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WALKING THE AISLE: UAPB HOLDS COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES

By Judy Normand/OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF
Sunday, May 11, 2008 7:29 PM CDT

Dr. Leonard L. Haynes III is executive director of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Also a veteran of many top education posts in the country, Haynes was in town Saturday to address approximately 275 graduating seniors from Pine Bluff’s own HBCU — the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff — during its spring commencement ceremonies at the Pine Bluff Convention Center.

The vast arena of the convention center filled quickly with family and friends, there to witness their sons and daughters walk down the aisle to receive their diplomas. Although a solemn occasion, these proud friends and family members were hard-pressed to contain their enthusiasm as the graduates began the processional — symbolizing the end of a long journey and the beginning of a new life. The UAPB Vesper Choir, led by Dr. Michael Bates, ushered the graduates to their seats, filling the space gloriously with their superb voices.

After an introduction by UAPB Chancellor Lawrence A. Davis Jr., Haynes stood to address his audience, reflecting for a moment on his “connections” to the university and Pine Bluff. He was a former classmate of Davis’, learned to ride a bike at Pine Bluff and remembered the taste of delicious hamburgers and french fries ordered from the now-closed Lion’s Den.

Haynes now works closely with the President’s Board of Advisers for HBCUs and more than 30 federal agencies that award grants and contracts to HBCUs in support of their operations.

Haynes earned his doctorate degree from Ohio State University, and has since been honored twice by that institution. In 1990, he received an honorary doctor of laws degree and in 2006 was the recipient of the John Glenn Award for excellence in public service.

“I grew up in segregation,” Haynes said, “and I’ve been amazed that I could receive the John Glenn award. It just proves that anything can happen.”

He also shared something with his audience that he claims is “critical to success.”

“If you apply the five ‘Fs’, education will take you to the mountain top and allow you to see the other side,” he said, “and once the climb is completed, you must reach back to help the next generation.”

The five ‘Fs,’ according to Haynes, are: Focus, finish, follow-up, follow through and keep the faith.

“And if you have faith, you can do the other four,” he said.

Senior class president Timothy Wallace addressed the graduates saying, “This marks a day of new beginnings — a new chapter started and a goal reached.”

He also said that the grads had made it to commencement “no matter what.” Noting more serious obstacles and adversity on their graduation route, Wallace also injected a little humor by remembering that the students may also have been sidetracked by other hurdles, ranging from various social situations to unpaid parking tickets, “But you made it!”

Wallace urged the graduates not to allow their diplomas to become just certificates on their walls.

“Use it to be the best at whatever you are and want to be,” Wallace said. “Let no one ever use a disparaging word against UAPB and go forth, be great and give back.”

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