles to make statements.
“I wore this to represent how important it is to get an education,” Christian Macdonald, a business administration major from Charlotte, said of his stole which read, Educated Black Man. “Being a Black man in America you can be looked down upon, but getting this education I know is a gateway to many more opportunities.”
