RALEIGH, N.C. (Sept. 20) – In a tradition-bound ceremony, Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) this morning held its Fall Convocation, officially launching the 2024-25 academic year and welcoming the Class of 2028.

Students, faculty, staff, alumni and community representatives gathered in Saint Augustine’s Chapel to hear encouraging words, scripture and song, and to participate in rituals such as incoming freshmen and outgoing seniors receiving symbolic pins.

“It is with great excitement and a heart full of pride that I welcome you to the start of this academic year,” Dr. Marcus H. Burgess, Interim President of Saint Augustine’s, said. “To our incoming freshmen and transfer students, welcome to the Falcon family. You are stepping into a legacy that began in 1867, a legacy built on resilience and excellence and commitment to community.”

Community was a recurring theme throughout the ceremony. Dr. Burgess noted that alumni, community activists and representatives of local elected officials were in attendance.

“Every student who’s in need should not want because of this community,” he said, “and that’s my challenge – to me, to myself, my faculty staff, to the alumni and to this community. It was on purpose that I invited the community here. To each event, we’re going to invite the community here to see what we’re doing, to be a part of the success.”

The tradition that is part of SAU’s convocation included an invocation and benediction from the university chaplain, Rev. Hershey Mallette Stephens; musical performances from the Saint Augustine’s University Chamber singers, led by Conductor Dessalines Ford; and words of wisdom and encouragement from administrators, faculty and student leaders.

The event was organized around the university’s pillars (character, scholarship, leadership and service) as well as its motto (transform, excel, lead). Comments on the four pillars included the following:

• Character. “Character is a force within the individual that distinguishes each person from others,” said Dr. Tyrell Carr, Associate Dean of the School of Sciences, Mathematics and Allied Health. “It creates for each of us our individuality and our goodness. … It is the product of constant thought and action, the daily striving to make the right choice by demonstrating such qualities as respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring and citizenship.”

• Scholarship. Dr. Reginald Towns, Director, University College/Academic Advising emphasized the importance of scholarship. “Learning furnishes the lamp we use to understand the past, the torch guiding us to understand the present and the light that illuminates the future,” he said.

• Leadership: Alieu Wurie, Dean of the School of Sciences, Mathematics and Allied Health, told the students that they don’t need a title to be a leader. A leader exerts “a wholesome influence on the school in taking initiative in the classroom and in school activities,” he said. “Real leaders try to train and to heed orders to reach the common goal of success.”

• Service: “Service can be established in the routine of the day’s work, where many opportunities arise to help others, both here and in the community,” explained Joyce Bannerman, Director, Testing and International Services. “It’s a willingness to work for the benefit of those in need.”

As for the motto, speakers expounded as follows:

• Transform. Transformation is “less about change and more about refinement,” explained Dr. Janelle Jennings-Alexander, Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. She compared a college education to baking a cake, a process in which raw ingredients are transformed to something greater. But, she added, “We need you to follow the recipe. We need you to go up to all of your classes, to talk to all of your professors, to apply to all of the internships, go to all of the career fairs, join all the clubs you can. Go to tutoring, go to the counseling center, talk to your advisor, do all of the things designed to help you navigate the challenges that are inherent in this process.”

• Excel. Noah Wheeler, a senior computer information systems major and the 74^th Miss Saint Augustine’s University, leaned heavily on scripture in exhorting her fellow students to excellence: “Excellence is not about being perfect. It’s about dedication, resilience and the courage to keep moving forward, even when the path gets tough. …Remember when you commit to the Lord your plans, He will guide you toward your dreams.”

• Lead. Kristoff Strachan, president of the SAU Student Government Association and a senior political sciences major, also leaned on the Bible: “Jesus Himself said, ‘Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.’ Leadership is not about authority. It’s about service, compassion and uplifting those around you.”

The ceremony culminated in the traditional pinning ritual, in which seniors attach a pin with the SAU logo to each others’ lapels, then attach different pins to the lapels of incoming freshmen. Ann Brown, Dean of Students and Director of Residential Life, directed the ritual and explained its significance: The senior pin, she said, symbolizes university leaders saying “We remind you that you are the promise of Saint Augustine’s.” By placing pins on incoming freshmen, Ms. Brown said, outgoing seniors were saying “We know that you will make it,” she said.

She noted that the cost of the pins was underwritten by alumni donations. “That represents their commitment to giving back and helping you,” Ms. Brown said.

Dr. Burgess stated that the university is moving forward.

In July of 2024, SACSCOC’s arbitration committee unanimously reversed the decision to remove SAU’s accreditation status. In August, SAU established a credit agreement with Gothic Ventures, gaining an initial allocation of $7 million loan and up to $30 million for future needs.

A new strategic plan is in the works, Dr. Burgess said.