NASHVILLE, TN — Graduates of the American Baptist College Class of 2024 celebrated personal milestones at the recent Baccalaureate and Commencement ceremonies. Their collective achievement also represented a milestone for the College because they were the graduates of the 00th year anniversary.
Photos by Mario Charles,
Modern Innovation Production
“Today marks a truly special occasion in the life of our school as we celebrate the Commencement exercise of our 100th year,” said Executive Vice President Richard Jackson. “Every person whose name is listed in the program and every person in this room is a part of history.”
The Baccalaureate service, held May 15, featured readings and reflections from graduates, and a stirring sermon from Rev. Byron Anthony Jackson, senior pastor of Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church, where both ceremonies were held. Jackson began his address with the message of Psalm 107: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy is everlasting.”
Graduate Damien Searcy shared his reflections on his ABC journey. “I was introduced to ABC as a four-year-old when I was brought to campus to visit my dad, the late Samuel D. Searcy, who was a student at the time,” he said. “Fast-forward some twenty-something years later and I officially enrolled here as a student in 2007. One of the challenges I had was that I was a 29-year-old, grown man, a non-traditional student. Trying to find the balance between life and being a student was a major challenge – but the victory and the accomplishment is that 16-and-a-half years later, I finished.”
“This is your first stage, a degree from an undergraduate college. God has other redemptive plans for you as you journey,” said President Forrest Harris. “The testimony that God has given you through your experiences can give you strength for the next phase of your life.”
Family and friends joined together again on Thursday, May 16, for the Commencement ceremony. The keynote speaker, Rev. Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, reminded graduates and others to never stop learning and growing.
“We’ve got to encourage one another,” he said. “Use the gift that God gave you to study, even beyond this arena. Continue to learn. Some of the best learning happens outside the classroom. Learn that your learning will not be contained.”
In his valedictory address, summa cum laude graduate Reginald Williams reminded his peers, “As we embark on diverse paths, let’s carry with us the values instilled during our time here – integrity, curiosity, and the belief that we can make a difference. Our potential is limitless, and with the knowledge gained, we have the power to shape a better future. As we step into the world beyond these walls, let’s carry the torch of our education with pride and use it to illuminate the path ahead.”
Activities surrounding ABC’s 2024 graduation were sponsored by Nashville International Airport. In this year’s class, there were four second generation ABC graduates, which made some parents even more proud because their children were following in their footsteps. “While we still have students that are first-generation college attendees, having this many ABC legacy graduates is quite a joy,” said Nicole Harris-Tolliver, director of student success.
