On Thursday, October 22, 2015 Alcorn State University held its 72nd Biannual Honors Convocation at 10:00 am at the Oakland Memorial Chapel on the Lorman Campus.
Alcorn State University Honors Convocation is a program held for students to embrace academic excellence in their undergraduate education. Students come to receive certificates, sweaters and medals in recognition of their scholarly achievements. During the Convocation there were 111 Presidential Scholars and 324 Dean’s Scholars being recognized.
Dr. Alfred Rankins, Jr. the 19th President of Alcorn State University gave empowering words to the honorees. “I am so proud of every last one of you sitting here this morning. Being here explains that you are serious about learning and receiving your education,” Dr. Rankins said. He explained how the students should help their peers if they are struggling with their academics, and to give them a push if they need it. President Rankins stated that he was glad and honored to be the leader of Alcorn State University and how excited he was to be attending the Convocation.
The speaker for the Honors Convocation was former Secretary of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and former member of the US House of Representatives from the 2nd District of Mississippi Mike Espy. Presently, he works as a private sector attorney with his own law and consulting firm. For his words of encouragement for the honorees Espy stated, “Giving up is not an option but working hard is the key.” In closing he gave his motto to the students, faculty and staff which was to always “Finish Strong”.
As the Convocation was coming to a close all of the honorees stood up and gave a round of applause to themselves as well as their family members who were there for support. Jalessa Jordan, a senior Child Development major from Jackson, MS stated, “This was my first time attending the Honors Convocation and I enjoyed myself so much. I loved Mr. Espy’s words of encouragement.”