More than 800 students were celebrated as they graduated from Albany State University (ASU) on Saturday, December 11 at the Albany Civic Center. Students from the College of Arts and Sciences, The Darton College of Health Professions, the College of Business, Education, and Professional Studies, and the Graduate School took part in the ceremony. 

The commencement speaker, Bakari Sellers, urged students to continue to work hard in the face of adversity. “When you are resilient, determined, and phenomenal, anything is possible. You can change the world, and you will.” 

Vicki Marie Hall Johnson did just that on her road to graduation. Johnson, a returning student, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership 34 years after she first enrolled. Johnson state “I will forever treasure the amazing memories and lifetime friendships forged at ASU. The friendships I made at ASC, in 1987, have now lasted 34 years. Our friendship bonds then are now who we call family.”

As graduates begin their next chapter, many have already accepted job offers in their respective fields. Bryce Winston, a computer science graduate, accepted a job for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Yo’era Jones, a marketing graduate, will be working as a sales director for Pepsi’s Frito-Lay team. 

Some graduates, such as Keni Anthony, plan to stay in Albany and give back to the community. Anthony accepted a position with the Dougherty County Division of Family and Children Services. 

For those who could not attend, the ceremony was live-streamed on Albany State University’s YouTube channel.