More Than 500 Candidates to Participate in University’s Seventh Annual Fall Commencement
Morgan State University (MSU) President David Wilson has announced that U.S. Rep. James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.) will be the main speaker for the University’s seventh annual Fall Commencement ceremony, to be held on Friday, Dec. 13, 2019, beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the University’s Talmadge Hill Field House.
Congressman Clyburn’s speech will be delivered before a diverse group of more than 500 doctoral, master’s degree and baccalaureate candidates. Inventor and pioneer in the field of cellular and wireless communications Jesse E. Russell will also be in attendance to receive an honorary doctorate during the exercises.
The occasion marks a return to the campus for Congressman Clyburn, who in 2005 provided the keynote address for Morgan’s graduation ceremony. He was also presented with an honorary Doctor of Public Service at the time.
“In this current political environment, which has left us facing a deficit in national leadership and moral courage, it is encouraging that we still have voices like that of Congressman James Clyburn and that our graduating students will have an opportunity to hear from him on this joyous occasion,” said President Wilson. “It is an honor that Congressman Clyburn accepted the invitation to return to our National Treasure to address our future leaders. We look forward to receiving what he will impart during the Commencement ceremony.”
Joining Congressman Clyburn on the platform will be inventor and engineer Jesse Eugene Russell, who will be awarded with an honorary degree. Russell is recognized globally as an expert and thought leader in wireless communication and as a business executive. He currently serves as Chairman and CEO of incCOMMUNICATIONS Services Inc., a 5G ultrawideband hybrid fiber-wireless communications solutions company, and holds more than 100 U.S. Patents to his credit in the field of communication engineering.
Congressman Clyburn’s participation as Morgan’s commencement speaker marks the third consecutive MSU graduation ceremony in which a member of Congress was selected for the honor. The late Congressman Elijah Cummings delivered the keynote address for the 2019 Spring Commencement, and U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren addressed the Fall 2018 Commencement graduates.