The INSIDER Spring/Summer 2021

2021 Baccalaureate Service & Commencement Exercise

Baccalaureate Service To begin the 2021 Commencement Activities, Texas College hosted the 2021 Baccalaureate Service virtually on Friday, May 14. The baccalaureate service, a centuries-old tradition in higher education, affords graduates one final opportunity for spiritual development and fellowship before graduation. Rev. Dr. Charley Hames, Jr., Senior Pastor of the Beebe Memorial Cathedral in Oakland, California, served as the occasion’s speaker. In addition to this spiritual event, Texas College recognized both the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2021. To view a recording of the 2021 Baccalaureate Service stream, scan the QR code.

Commencement Exercise

On Saturday, May 15, 2021, Texas College hosted their first virtual commencement exercise for the Class of 2021. Though in a virtual landscape, the 2021 Commencement Exercise maintained the sacred event’s formality and significance with the traditional pomp, circumstance, and academic regalia. The occasion welcomed a host of guests, including Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick, III, Chairman of the Texas College Board of Trustees and Senior Bishop of the CME Church, City of Tyler Mayor Don Warren, Texas College Trustees Patricia McKenzie, Gwendolyn Collins, and Orenthia Mason, County Commissioner and Alumna JoAnn Hampton, as well as Merdis Buckley, Executive Director of the Texas Association of Developing Colleges. Dr. Caroline A. Wanga, CEO of ESSENCE and Texas College Alumna, delivered a powerful commencement address, emphasizing the importance of failure and resilience as she recounted her experiences at Texas College and her corporate trek to the status of chief executive officer. Following Dr. Wanga’s inspirational speech, 96 students crossed over into alumni status as their degree was virtually conferred by President Dwight J. Fennell, signifying the official culmination of their successful academic endeavors. Two scholars were additionally recognized for their stellar academic performance: Daniel Paul Segura, Valedictorian, Biology major and Andrea Shante Woods, Salutatorian, Criminal Justice major. The College also awarded two honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees to Dr. Carolina A. Wanga and Dr. Bonita R. Collins-Hobbs, both respectively hooded by their daughters. To view a recording of the 2021 Commencement Exercise stream, scan the QR code.

Daniel Paul Segura, 2021 Valedictorian

Andrea Shante Woods, 2021 Salutatorian

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