Wiley University recently held its 137th commencement ceremony, marking a significant moment for both graduates and the school. This year, over 200 students celebrated their achievements, one of the largest groups since the pandemic hit.
Dr. Herman J. Felton Jr., the university’s president, expressed pride in the event, calling it a family celebration. Board Chairman Walter L. Sutton Jr. reminded graduates that they carry more than just their diplomas. They leave with a legacy and a supportive community behind them.
A standout graduate, Janae Pratt from Nassau, Bahamas, achieved valedictorian honors with a GPA of 3.9. She received her degree in business administration. Her leadership extended beyond academics; she was also crowned Miss National UNCF for 2024-25.
The keynote speaker, Charles E. Johnson, who leads SodexoMagic, shared his inspiring journey from humble beginnings in Chicago to becoming a successful business leader. He emphasized the power of labels and how they shape our identities. “Labels can create limits or break barriers,” he stated. He encouraged graduates to embrace empowering labels, like future leaders and innovators.
Recent statistics show that college graduation rates have improved post-pandemic, indicating a growing trend toward higher education resilience. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, graduation rates for bachelor’s degrees climbed to over 60% in 2022, compared to around 59% just before the pandemic.
Johnson’s words resonate well with current discussions on empowerment and representation in various fields. Social media has seen a surge in trends promoting positive self-identification, with hashtags like #BreakTheBias and #EmpowerYourself trending across platforms.
As graduates step into the future, they carry not just diplomas but the hope and dreams of a community ready to support them. Exciting times lie ahead, as the Class of 2026 prepares to make their mark on the world.
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