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Distinguished alumnus Ronnie C. Crudup Sr. encouraged graduates to make a decision to be great in their field of study, confront tough circumstances and people, and positively change the world during his commencement speech for the master’s and doctoral degree candidates on Friday, May 3, in the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center.
“Make the decision to be great. Make the decision that you will be darn good and the best in your field of study that folk has ever seen, make that decision today,” says Crudup. “Decisions are key for wherever you go; feelings follow decisions, determination follows decisions, energy follows determination and swagger follows energy so make the decision not to be average and be darn good at what you do.”
Crudup is the administrative bishop for the Fellowship of International Churches. He is also senior pastor of New Horizon Church International, a congregation of over 3,000 members in Jackson, Mississippi, which he founded in 1987.
The social entrepreneur explicated that each graduate in the crowd should aim to achieve greatness and that choice would be determined by their “willingness to deal with problems.”
He further clarified that “With the decision to be darn good also comes an understanding that problems will arise that are challenging but problems are actually good for people.”
Crudup spoke to the degree candidates with a strong sense of conviction and proclaimed that problem-solving skills correlate to wealth.
“Solving problems can revenue more money than your great grandkids will ever spend,” says Crudup. “Somewhere along your journey failure will find you but failure is not final. Failure allows one to pick themselves up and be even better than before.”
The founder and President of New Horizon Ministries, Inc., used spiritual affirmations to further encourage Jackson State graduates to be outstanding.
“God gave you a purpose on earth, and there is something that you are supposed to do, and you will be good at it if you ask him for help,” says Crudup. “God will give you massive ideas, and it only takes one darn good idea to change the whole world.”
Crudup concluded his speech by urging the newest JSU alumni to be world changers.
“Great days are coming for you so leave here today with the decision to be darn good. Once you make that choice, peace and joy will follow you,” says Crudup. “Go change the world and be really good at it.”