By Thomas Kidd

Virginia State University President Dr. Makola M. Abdullah was beaming like a proud father during this, his first, and the university’s 130th commencement held last Sunday at the Richmond Coliseum.

“We have much to be proud of,” said Dr. Abdullah, recognizing the university’s year of success which included the 2016 CIAA Men’s Basketball Championship and the completion of a new $84 million multipurpose center on the Ettrick campus.

“But all of those accomplishments pale in comparison to what we are doing today,” he said.

Dr. Abdullah congratulated the 632 graduates first for choosing the state-supported HBCU and, then, for remaining until completing their degrees.

Then turning his attention to the almost capacity crowd in the Downtown venue, he shouted, “World get ready, ’cause here they come!”

VSU not only paid tribute to the future at the ceremony, but also recognized and celebrated the past. A small delegation from the VSU Class of 1966, enjoying their 50th reunion, sat with the newest graduating class during the ceremony.

It was a moment that resonated with keynote speaker, Delegate Lashrecse D. Aird of Petersburg, a 2008 graduate of VSU who represents the 63rd District in the Virginia General Assembly that includes Petersburg and parts of Hopewell and Chesterfield, Dinwiddie and Prince George counties.

Delegate Aird, 29, who is the youngest woman ever elected to the House of Delegates, recalled her years as a student.

“You will remember hanging on campus, open mic nights and those short-term loves,” she told the graduates.

“But as you move ahead, you will see that your time spent on hallowed ground was much more important than that.” It should be viewed as the place where they received the necessary training, experiences and skills needed to assist those who struggle, she said.

“Success is not in material things,” she told the audience, “but in the lives that you impact.”

She used her own life experience as a testament to her beliefs.

“There were those who doubted me because of my age,” she added. “They are the same people today that I have been able to help the most.”

Just six months after being elected to office, Delegate Aird has earned the reputation of being a tireless and trusted community leader. She is active with numerous civic boards and organizations and has risen to a leadership position in each organization.

For this and her continued support of VSU, she previously has received VSU’s Young Trojan Distinguished Alumni Award for two consecutive years.

The old guard is no more, she concluded. “This is our time. We are the new water — and nothing can hold us.”

Delegate Aird was recognized at the ceremony with the VSU Presidential Medallion.

Also receiving the Presidential Medallion was actress Daphne Maxwell Reid, who was recognized for her eight years of service on the VSU Board of Visitors, as well as her contributions to students, education, the arts and the City of Petersburg.

Graduates James Cheives Jr. of Chester was this year’s recipient of the Reginald F. Lewis Award of $5,000, and Morgan Pollard of Charlotte, N.C., was recognized as the highest ranking senior in the Class of 2016 with a 4.0 GPA.

Brenda Stith-Finch, retired vice president of Verizon Communications and president of the VSU Alumni Association Northern Virginia Chapter was recognized with the Alumnus of the Year Award.