114 First-Gen Graduates Highlight Fall 2023 AAMU Class

Alabama A&M University awarded 357 degrees during its Fall 2023 Commencement Ceremony on Friday, December 8, in the Event Center. The University awarded 142 graduate degrees and 215 undergraduate degrees.

Alabama State Representative Ontario J. Tillman delivered the address. The two-time AAMU alum (’02, ’04) who went on to earn a Juris Doctorate Degree from Miles Law School, was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives for District 56 last year. Tillman told graduates they are now part of a rich heritage and legacy.

“Your time here has been more than just acquiring a degree, you have been immersed in a tradition of excellence and now it’s woven into the fabric of your lives,” said Tillman. “It is who you are. As you step beyond This Hill, remember that the journey does not end here, it evolves. You are now the torchbearers of a legacy, the standard bearers of excellence that A&M proudly upholds,” said Tillman. This legacy is not merely a legacy of achievements, it is a responsibility, a duty to carry forth the spirit of leadership, purpose, innovation, and intellectual curiosity that defines this University.”

Tillman challenged graduates to approach the future with confidence.

“Here at A&M remember one thing, we stand on business,” he said. “Today as you enter this new chapter in your life, I want you to be assured that the journey you embarked on when you decided to attend THE Alabama A&M University has equipped you with the knowledge, the skills and the tenacity necessary to succeed.” 

In addition to the conferring of degrees, the University also bestowed Dr. Jacob Oluwoye with the honor of Professor Emeritus. Oluwoye has served as a Professor and Researcher for the AAMU Department of Community and Regional Planning for 20 years, and has published over 60 articles in peer-reviewed journals. According to Google Scholars, his academic records are among the top five scholars at Alabama A&M University, with over 2,000 citations.

President Wims then shared highlights of the Fall Class of 2023:

• 114 students are first-generation college graduates
• 43 percent of graduates have secured employment
• 24 percent will continue their education
• 1 ROTC Cadet was commissioned
• 7 percent of graduates report a salary of $80,000 or more
• The highest salary offer is $122,000
• 130 students graduated with honors
• Highest GPA: Kelvaun Jahlil Kennedy – 4.0 GPA
• Oldest graduate: 63-year-old management major Brenda Lynn Rowell-Gray
• 7 students are second-generation AAMU graduates
• 4 students are third-generation AAMU graduates

“Now family, I want you to hear this. Listen carefully,” said Wims. “We have 215 undergraduate degree recipients. Of the 215, 114 of those are first-generation college graduates. That’s half, and that’s why we’re here.”

Cassandra Nathan is one of those first-generation graduates.

“I’m 55 years old, and met my husband here 37 years ago,” she said. “He was in ROTC. We got married and he was stationed in Germany, so I dropped out to go with him.” Nathan says she came back because she promised her parents she would be the first of her 16 brothers and sisters and the first in her family to get a college degree.

“My brothers and sisters are so proud of me,” said Nathan. “My four children are proud of me. I’m a first-generation graduate and it feels so good!”

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