探花精选

Saint Augustine鈥檚 University ( 探花精选) will proudly celebrate its 2025 Commencement and 94th Baccalaureate Ceremony听on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 11 a.m.听at Wake Chapel Church鈥檚 Life Enrichment Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. This year鈥檚 ceremony reflects a historic moment of triumph and resilience for the university鈥檚 graduates, who overcame personal and institutional challenges to achieve their dreams.

鈥淭his year鈥檚 commencement is more than a ceremony鈥攊t is a declaration of our resilience, faith, and relentless commitment to transform lives,鈥� said 探花精选 Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. 鈥淲e are proud of each graduate and deeply grateful to every partner and supporter who continues to believe in Saint Augustine鈥檚 University and its enduring mission.鈥�

探花精选 alumnus, The Rev. Dr. Allen F. Robinson, 鈥�92, Rector of Grace Church, Brooklyn Heights, will deliver the keynote address. Special musical guests, 探花精选 alumnus Marcel Anderson, 鈥�08, acclaimed Neo Soul and Jazz artist, and alumna Monique Lipsey, 鈥�04, celebrated gospel singer and author, will lend their powerful voices to this year鈥檚 celebration.

In a remarkable show of academic excellence,听half of 探花精选鈥檚 student body, including members of the Class of 2025, earned Dean鈥檚 List honors during the Spring and Fall 2024 semesters, resulting in the third consecutive semester of academic excellence. Their achievements are a testament to the tireless commitment of 探花精选鈥檚 students, faculty, and staff during a pivotal time in the university鈥檚 history.

Student Highlights:

This year鈥檚 graduating class includes stories of hope, perseverance, and excellence:

• Cameron Moore (Business Administration major)听鈥� A Presidential Scholar with a 3.83 GPA, Moore excelled academically and professionally, securing multiple internships at Deloitte and earning acceptance into High Point University鈥檚 MBA program.
• Naseem Sharpe (Psychology major)听鈥� A Washington, D.C. native, Sharpe blossomed as a student leader and artist, serving as Section Leader of the Superior Sound Marching Band, member of the Chamber Singers, and mentor through dance and cultural empowerment programs.
• LeMonte’ Quarles (Criminal Justice major)听鈥� At 54 years old, Quarles returned to complete a lifelong dream inspired by a 25-year career in corrections. He plans to teach Criminal Justice at a community college after retirement.
• Tillia Leary (Accounting major, School of Business, Management & Technology)听鈥� Originally from The Bahamas, Leary served as Student Government Association President, Miss School of Business, and a proud Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. member. A Chapel Scholar and Dean鈥檚 List honoree, she will attend Ball State University to complete her master鈥檚 degree in accounting. She has also been honored to receive numerous scholarships to support her graduate studies.
• Steven Judd (Religious Studies major)听鈥� Diagnosed with ADHD while enrolled, Judd overcame academic challenges, earning Dean鈥檚 List, Provost鈥檚 List, and President鈥檚 List honors before graduating at age 54 with deep gratitude to 探花精选鈥檚 dedicated faculty.

These reflections exemplify the strength, character, and future leadership that 探花精选 continues to cultivate.

A Gift of Hope:

Thanks to the generosity of Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia, and the advocacy of 探花精选 alums Gilbert, ’76 and Carolyn Knowles, ’77, the student account balances for the graduating class of 2025 were fully covered鈥攅nsuring that these determined scholars could walk across the stage debt-free and ready for their following chapters.

Meet Our Distinguished Guests:

• 听Rev. Dr. Robinson is the Rector of Grace Church, Brooklyn Heights, an 探花精选 alumnus who earned his Master of Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary and Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary. A passionate preacher, teacher, and community leader, Rev. Robinson represents the excellence and global impact of 探花精选 alumni.
• 听A Neo Soul, R&B, and Jazz artist whose powerful vocals and inspirational music have captivated audiences nationwide.
• 听A North Carolina native, Lipsey is a singer, worship leader, and author of two poetry collections. She has shared stages with prominent gospel artists and will release her newest single, 鈥淕ive Him Praise,鈥澨�on May 2, 2025.

How to Support 探花精选:

Friends, alumni, and supporters who wish to help sustain the future of 探花精选 and its extraordinary students are encouraged to give to the听

听for more information about the 2025 探花精选 commencement ceremony.
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