SC State graduates challenged to lead, speak out as university celebrates milestone year
Largest graduating class in years reflects SC State’s continued momentum
ORANGEBURG, S.C. — Asia Grubbs came to South Carolina State University from Georgia searching for the experience of attending an HBCU and found what she described as a family-oriented campus that opened doors to new opportunities.
On Friday morning, the 22-year-old graduated with a master’s degree in rehabilitative counseling and a 4.0 GPA as SC State celebrated its largest graduating class in a dozen years during spring commencement exercises at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.
With SC State President Alexander Conyers presiding, more than 380 students from a variety of disciplines received their degrees before a large crowd of well-wishers. Combined with the more than 200 students who graduated in the fall, the 2025-26 academic year produced the most SC State graduates in 12 years.
“I’m extremely excited. I’m a loyal daughter of South Carolina State,” said Grubbs, who first earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from SC State with a 4.0 GPA.
“Growing up, I always wanted to go to an HBCU, but I also wanted to have that opportunity to go out of state because I’m from Georgia. When I came here, it was very family oriented. It was somewhere I could see myself going compared to other HBCUs,” she said.
Grubbs said she had a good experience at SC State.
“Like every school, it has its ups and downs, but I will forever be grateful for the opportunities I got here. I was able to travel to different places with my program,” she said, noting that her hard work had finally paid off with her graduation.
“Our school has so much potential and so much history that I hope we’re able to keep our roots of what we were founded on and grow to be somewhere every student wants to be,” said Grubbs, who plans on becoming a licensed professional counselor to help people with substance abuse.
Bulldogs stay firm in the face of adversity
Tucker encouraged students to continue using their voices to enact change. She referenced the children’s book “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak, with a little boy named Max as its main character.
“Max arrives in a place full of creatures who roar loudly, challenge him constantly and test whether he belongs. Instead of shrinking, Max stands tall, looks the wild things in the eye, and they make him their king,” Tucker said.
Tucker compared the “wild things” in the story to the challenges graduates will face as they move into the next stage of their lives.
“Graduates, the world you’re entering today is full of wild things. There will be wild expectations about who you should become, wild assumptions about where you come from, wild doubts about whether you belong in certain rooms and wild systems that will underestimate your preparation.
“But South Carolina State University prepared you not to shrink in those moments.
It prepared you to stand, to speak, to lead. You’re not walking into the world empty-handed.
You’re walking into the world fully equipped,” she said.
Tucker reminded graduates that their accomplishments were the result of purpose, perseverance
and preparation.
“The world needs you to show up exactly how South Carolina State prepared you to,” Tucker said. “You don’t cross this stage or this campus by accident, and you didn’t earn this degree by accident. You are here because you were called to be here. You were shaped here, you were strengthened here, and now you’ll be sent from here.”
Tucker said SC State helped students develop confidence and identity in addition to academic instruction.
“This university did not give you just instruction. It gave you identity. It gave you confidence. It gave you a voice. In the last few weeks, I guess we saw that very clearly,” she said, referring to recent student activism on campus.
She also connected the students’ experiences to the university’s history of activism and resilience during the Orangeburg Massacre.
“South Carolina State University students are not afraid, and that’s what matters the most. This campus knows what courage looks like,” Tucker said, referring to the events of the Orangeburg Massacre more than 50 years ago.
Three young men were killed Feb. 8, 1968, when officers opened fire on a crowd of unarmed Black students who had rallied on campus after demonstrating against segregation at a local bowling alley.
“When students stood for dignity and justice in 1968 during the Orangeburg Massacre, they paid the highest price. Their voices were not buried that night. Their courage did not disappear that night,” Tucker said. “Their legacy did not end that night. Their courage lives in every South Carolina State University student who refuses to remain silent when something matters.”
A larger legacy fueled by history
“The truth is you already have everything you need. No, I’m not talking about your degree. I’m talking about everything it took you to get here,” she said.
Williams told graduates that the determination, initiative and discipline they developed at SC State would continue to guide them long after commencement.
“The passion you have for the future, you started crafting during your time here. The determination you had to study just a little longer to get that grade you desired. The initiative to reach for bigger and better opportunities without even knowing what results would look like, were all cultivated at SC State,” Williams said.
Williams described commencement as part of a larger legacy tied to the university’s history and perseverance.
“Today is bigger than a ceremony,” she said. “Today is bigger than the degree you will receive. Today is a continuation of a long-lasting legacy because in moments like this one, you are reminded that we are not just participants in history, but products of it.
