In a touching celebration of academic achievement and spiritual reflection, Talladega College hosted a Baccalaureate Ceremony on May 3, honoring the graduating class of 2024 as they prepare to enter into the next chapter of their lives. The event, held in the historic DeForest Chapel, served as a powerful reminder of the values of faith, community, and perseverance that have guided the students on their journey to graduation.
Reverend Cameron Thomas, assistant vice president and dean of chapel opened the ceremony with a few words highlighting the vision of the college’s founders and the impact of faith on the moral fabric of our communities.
“Talladega’s rich history represents not only exceptional students but also a Christian heritage from the heart of our founders. William Savery and Thomas Tarrant envisioned our institution as a place of uplifting the descendants of enslaved people.This aspiration was rooted in the interwoven relationship of education and religion. This commitment represented an effort to regard the education of our children and youth as vital to the preservation of our liberties and true religion as the foundation of all real virtue and shall use our utmost endeavors to promote these blessings in our common country. Our time together today will serve as a worship experience to celebrate you as students,” said Thomas.
The Talladega College choir’s dynamic rendition of Alleluia filled the chapel before Talladega College board chairwoman, and Class of 1981 alumna, Rica Lewis-Peyton, welcomed the campus community to “a time of reflection, a time of passage, and a time of gratitude,” she said.
Talladega College president, Dr. Gregory J. Vincent introduced the Reverend Dr. Thomas Beavers, a distinguished senior pastor at New Rising Star Church and fervent academic supporter, prior to his keynote address. Drawing upon the tenacity of the likes of Muhammed Ali and biblical figure, Job, Rev. Beavers eloquently spoke about the importance of faith, endurance, and service in the pursuit of a meaningful life.
“It is absolutely true that one of my most favorite boxers is a gentleman by the name of Muhummad Ali. It’s quite interesting to note that his record is fifty-six wins and with just five losses. What amazes me is not that he has losses on his record but the fact that he’s self-proclaimed as the greatest of all time. Which begs us to ask the question–how is he considered the greatest with losses on his record? He proved himself as the greatest because every time he was knocked down, and every time he had a loss, he decided to get back up,” said Beavers.
"There is greatness inside of you," Rev. Beavers remarked. "You are a chosen generation. You are great not because you’ve never had a loss but because you decided to get back up.”
As the ceremony drew to a close, the chapel resounded with the chords of the Talladega College alma mater, sung with pride and reverence by the graduating seniors and their loved ones. It was a fitting conclusion to a morning filled with inspiration and the timeless spirit of fellowship that defines the Talladega College community.
Once the graduates filed out of the chapel, their hearts filled with hope and determination, they knew that they carried with them the lessons and memories of their time at Talladega College. Armed with faith, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference in the world, they were ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.
