The 85th Annual Honors Convocation was held in the Oakland Memorial Chapel on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
The program recognized Dean’s scholars who achieved a grade point average between 3.5-3.99 and President’s scholars who earned a grade point average of 4.0 for the Spring and Fall semesters of 2023. These students received certificates after their names were called.
Student Government Association (SGA) President, Jordan Buck, welcomed family, friends, and students who came together to support academic excellence. Dr. C.J. Rhodes, Director of Alcorn’s Religious and Student Life, gave the invocation at the program. He shared with the audience why it is important to honor high-achieving students.
“To celebrate the main reason that students are here, which is to get an education, and to do it well, is a great thing for the University to do,” said Dr. Rhodes.
The program showcased the Deans representing their respective departments while Dr. Wandra Arrington, Director of the Myrlie Evers-Williams Honors Program, presided over the event.
The program featured musical selections from the Alcorn State University (ASU) Concert Choir and the Women’s Ensemble with Tony Gordon as the accompaniment. The Braves Battalion with Lieutenant Colonel Jackey Fortenberry, Chair/Professor of Military Science, posted the colors.
The keynote speaker at the event was Alcorn State’s Dean of Nursing, Dr. Shirley Evers-Manly, who spoke in place of her family member, Reena Evers-Everette. Dr. Arrington, Dr. Monica H. Burr, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science, and Lljuna Weir, Director of Educational Equity, Inclusion and Diversity, assisted in awarding student certificates, medals, and sweaters.
“I looked up in the balcony and I saw nothing but people standing all around the Chapel, and I know Hiram Revels would be proud,” said Weir.
The President’s scholars who earn a 4.0 grade point average in two consecutive terms as a Junior and/or a Senior in any degree program at the University, with an overall grade point average of 3.5 or above, received a certificate and a sweater. The scholars who receive a 4.0 for a third consecutive term will receive a certificate and a medal.
Over 500 students at Alcorn were on the President’s or Dean’s List for the 2023 academic school year.