Welcome students, family members and guests to North Carolina Central University's 122nd Commencement Exercises. We wish to extend congratulations to the graduating students and their families on this occasion.
Family members and friends who are unable to attend the Commencement Ceremonies may view the ceremonies live at nccu.edu/live.
Ceremony Speaker
Annika Barnett, M.D., is a first-year medical resident at Johns Hopkins Hospital in the Pediatrics and Anesthesiology Combined Residency Program. Barnett dreamed of becoming a doctor since the age of 12. She endeavored to pursue a career in medicine to have a positive impact on the lives of those she encountered. Barnett was raised in Raleigh, N.C., where she attended Southeast Raleigh High School. She began her higher education at North Carolina Central University, continuing the legacy of her parents who graduated from NCCU in 1983. She was very active on campus participating in many organizations including Chancellor’s Scholars, Phi Eta Sigma and Minority Access to Research Careers. She also served as president of the Alpha Chi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated in 2008. After graduating from NCCU in 2009, she became the first NCCU alumna to attend Harvard Medical School. She graduated from Harvard Medical School in May 2013 and received the Bemy Jelin Award for academic excellence and interest in a career in pediatrics.
Rehearsal
Friday, Dec. 13, 11 a.m.
McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium
Chancellor's Reception for Graduates
Friday, Dec. 13, 6 p.m.
Alfonso Elder Student Union
Commencement Ceremony
Saturday, Dec. 14, 9 a.m.
McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium
Shawn Muslim
It has taken North Carolina Central University student Shawn Shaw Muslim 30 years to complete her undergraduate degree. Despite how it may sound, the mother of 10 has not been wasting time. She has home-schooled nearly all of her own children, and many other children who are a part of her community. She has opened her home and heart to countless families and provided counsel to those facing life’s hardships. By nearly anyone’s definition, she is already a success. But earning her bachelor’s degree in physics this month will fulfill the one promise she made to herself: to earn her degree before any of her children did.