Joyner tells A&T Grads to get Jobs, Lose Cornrows
GREENSBORO, NC (NNPA) - Amid a sea of colors, especially royal blue and gold, N.C. A&T graduating class of 2005 marched into the Special Events Center at the Greensboro Coliseum recently to end an educational journey, which, for most, began four years ago.
The winter commencement exercise marked the 114th year of graduation ceremonies for the historically Black university. Delivering the commencement address, as well as receiving an honorary degree, was 'the hardest working man in radio,' Tom Joyner.
Hailing from a long line of HBCU graduates, Joyner's message was about staying committed to these institutions, staying involved in the community and staying employed so that graduates can support themselves.
'It's time to put more zeros behind those commas on your paycheck,' Joyner said. 'No one who is successful in this life did it on his or her own.'
There is a debt now owed, according to Joyner, that doesn't require graduates to put money first. Joyner unveiled a tongue-in-cheek plan that he said he formulated to help graduates be successful. The plan included a dress code for men.
'Take the cornrows out your hair,' Joyner stated. 'Unless you have an NBA contract, you're more likely to get a good job if you have a nice, neat haircut.'
On a more serious note, he said part of his plan was for graduates to dream.
Like the 31 flags that adorned the stage area, representing the various countries of origin of students graduating that day, many of the seniors had varied opinions about what graduation meant for them, as well.
'Relieved.' That was Phillip Martin's response about graduating as he headed for lineup. Even though he hasn't found a job yet, Martin, who majored in human performance and leisure studies, felt graduation, in itself, was a feat. 'It feels like I've accomplished a lot,' he said. 'It means a lot.'
For psychology major LeJoy Evans, the event held a different meaning. She's the first in her family to attend college. 'It means a whole lot. I'm the baby of my family and the only girl,' she said. Evans plans to continue her education at a different college, where she will pursue a nursing degree.
Other graduates plan to stay within the Aggie family. For some, A&T is more than an educational opportunity. It's their source of income, as well. Marychristiama Uzochukwu received a master's degree in biology while working as an adjunct instructor in A&T's School of Medicine. 'It's good to further your education. I love to learn. With a higher education, I can serve my students better,' she said.
Many viewed the ceremony as an end to a long, long journey, not just for those graduating, but for those who supported the endeavors of the new alumni.
Pamela Miller, who was on hand to witness the graduation of her goddaughter, Renae Kinsey, remarked that it had been a long time coming. 'I'm glad to see that she's graduating. It's been a long four years. She'd come and visit me in my home, because I was closer to her than her parents' house was.'
Velma Speight-Buford, chairperson for the board of trustees, informed the students that after Saturday's ceremony, they would be entering a world of challenges.
Joyner, in his speech, spoke of a challenge as well, citing that they were graduating at the wrong time of the year, because it would be hard to find graduation cards at Christmastime. 'Many of the cards will read, 'Merry Graduation,'' Joyner explained. He concluded his message of the season by saying, 'This is the best gift you can give to yourself, not just graduating, but graduating from an HBCU.'
Joyner's final request to the graduating class was, 'Don't let this be the last step you make, Aggie pride, Class of 2005.'
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Friday, December 30th 2005 at 5:45PM
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