Fort Valley State University

It was pomp and circumstance aplenty, but Fort Valley State University-style at the Spring 2008 Commencement held Saturday morning in the Health and Physical Education Complex. Parents, relatives and well-wishers packed the bleachers and made as much noise as they could muster - whooping, clapping, and cheering as the names of graduates were called. In every quadrant of the gym, simultaneous family celebrations pierced the air. One mother couldn’t contain her jubilance, so she stepped onto the media platform and danced for joy as her son marched across the stage.

The ceremony began with the processional march of faculty, administrators and students. President Larry E. Rivers introduced commencement speaker, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University’s president, Dr. James Ammons. “Graduates, you are now in the race of your lives with graduates from India, Africa and Europe, where academic achievement is a way of life,” Ammons said. He told students that success is tied to serving others and advised them to seek advice, training and guidance from mentors. Both Rivers and Ammons encouraged graduates to pursue advanced degrees.

“We need you in research labs, schools and industries,” Ammons continued, “You’ll solve the issues that we face in areas such as the environment, the economy and health care.

Tommy Dortch Jr., Chairman Emeritus of 100 Black Men of America and co-founder of the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation, received an honorary doctorate from the university.

List of Special Award Winners at Spring 2008 Commencement

John W. Davison Outstanding Teacher Award

Dr. Berlethia Pitts

Outstanding Grantsmanship Award

Dr. William Getz

Trailblazer Award Winners

Charlia Williams
Freddie Greer
Dr. Eleanor K. Sikes
Rose McRae
Keith Shannon
Dr. Delores Hubbard Brooks

President’s Service Student Award

Taylor Sykes
Domonique D. Lowe.