Four institutions. Three days. Nearly 2,000 fresh degrees. The Atlanta University Center Consortium just wrapped an epic graduation weekend, Sunday, May 17, and Monday, May 18.
Here is how the historic weekend unfolded:
Morehouse School of Medicine
- The Vibe: High-achieving healers.
- The Speaker: Congressman Dr. Rich McCormick. He is the first MSM alumnus elected to the U.S. Congress.
- The Output: 192 graduates ready to fix healthcare.
Morehouse College
- The Vibe: From men of Morehouse to Morehouse Men.
- The Speaker: 12-time NBA All-Star Chris Paul. He encouraged 578 graduates on leadership, balance, and teamwork.
- The Top Squad:
- Yamir Richmond (Valedictorian): Math genius and flutist choosing between top grad schools.
- O’Rell Roberts (Salutatorian): Heading to UF for horticultural therapy to build healing green spaces.
- Mario Wells (Salutatorian): Heading to NYU for a master’s in psychology.
Spelman College
- The Vibe: Making history is standard procedure.
- The Speaker: Political strategist Symone Sanders Townsend. She challenged the class to carry the torch of unstoppable Black women.
- The Big Flex: A record-breaking seven valedictorians. Dubbed “The Spelman Seven,” every single one of them maintained a flawless 4.0 GPA.
- The Output: 569 degrees minted for the nation’s top HBCU.
Clark Atlanta University
To conclude the commencement weekend, Clark Atlanta University held its 37th commencement exercises on Monday. Actress, choreographer, director, and producer Debbie Allen encouraged CAU graduates to realize their purpose and contribute to their family, community, and country. She emphasized the importance of innovation, possibility, and faith in achieving their goals. In an ongoing pursuit of excellence, Allen stressed the continuous need for learning, adaptation, and collaboration to achieve lasting success and impact.
Congratulations to Mya Watts, valedictorian, and India Felder, salutatorian, for their outstanding achievement, leadership, and commitment to excellence throughout their academic journey.
Clark Atlanta University AJC gallery, photos by Arvin Temkar/AJC
Morehouse College AJC photo gallery, photos by Ben Gray for the AJC
Morehouse School of Medicine AJC photo gallery, photos by Ben Gray for the AJC
Spelman College AJC photo gallery, photos by Miguel Martinez/AJC
