Bowie State Graduates Look to Future after Commencement

There’s nothing like achieving dreams, especially when working so hard to reach them. Many goals were reached on Friday, May 20, as Bowie State University’s Class of 2011 formally graduated from college. The atmosphere was lively as Bulldog Stadium was flooded with more people in attendance than any CIAA Homecoming Game.

Among the people present, were some of the 1961 Class of Bowie State University. The commencement ceremony itself was nothing short of spectacular, as it was a joyous time for graduates and family alike.

Future social worker and graduate Tiara Nicole Williams perhaps said it best when she described her experience as “an amazing feeling.”

The fact that it did not rain as expected added to the excitement.  Reverend Dr. Franklin Madison Reid III served as the keynote speaker of the ceremony, with words of wisdom for the graduating class.

The title of the reverend’s message was “Beat the system before it beats you”, and during his ten minute speech, Reid expressed the importance of having a plan to be successful, as well as knowledge of how the world operates currently operates in 2011. Reid; senior pastor of Bethel AME in Baltimore City, was well received by the audience with his motivational speech.

Bowie State President, Dr. Mickey L. Burnim had words of encouragement for the graduates as well. During his closing remarks, President Burnim said, “Remember to always carry with you the flame of faith and the torch of truth.”

It was a common sight to see all the families overcome with joy at the commencement ceremony. Communications graduate April Thornton was excited but was a bit nervous about moving on saying, “I love it, I enjoy it, but it’s bittersweet, because of the economy, it makes me want to go back to school.” April, a freelancer, plans to attend graduate school in the fall.

Ayana Harlee, formerly Miss Bowie State, said graduating from college is one of the biggest milestones of her life. 

"It has truly been a wonderful journey during my years at Bowie and I am so glad that I had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people at my institution," she said.

Harlee's future plans are to attend graduate school at the University of North Carolina of Greensboro, NC, where she will be working on a masters in counseling psychology.

Harlee continued saying, "Bowie has provided me with a plethora of opportunities to grow, network and advance.  I am certain that I am prepared for life after undergrad."