Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) will host its 2024 Commencement Ceremony and 93rd Baccalaureate Exercise on May 4th at 9 a.m. at the George Williams Athletic Complex. The commencement ceremony will feature SAU alumnus Rev. Charles W. Brooks, ’82, and will stream live on the university’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.

With close to 150 students, this graduating class is the largest in almost a decade, a testament to the resilience and perseverance of both students and the university itself. SAU’s Class of 2024 is a testament to excellence and diversity, with 2 veterans, 4 first-generation college students, 13 presidential scholars, 47 student-athletes, more than half (54%) graduating with a 3.0 GPA or better and over a third (35%) with honors and students from 16 states and three countries.

Students Featured in the Class of 2024:

• Louis Keenan Lowndes: Keenan Lowndes, a native of Winston-Salem, NC, has distinguished himself as a Presidential Scholar graduating with honors, a former student-athlete on the football team, and a member of the Gamma Psi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. In addition, Keenan served as the 10th Mister Saint Augustine’s University. He was also the first SAU student to win the Mister Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). His commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and community engagement has set a remarkable example for his peers and the SAU community. Click here to read more.

• Tangela Ormond: Tangela Ormond, a proud native of Snow Hill, NC, embarked on her educational journey at SAU 24 years ago with a vision to make a difference in the lives of young learners. Despite facing past personal, academic, and financial challenges, Tangela decided to return to SAU and fulfill her dream of earning a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Since her return to SAU, Tangela has excelled academically, earning Cum Laude honors and receiving the prestigious Academic Excellence award in the School of Education during the 2024 Honors Convocation. In addition, she also initiated the Confidence Club for young students at the elementary school, where she serves as an Instructional Assistant, demonstrating her passion for empowering future generations. Click here to read more.

• De’Carlos Rowell: The remarkable story of graduating senior De’Carlos Rowell amplifies the spirit of resilience and achievement at SAU. Hailing from Washington, DC, De’Carlos will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, illustrating the transformative impact of his journey as a first-generation college student and recipient of the Pell Grant. Overcoming personal hardships in 2019, including losing his great-grandmother, De’Carlos faced academic setbacks, landing on the Satisfactory Academic Progress List with a GPA of 2.1. However, with the guidance and support of faculty and staff, De’Carlos made a remarkable comeback, finishing strong with a GPA of 3.395, earning a place on the Dean’s List for the Fall 2023 semester and induction into the Alpha Psi Omega Theatre Honors Society. Click here to read more.

• SAU Men’s & Women’s Track & Field Team: Eight outstanding members of the men’s team will stride proudly across the commencement stage before heading to Durham for the CIAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Among them, 2023 CIAA Men’s Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year Sean Kalawan stood out with impressive 2024 CIAA Outdoor Track & Field achievements, ranking 3rd in 110H, 1st in 400H, and 1st in 4×400, all while graduating Magna Cum Laude. Accompanying him are talented athletes like Darius Turner, Isaiah Chapman, Brenton Chapple, Isaiah Rozier, Skyy Lawrence, Kadain Roper, and Jarvis Dudley, who have demonstrated unparalleled dedication to academics and athletics. Two remarkable members of the women’s team will also be honored at the commencement ceremony before heading to the CIAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Durham. Kyrasani Mitchell, known for her prowess in Shot Put and Discus, will graduate Magna Cum Laude alongside Courtney Brown, a skilled athlete excelling in Javelin. Click here to read more.

• Ashley Weekes: Ashley Weekes, a native of Barbados majoring in Accounting, has excelled as the valedictorian of the ACBSP-accredited School of Business, Management, & Technology, embodying academic and personal excellence. As a former student-athlete on the women’s track & field team, Ashley’s stellar performance extends beyond the field with her role as the 73rd Miss Saint Augustine’s University, President of the SAU Chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), Inc., and as a Student Global Leadership Fellow. Click here to read more.

• Ariana White: Originally from Newark, NJ, and with roots in Salisbury, NC, Ariana White has distinguished herself as a first-generation college student with a deep commitment to academic excellence and community engagement. Her journey at SAU showcases her dedication to uplifting her peers and contributing positively to the university community. In her role as the Student Government Association President for the 2023-2024 academic year, Ariana White has been a guiding force within the SAU community, advocating for her peers and fostering a spirit of unity and empowerment. Click here to read more.

Click here for more information about the 2024 Commencement.