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The Kentucky State University fall class of 2018 reflected on their academic journey and the road ahead for them after graduation during the Baccalaureate Assembly in the Little Theater in David H. Bradford Hall.

“Many started the race, but they’re not with us today,” Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Lucian Yates III said. “Many of you have overcome tremendous odds, but you’re here. Many of you endured what you thought were unreasonable faculty, but you’re here. You have burned the midnight oil, but you are here. Many of you wanted to give up, but you persevered, and you are here.”

National recording artist and BET’s Sunday Best Season 8 winner Dathan Thigpen presented a song of celebration, “I Need You Now,” which brought the audience to its feet.

Dr. Crystal A. deGregory, Director of the Atwood Institute for Race, Education, and the Democratic Ideal, provided an inspirational reading.

“The horizon leans forward, offering you space to place new steps of change,” deGregory read from “On the Pulse of the Morning,” by Maya Angelou.

Clara Ross Stamps, senior vice president for brand identity and university relations, delivered the necrology report, remembering and honoring Thorobreds who passed away in 2018.

Dr. F. Thomas Beavers, Kentucky State alumnus and fourth pastor of New Rising Star Church in the Eastlake community of Birmingham, Alabama, delivered the baccalaureate address.

Beavers address focused on being born to win.

Beavers reflected on the career of Muhammad Ali, the greatest boxer of all time, and a Louisville native.

“Muhammad Ali proved himself the greatest not because he never suffered any losses or because he was never knocked down,” Beavers said. “He proved himself the greatest because every time he was knocked down he decided to get up.”

Beavers compared Ali to students preparing for graduation.

“The reason students are getting ready to walk across the stage for graduation is not because they’ve never been knocked down, it’s because they decided to get back up,” Beavers said.

Beavers told graduating seniors that in order for their greatness to materialize, they must have a mouth of confidence, a heart of courage and a mindset of commitment.

“If your greatness is to materialize, you must make decisions that are effective but not popular,” Beavers said.

Kentucky State University President M. Christopher Brown II reflected on the graduates’ time on the Hill.

“We at Kentucky State can be and be great because they existed,” President Brown said, referencing “When Great Trees Fall by Maya Angelou. “Remember that today and tomorrow can be the best days of your life.”