Virginia State University News May 4, 2015 Record-setting VSU Class of 2015 prepared for a “world of possibilities” On a record-setting day, in front of a record-setting audience, Judge Cressondra Brown Conyers assured the Virginia State University graduating class of 2015 that their VSU education has prepared them for a world of possibilities. Judge Conyers told the record 750 graduates they were taking away more than a degree. “You’re walking away with an obligation to serve and make a difference in the world,” she said. “Building a better world is more than a motto. It is the responsibility of every VSU graduate, every day, in every part of the world.” Judge Conyers, a product of the VSU Class of 1977, told the capacity audience of over 14,000 in the Richmond Coliseum that her time on “The Hill” proved transformative. “As in 1977, today VSU builds strong and enduring foundations. The question is: What will you do with the opportunities you’ve been provided?” Judge Conyers advised the graduates to find their passion, expect adversity and be prepared to step out of their comfort zone. She noted that in today’s society, the perspectives of HBCU graduates are more important than ever. “You are a source of pride to your families and communities,” she said. “You are role models with the responsibility to shatter sometimes negative perceptions of HBCUs.” These perceptions, she declared, are shown false when exposed to the light of truth. “Never underestimate the worth and power of an HBCU degree,” she said. “Never underestimate a degree from an institution that produced the likes of Bryan Burwell, Roger Gregory, Reginald Lewis, you!” Virginia State University presented nearly 750 degrees, making the graduating class of the 2014-2015 academic year the largest in school history. Among these degrees were 16 doctorates in Educational Administration and Supervision (Ed.D.) and Psychology (Ph.D.). This more than doubled the previous number of doctoral degrees earned in a May Commencement. VSU awarded Judge Conyers an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree and recognized Vernell Battle Kilpatrick as Alumnus of the Year. Share this page: SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.