JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers threw a post-graduation shindig in front of the Administration Tower for employees Friday, thanking them for “giving your finest each and every day” and, especially, for contributions to a successful commencement headlined by first lady Michelle Obama.
Meyers said, “One of the first things the first lady said to me privately was that her people told her that they have never been anywhere where people worked so hard and so pleasantly and did whatever was necessary” to make the day wonderful.
Addressing the crowd, Meyers also said, “JSU is a special place for each and every one of you. A lot of things were done, unasked. … You all contributed. And that’s why we’re here today, to take a little time out to celebrate. Because this is our year of saying thank you, I want to say thank you on behalf of Jacksonians everywhere. You made it a beautiful day. People worked like I’ve never seen before. People are looking at JSU from Germany, Brazil, Japan, all over the world. Everybody knows about the wonders of Jackson State. And that’s because of you.”
Echoing the sentiments, Dr. Evelyn J. Leggette, provost and senior vice president for Academic and Student Affairs, said, “We could not have enjoyed such commendations, accolades from around the world if it had not been for this great JSU family, alums and friends. … We have only just begun,” she said.
Keith O. Riley, an academic evaluator for JSUOnline, said, “This was a great idea by Dr. Meyers to show appreciation to all faculty and staff for coming together to help make everything go well for the graduation ceremonies. The outdoor event was a great affair that allowed for fellowship as a family.”
Sandra Hodge, interim vice president of Institutional Advancement, described the successful commencement as monumental and “a great opportunity for everyone to come together to celebrate as One JSU.”
Meyers did not leave out Mother Nature and was delighted that the weather held up.
She told the audience, “Thanks for your prayers for sun because that was my greatest fear.”
Overall she said, “It was a history-making day. That doesn’t happen by accident. That happens only when good people really love the university, understand it’s about the university and do whatever is necessary.
