By Benjamin Rothstein

DOVER – Delaware State University’s class of 2024 suited up in their caps and gowns to take to the stage Friday morning for the university’s undergraduate commencement ceremony.

Although there was wind and drizzle, spirits were bright, especially when university president Tony Allen announced that this year’s class was not only the biggest in its history, but also holds the highest collective grade-point average out of its history as well.

“You are the ones who had your high school senior year disrupted by COVID. Proms canceled. Drive-thru graduations. Zoom learning. You’re in a class that got tested and tested and tested again. But you led, you endured, you rebounded and now you’re striving, seeking, never yielding,” said Dr. Allen in his speech addressing the class in Alumni Stadium.

Dr. Allen also honored the De Silva family, whose family member Camay De Silva, 18, was killed in a shooting on campus April 21. In Ms. De Silva’s memory, Dr. Allen introduced the $100,000 Camay De Silva scholarship. Ms. De Silva, of Wilmington, had planned on attending Delaware State University next year.

Other speakers included Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long, DSU board of trustees chairman Leeroy Tyson and the keynote speaker, Exelon CEO Calvin R. Butler, one of only eight Black CEOs in the Fortune 500.

“As a parent of young adults, I will tell you, we were hoping for a different kind of college experience for you, a different kind of world. But by sitting here today, looking great, hopeful and proud in your caps and gowns, you are truly embodying the word ‘resilience,’” said Mr. Butler.

Several student leaders also spoke, reflecting on their time at the school.

“Together we embark on this incredible journey filled with challenges, trials and unforgettable memories. My time at Delaware State University has been nothing short of transformative,” said Student Government Association vice president Joshua Holloway.

“From the moment we stepped foot on campus, we were greeted with boundless opportunities for growth and learning. Whether it was in the classroom or on the field, or even at MLK Student Center, we see every chance to push ourselves beyond the limits and reach new heights of excellence.”

Later in the afternoon Friday, Delaware State University played host Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness at its 1 p.m. Friday graduate commencement ceremony in the Memorial Hall Gymnasium on campus.