*In this photo:* University President Wilma Mishoe presents Fidel Romo-Martinez with the Presidential Academic Award. As a Biological Sciences major, Mr. Romo-Martinez carried a 4.0 GPA throughout his entire undergraduate journey.

On Campus

2019 Dec. Commencement – Photos and article

Sunday, December 15, 2019

Destiny Wilkins (r) and Siara Bey received Presidential Leadership Award from Dr. Wilma Mishoe. Delaware State University held its 135th Commencement Ceremony on Dec. 14 – an event that was both a celebration of the latest class of graduates and a fond expression of gratitude to outgoing University President Wilma Mishoe, who was taking part in her last official event before retiring at the end of the month.

For pre-Commencement photos of graduates and participants preparing for the event, click on the below link:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/48216028@N03/albums/72157712217198546/show

For images from the Commencement Ceremony, click on the below link:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/48216028@N03/albums/72157712217326476/show

More than 250 graduates received diplomas during the ceremony – which included six Summa Cum Laudes (GPA 3.75 and above), 14 Magna Cum Laudes (3.50-3.74), 30 Cum Laudes (3.25-3.49), and five Honorable Mentions (transfer students with at least 60 credit hours and a GPA of 3.5 or above).

Dr. Mishoe presented the Presidential Academic Award to Fidel Romo-Martinez, a 4.0 GPA Biological Sciences major from Banning, Calif.

Dr. Mishoe also presented two Presidential Leadership Awards to Siara M. Bey, a Political Science major from Chester, Pa., and Destiny O. Wilkins, a Criminal Justice major from Brooklyn, N.Y.

The keynote speaker was Joshua DuBois, who led the White House’s Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships under President Barack Obama, and is currently a CEO author and media commentator. He used his approach to the challenges he faced in obtaining a job with then-Sen. Obama to encourage the December Class of 2019.

“Prepare for flight, and grind every day when no one is looking,” Mr. DuBois said. “Leap out there, and if you have a choice between falling back and pushing forward, push forward every time. And let the heavens lift you higher.”

U.S. Sen. Chris Coons attended the ceremony, and in addition to praising the graduates, he commended the service of Dr. Mishoe.

“It is fitting that your 40-year career as a leader in higher education is ending right here where it began,” Sen. Coons said. “Staying true to Delaware State University’s mission, you’ve worked to ensure that any student who wants a college education can get one and can get an excellent one here at Del State.”

Dr. Mishoe – who first came to Del State with her father Dr. Luna I. Mishoe when he became president of the institution in 1960 – urged to the students to apply the motto she learned at the then-college: “Enter to Learn and Go Forth to Serve.” Crystal Gonzalez celebrates her diploma with a dance.

“I wish you the best, however you choose to serve,” Dr. Mishoe said. “I am happy having you – our graduates – representing me, because you will be the leaders making those decisions that will affect the quality of the rest of my life.”

Dr. Devona Williams, chairperson of the University Board of Trustees, was joined on stage by her fellow board members, as she presented Dr. Mishoe with a resolution that named her President Emeritus of Delaware State University.

The Dec. 14 Commencement also included the first Dreamer from the Opportunity Scholarship program to graduate from Delaware State University. With the first class that began in 2016 slated to graduate in May 2020, Dulce Guerrero completed her undergraduate journey a semester ahead of her classmates, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.