Hampton University has announced that it received over 17,000 applications for the upcoming school year. During its 154th Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 12, the private historically Black college and university conferred 665 degrees, including a record-breaking 36 Doctoral candidates.

The graduates were commended for their exceptional resilience in adapting to online classes and virtual platforms before transitioning back to face-to-face education.

Notable graduates include Shane Taylor, who earned a degree in biology, cellular, and molecular studies and is heading to Dartmouth College for a Molecular Cell Biology Ph.D. program.

Mathematics major Angel Lucas plans to return to Hampton University for a Master of Teaching degree focused on math education.

Finance major Kelly Dadson is preparing to join Bank of America’s Investment Solutions Group with aspirations for a career in wealth management.

Wesley T. Robinson, a communicative science and disorders major focusing on speech-language pathology and audiology, has received multiple job offers.

Additionally, Trajan Baker, a Master’s graduate from the Class of 2024, aspires to obtain a license in architecture.

Psychology major Eden Jones will be attending Towson University’s School of Psychology graduate program to become a diagnostician for learning disabilities.

Marketing major Janiya Pearson is set to embark on a journey with the AT&T B2B Sales Development Program in Dallas, TX.

Alabama A&M University also marked its Spring 2024 Commencement Ceremonies on May 3, where it awarded 570 degrees, including 162 graduate degrees, two of which were doctoral, and 16 Thesis candidates.

The undergraduate Class of 2024 included 126 first-generation college graduates. The class, comprising 53% female and 47% male students, also boasted 269 honors graduates.

Over 45 percent of the new alums have secured employment, 28 percent plan to continue their education, and 5 percent will join the military. Additionally, 11 ROTC Cadets were commissioned during the undergraduate ceremony.