Last night, the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana (UAHT) held a Commencement Ceremony at Hempstead Hall where 360 students were awarded 495 degrees and certificates.
After the presentation of the flag and pledge from Scouts Troop 5 and the singing of the national anthem by UAHT's Haley Patillo-Thompson, UAHT Chancellor Dr. Christine Holt welcomed guests and shared a few words with the audience. "What a sight to behold," she began as she looked out over the crowd filling Hempstead Hall, a good portion of which were the soon-to-be graduates themselves adorned in all their regalia. Holt told them, "UAHT grooms leaders," and then she shared a few words about leadership and provided a few tips for them as they continue their journeys. Her parting words for the students were, "I want you to be a leader in your family, community, and jobs. We can't wait to see the wonderful work that you're going to do and how you're going to change the world. So congratulations! Go out and blaze your own path!"
Holt also shared with the audience a few special awards for this academic year. Reverend Alvis Hamilton received the Outstanding Alumnus Award, Gabrielle Patterson received the Outstanding Faculty Member Award, Akili Moses Israel received the Spirit of Excellence Award for being an outstanding staff member, and Allison Bonner was named Academic All Star for this year.
Dr. Donald Bobbitt, UA System President, had a few remarks for the upcoming graduates, as well. "This accomplishment we are going to celebrate this evening is a very significant milestone in your life, as significant as any milestone that we celebrate. You have to ask yourself 'Did I do all this all alone?'" Bobbitt said. He then expressed to them the value in thanking those who gave support during their paths to these accomplishments, and told them "I hope you can pay it forward when you can."
Dr. Charles Robinson, UA-F Chancellor, was the keynote speaker for the evening, and during his address to the graduates, he emphasized the value in pursuing their dreams rather than money. He said society places much value on money, and the messages are constant with the many commercials about buying the best, holding up athletes as role models, buying lottery tickets, and more. However, true happiness, he said, lies in following one's dreams, and then success will follow. "If you pursue your dreams, you will bring the energy and the focus to whatever you are doing, and that will lead you to the money," Robinson said. "What's more important than the pursuit of money is the pursuit of values that allow you to be the kind of person you want to be and lead the life you want to have."
Following the heartfelt messages presented by all of the speakers, the students were then called to the stage to receive their certificates and diplomas. Proud families and supporters looked on as each of the 360 students walked the stage to receive his or her degree/certificate and become an official graduate of UAHT. Chairman of UAHT Board of Visitors Freddie Smith told the graduates in his parting words, "You have joined a very important family ... and tonight you can say, 'I made it.'"
You can watch the UAHT 2023 Commencement Ceremony on the UAHT YouTube channel.