“This institution was built in a time when people who looked like us weren’t expected to read, let alone lead, and yet we are still here. Living proof that legacy is not just inherited, but is something that’s always being built,” Williams said.
She encouraged graduates to recognize the influence of their voices and the lessons they learned both inside and outside the classroom.
“Class of 2026, you are the newest bricks in the monument of excellence that is South Carolina State University. You didn’t just learn in classrooms. You learned in real time, watching how institutions move, how leadership is tested, how voices rise and how narratives are shaped,” she said, noting that graduates must recognize and continue to use the power of their voices.
Graduates reflect on growth, opportunities and ambition
“I am really excited and overwhelmed with different emotions because I finally did it after a long journey. I cried many nights and laughed many days. It was like my emotions were on a roller coaster, but it feels really good to say I finally crossed the finish line,” she said.
“It’s a good feeling to know that this chapter is closing in my life. It’s time now to step into the real world and get things done,” Pringle said.
She said her SC State experience was a good one “from the first time I stepped foot on campus.”
“I saw a different variety of students, so it was really good to meet different people from different places. I feel it prepares me to step into the real world. I can definitely see myself coming back because I do think about continuing my education, maybe getting my master’s,” Pringle said.
“I may go forward to get a doctorate degree. It’s still in the air right now, but to me, this is a really good university. It really uplifts excellence for all youth, and I really see SC State exceeding, doing better and expanding,” she said.
Marion Patterson, 22, of Rock Hill graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology.
“I feel scared, but I also feel prepared. I prayed for this day, so I always expected I would walk across the stage. I’m just ready to spend this moment with my loved ones and the people who helped me along this journey and prepare for the next transition of life,” he said.
Patterson said his family provides a good support system for him.
“I’ll luckily be working with my uncle, who has his own construction business, until I find a job. I was also thinking about going to graduate school. Clemson has this automotive engineering program that really interested me, so I was looking to apply there, as well,” he said.
Patterson said SC State has prepared him for success.
“It’s made me more social and able to come out of my comfort zone and be more comfortable with public speaking. Being an engineer, you have to articulate the problem you’re solving, so I’m more comfortable in that space,” Patterson said.
“Everything I went through in life prepared me for this day. I would say my experience
at SC State was very fruitful. Education is really big in my family.
“Both of my parents are teachers. My grandmother integrated her high school. They
don’t play about education, so I really didn’t have a choice but to graduate,” he
said.
Tyrone Davis Jr., 29, of Columbia, received a bachelor’s degree in physical education/activity management.
“It makes me feel fulfilled. It’s just something that I always wanted to do. It’s a full-circle moment, as well, because both of my parents graduated from here, and one gets to see me graduate. You can’t beat it,” he said.
Davis said he chose to attend SC State because of its family atmosphere.
“The people that attend State make you feel right at home. I’ve built a lot of friendships and relationships through this university. I don’t take those for granted,” he said.
Davis currently works for the City of Columbia’s Parks and Recreation Department but said he may use his degree to enter the school system.
He hopes SC State continues to grow and provide other students with opportunities for success.
“I want the university to just continue to welcome more students from all places. Continue to incorporate diversity, have that homey feel and bring in people who are willing to do the right thing to uplift and build the university,” Davis said.
Alumna, former Miss USA makes surprise appearance, encourages graduates
She offered remarks commending the graduates for using their collective voices to enact change.
“Use every obstacle as fuel. Get the internships, be three times better, show up early,
be prepared and, yes, get your rest and stay grounded. You can stay woke without ever
being asleep to your purpose,” Temple said.
“When people stand together, their voices are heard. History remembers people who
refuse to stay silent in the face of adversity. The Class of 2026, that student body
will be remembered as one that came together,” she said.
“Remember the same courage you showed here on campus. Carry that into every room you enter for the rest of your life because when we fight for something meaningful, we stand with integrity and purpose, and we win,” she said.
SC State Board of Trustees Chairman Douglas Gantt said graduates should embrace leadership and service as they move forward.
“As you move forward, remember that your degree is not merely a credential, it is a call to leadership, service and lifelong learning,” he said.
“May you continue to strive for excellence, embrace opportunity and represent South Carolina State University with distinction wherever you may lead,” he said.
Also, during the ceremony, Gantt and Conyers presented Henry “Hank” Allen, past president of the SC State University National Alumni Association, with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. The SC State Golden Class of 1976 and the Silver Anniversary Class of 2001 were also recognized.
