They also had the highest GPA in Del State history!
The Delaware State University Class of 2023 joined recently for a history-making graduation ceremony, HBCU Connect reports. Filing into the Alumni Stadium, the century old HBCU reported the largest class in its 130-year-history. While the COVID-19 pandemic had marred the beginnings of their collegiate experience, the class finished triumphantly, also boasting the highest GPA and highest hours of community service in Del State history.
President Tony Allen joined graduates for the momentous occasion, encouraging them to tell the story of how they got over and walk into the future proud of all they had accomplished.
“Class of 2023, 50 years from now…you might tell the stories and trials and tribulations of COVID-19 to your children and perhaps their children – and God willing, hopefully they won’t understand…I hope those 50 years pass for you without obstacle or challenge, but with a sense of forward progress and learning, even after you’ve walked today with your diploma in hand,” said Allen.
Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester also stood in as the keynote speaker, after a last minute unexpected change. The first Black woman to represent the state of Delaware in the U.S. House of Representatives, Blunt Rochester told graduates that the word for the day was “resilient.”
“This class had their freshman year dramatically, drastically changed by COVID-19…So my word for you is resilient,” she said.
Blunt Rochester went on to remind the students to focus on what is ahead, and not just where they’ve been. Out of the graduating class, twenty-two of the students received Presidential Academic Awards, with an impressive 4.0 GPA. Two others were honored with Presidential Leadership awards as the graduates walked across the stage to a chorus of cheers and applause from family and friends.
President Allen asked them to take it all in and bask in the moment as they reflected on their journey, knowing that they were more prepared because of the challenges they collectively endured.
“You are the vanguard now, the freshest, [fastest], and fiercest among us. Today is your moment,” said Allen.
Congratulations to all of the Class of 2023 Delaware State University graduates!
Cover photo: Delaware State University graduates largest class in 130-year-history/Photo Courtesy of Benjamin Chambers/Delaware News Journal