Two Hornets will return home for Delaware State University commencement

Delaware State News
Posted 1/2/23

Delaware State University has announced that Grammy award-nominated, multiplatinum country music star Jimmie Allen and Dr. Willis L. Lonzer III, the international president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, will be commencement speakers for its May 12 graduation ceremonies.

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Two Hornets will return home for Delaware State University commencement

Posted

DOVER — Delaware State University has announced that Grammy award-nominated, multiplatinum country music star Jimmie Allen and Dr. Willis L. Lonzer III, the international president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, will be commencement speakers for its May 12 graduation ceremonies.

Mr. Allen, who grew up in Milton, broke into the scene in 2018 with the release of his debut album, “Mercury Lane.” That year, his singles “Best Shot” and “Make Me Want To” both went platinum and hit No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart.

Last year, he was nominated for Best New Artist at the 64th annual Grammy Awards and Outstanding New Artist at the 53rd NAACP Image Awards.

In 2021, Mr. Allen was crowned New Artist of the Year at the 55th annual Country Music Association Awards and Best New Male Artist at the 56th annual Academy of Country Music Awards.

He most recently released his third album, “Tulip Drive,” in June 2022. Mr. Allen attended the university from 2004-06, before pursuing his music career.

“Delaware State University is where I am proud to say I attended. I met lifetime friends there and learned so much about who I am as a Black man and navigating my way through life,” said Mr. Allen. “I’m honored to be the keynote speaker for this year’s undergraduate ceremonies and hope I can share something that will inspire the next generation of leaders. Thank you to President (Tony) Allen and the rest of the DSU family for having me. Let’s go, Hornets!”

The graduate ceremony will feature Dr. Lonzer, a Delaware State alumnus and executive scientist with more than 20 years’ experience in global pharmaceutical research and medical affairs.

He has been a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity since his days at DSU, rising to international president. Started in 1906, Alpha Phi Alpha is the oldest Black Greek-lettered fraternity in the world, with more than 900 chapters and 290,000 members.

A native of Richmond, Virginia, he was a Charles Waples Scholar in chemistry at the university and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. He also holds a doctorate in biochemistry from The University of Akron.

Dr. Lonzer said Delaware State University and its family played a significant role in his personal and professional development.

“As I reflect on my time at the university, I clearly see the planting of rich seeds for my professional development and eventual career path, through the obtainment of a STEM degree in chemistry and the cultivation of my interests in medicine/biomedicine through the research programs established at the university,” he said.

“Personally, socially and even professionally, the benefits of my involvement in campus life have also been richly rewarded, as I honed my leadership, social and professional networking skills that have served me very well, even in my election and role as the serving general president of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.”

Dr. Tony Allen, Delaware State’s president (and no relation to Jimmie Allen), plans to nominate the singer for an honorary degree and is excited about both featured speakers.

“Our vision at Delaware State University is to be the most substantively diverse, contemporary and unapologetic (historically Black university) in the nation. Doing so requires a noted and continuous clarion call from anyone touched by the Delaware State University experience,” he said.

“Both Jimmie and Dr. Lonzer are tremendous examples of that tradition, and I am proud that each will have the opportunity to impart their story and wisdom to what will be the largest graduating classes in Delaware State University history.”

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