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Educating students of African descent has been the moral and academic commitment of Wilberforce University for 166 years. This year, Saturday, May 7th at 10 am, the nation's first, private, historically Black college/university (HBCU) will confer bachelor's and master's degrees to its graduates.
Highlighting this celebration is the keynote speaker, Ohio's 11th District Congresswoman Shontel Brown (D). The Cleveland politician will address her fellow graduates and receive her degree in organizational management from the university's CLIMB program, a non-traditional curriculum designed for adults to complete their undergraduate degrees.
Ms. Brown, formerly a Cuyahoga County council commissioner and a former Cuyahoga County chair of the Democratic Party, won her congressional seat in a November 2, 2021 special election. That victory replaced U. S. Representative Marcia Fudge, who in 2021 was confirmed as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Also during the ceremony, a special focus will be placed on Wilberforce's "Golden Graduates", the alumni who received their degrees in 1972.
The university's Baccalaureate service will be held the day before commencement.
Reverend Dr. Alphonse Allen, the senior pastor at Allen Temple AME Church in Cincinnati is the keynote speaker. Dr. Allen received his Master's of Divinity degree from Payne Theological Seminary in Wilberforce, Ohio, and his Doctorate of Ministry from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.
WU Commencement:
Saturday, May 7th at 10 am
Gaston F. Lewis Alumni Multiplex
Wilberforce University, 1055 N.Bickett Rd., 45384
WU Baccalaureate:
Friday, May 6th at 6 pm
Gaston F. Lewis Alumni Multiplex
Wilberforce University, 1055 N. Bickett Rd., 45384