SHAW HAS SPECIAL COMMENCEMENT FOR STAR ATHLETE

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Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Greenville, NC - Last Friday, May 22nd, the graduating Class of 2009 at Shaw University was "officially" concluded with a special Commencement.

Members of the Shaw University Administration traveled to Greenville, NC to "officially" and personally present the academic diploma to Edgar Huff; athletic scholar injured in a serious car accident days before his scheduled May 9th graduation. The driver of the other vehicle was killed immediately; driving while impaired.

Unable to physically attend the Commencement exercises at the Raleigh Convention Center on May 9th, the University made arrangements to take the graduation exercises to Edgar; a magna cum laude graduate and star baseball player at the University. Barbara Dunn, Director of Public Relations at Pitt County Memorial stated, "This was the first Commencement exercise at the hospital and we are all so excited. Our President will make a personal visit to Edgar later today."

Before family, friends, Administration, hospital medical officials/caregivers and members of the press, Edgar, robed in his cap and gown and red honor cords, was carefully rolled from his room to a larger room to accommodate those attending the official ceremony. A smile as bright as the sun came across his face as we all hummed as he processed via wheelchair into the academic gathering. Waiting in regalia to conduct the ceremony was Dr. Herman Thomas, Vice President of Academic Affairs. Dr. Irene Perry delivered a beautiful invocation for the occasion. Dr. Martel A. Perry, Executive Vice President assisted in the ceremony; the same language and actions were taken with Edgar that were given to the Shaw graduates May 9th. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Administration, and the entire Shaw constituency, Dr. Thomas bestowed all of the rights and privileges to Edgar and he was hooded and presented with the Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Dr. Thomas stated, "You have earned this diploma with all of the rights and privileges of the Class of 2009. Today you graduate magna cum laude and your tireless academic and athletic excellence have been a tremendous asset to the University." He flashed a beautiful smile as his loving parents and brother Jerome looked on through tearful eyes; we all cried. Bobby Sanders, Head Baseball Coach presented Edgar with a beautiful Shaw Baseball jacket. They embraced.

Other members of the Shaw group included Paul Vandergrift, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, Mrs. Herman Thomas and Terry Spicer, University Relations.

Dr. Perry stated, "Emily Perry, President of the National Alumni Association extends congratulations on behalf of the alumni constituency to you with an open expectation that your love for our beloved institution will continue and in time result in financial giving. We celebrate your excellence." He also said, "Mildred Council, President of the Greenville/Pitt County Alumni Association, also extends greetings of congratulations and prayers for your continued recovery and success."

As the ceremony concluded with the benediction, tears were heard around the room. It was the culmination of hard work and numerous blessings on the life of this marvelous young man and the beginning of countless success yet to come. When asked what comes next in his life Edgar stated, "I want to go home and take an uninterrupted nap." Laughter filled the room as we understood what he meant. He went on to say with great appreciation in his voice and demeanor, "I will never forget this ever in my life. Shaw University is the oldest historically black college of the South and today I am a part of her history. I love Shaw University." He concluded this amazing day by stating, "I'm doing alright. I'm happy to be alive and celebrate this moment in my life."

Everyone gently hugged him and shook his hand in congratulations. Through tearful eyes, his parents thanked Shaw University; "You all really have gone the extra mile for our family and we cannot thank you for what you have done for us. Ed's countenance is different and there is a sparkle that has returned to his eyes."

Following the joy that we all experienced today, there was a different countenance in all of our lives. We truly understood the magnitude of the gift that we have all been given. Edgar Huff is a college graduate and this personal and reverent ceremony propelled him into the world educated, accomplished and well on the road to recovery. Continue to keep Edgar in your prayers. The Shaw Family salutes the amazing life of Edgar Huff; a sterling example of fortitude, perseverance and determination.