It's official, the Class of 2016 at North Carolina Central University are college graduates and officially NCCU alumni. The first to receive their degrees were the graduate and professional students. Their commencement was held on Friday May 13 at 3 pm, in the Mcdouglad-Mclendon Arena. The keynote speaker was Elmira Mangnum, President of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, and alumna of NCCU. She received her bachelor's degree in geology in 1974, and during her time at NCCU, she was active in voter education drives which would lead her to work as a paid intern for the U.S. Congress, the first African-American student of North Carolina do to so. All together, the graduate commencement awarded 438 graduate and professional diplomas. Moving to Saturday May 14 for the Baccalaureate commencement; the ceremony was held at 8am in the O'Kelly-Riddick stadium. The commencement featured encouraging words from UNC-ASG President Zack King, 2015-2016 NCCU Senior Class President Keyona Pearson, and the keynote speaker, Senator Corey Booker, whom is the son of NCCU alum the late Cary Booker. 718 Baccalaureate degrees were awarded, with the Bachelor of Sciences leading the way with 311 degrees.

The Class of 2016 will have to leave NCCU, but not after leaving many great legacies. Just to give you a little taste, with the end to the 127th NCCU commencement exercises, the Class of '16 graduated, more than 1100 students, the most in NCCU history. Also the 2015-2016 SGA President Olivia Robinson was the first woman, in 10 years to serve in that position, while also establishing the "I love my 1910" campaign. Moreover, the 2015-2016 Mr. NCCU created Eagle Access, a campus web series on YouTube; while the 2015-2016 Miss NCCU founded the Clutch Closet, a professional clothing and accessories closet that students can go to receive professional items. Furthermore, the Class of 2016 included the back-to-back MEAC football champions, members of the nationally recognized Vocal Jazz Ensemble, and members of prestigious fraternal and sororal organizations. Class of 2016 you did it! You showed us Eagles how to help those in need, you inspired us to go for never settle anything less than Greatness, and most of all, you showed that in the end, the most important goal in your 4, 5, 6, or 7 years, is to graduate. Once again, Congrats NCCU Class of 2016! You are Eagle Excellent, you exemplify Truth and Service, and you are now NCCU alumni! As you head to work Monday to your first job as a college grad, begin a summer internship, or maybe even head to to grad school, remember in the words of Sen. Booker, "Stay Faithful." For the final time as a undergrad or graduate student here on the sloping hills and verdant green, Eagle Pride... Amplified