For the second year in a row, the annual Commencement Exercise was held on the Texas College campus. Nestled behind Gilmore-Hartley Hall, the scene was beautifully set for the 2024 Commencement Exercise with over 1,000 seats that looked onto a large stage stunningly adorned with the Texas College seal. Respectively positioned on each side of the stage was a massive LED video wall and another stage for the Texas College Choir. With this picturesque backdrop set, the 2024 Commencement Exercise began at the stroke of 10:00 A.M. with a distinctive fanfare that led into the “War March of the Priests,” the classical musical arrangement traditionally associated with graduation. This shift in ambience to sacred academic formality was evident as the line of procession began, led by faculty, followed by the Class of 2024, the Golden Anniversary Class of 1974, and lastly the Commencement Exercise’s platform. Dr. Hamad Ali, Division Chair for Business and Social Sciences, posted the College’s mace, which signified the official start of Commencement.
For the 2024 Commencement Address, the College enlisted Dr. Joseph H. Silver, Sr., President and CEO of Silver and Associates, a higher education consulting firm in Atlanta, Georgia. As a renowned higher education leader, with notable roles that include tenured professorships, university president, university system vice chancellor, and vice president of a higher education accreditor, Dr. Silver delivered an inspiring and powerful message to the Class of 2024. Providing his invaluable insight and experiences as a leader, Dr. Silver honed in on the fact that their education from an HBCU, specifically from Texas College, is unmatched and has undoubtedly prepared them for their next step in life.
Following Dr. Silver’s impartation of wisdom, the graduating students officially crossed over into alumni status as their degree was conferred by President Dwight J. Fennell, signifying the official culmination of their successful academic endeavors. Following the transition of their tassels from the right to left side, the graduates excitedly crossed the stage to greet the President and take a photograph to commemorate the momentous achievement.
Two scholars were additionally recognized for their stellar academic performance: Mr. Isadore Stewart, Valedictorian; and Ms. Ashley Patterson, Salutatorian. In addition to the associate and baccalaureate degrees conferred, the College respectively awarded two honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees to Dr. Joseph H. Silver, Sr. and Dr. Shannon Faulk.
Texas College also celebrated the Golden Anniversary Class of 1974 in recognition of the 50th Anniversary of their graduation from Texas College. Further, President Fennell also presented an appreciation award to the Honorable Dr. Shirley McKellar, City of Tyler Councilwoman.
While the 2024 Commencement Exercise was hosted in-person, the ceremony was also live streamed for individuals unable to physically attend. To view the Commencement Exercise stream, click the button purple below.
VIEW COMMENCEMENT EXERCISE STREAM
CLASS OF 2024
