On Thursday, March 27th, at 10:00 am, Alcorn State University (ASU) held its 86th Annual Honors Convocation in the Oakland Memorial Chapel in Lorman, Mississippi. The Honors Convocation themed “Striving for Excellence” recognized Presidential and Dean’s List scholars for both the Spring and Fall 2024 semesters. The Spring semester honored over 300 Presidential Scholars and over 500 Dean’s Scholars whereas the Fall semester honored over 400 Presidential and Dean’s Scholars.
Tony Gordon, Assistant Professor of Music, opened the Convocation with a song entitled, “Libera Me” by Gabriel Faure. Afterwards, The ASU Braves Battalion presented the Posting of Colors. Reverend Dr. C. Edward Rhodes II, Director of Religious and Spiritual Life, delivered the Invocation followed by a selection from ASU’s Concert Choir. The choir performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing” arranged by Roland Carter and later performed “I Can Do All Things Through Christ” arranged by Dr. Alona Alexander.
Ariel Knott, Miss Alcorn State University 2024-2025 gave the Welcome to scholars, staff, and visitors followed by the Occasion delivered by Dr. Joyce Buckner-Brown, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Dr. John E. Walls, Jr., former Deputy Superintendent of Vicksburg Warren School District, delivered the keynote speech. Driven by the mission to serve the community, Walls has been employed in public education for over 40 years. He was taught in Chicago, Hinds, and Claiborne Counties and served as a counselor for ASU and the Vicksburg Warren School District. He served in the capacity of an assistant principal, assistant and deputy superintendent and retired on June 30, 2010. He also served as an adjunct professor at ASU.
Throughout the speech, Dr. Walls encouraged students to value themselves and to find something to believe in so that they would understand how to overcome any obstacles that they may face.
After Dr. Walls speech, students were awarded for their academic success. Presidential and Dean’s scholars were awarded certificates, medallions, and/or sweaters. All students achieving a grade point average of 3.5 within a single semester earned the distinction of being a Dean’s Scholar and any student achieving a 4.0 grade point average received a certificate and a medal.
Dr. Renaldo Murray, Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, gave closing remarks and stated, “Always remember, no matter what you do in life, always strive for excellence.”
