Shaw University

Martel A. Perry

Shaw conducts special ceremony for injured student-athlete

May 22, 2009

Members of the Shaw University Administration traveled to Greenville, NC to "officially" and personally present the academic diploma to Edgar Huff, an athletic scholar injured in a serious car accident days before his scheduled  graduation.

Since Huff was unable to physically attend the Commencement exercises at the Raleigh Convention Center on May 9th, the University made arrangements to take the graduation exercises to Edgar; a magna cum laude graduate and star baseball player.

Barbara Dunn, Director of Public Relations at Pitt County Memorial Hospital stated, "This was the first Commencement exercise at the hospital and we are all so excited.  Our President will make a personal visit to Edgar later today."

Before family, friends, Administration, hospital medical officials/caregivers and members of the press, Edgar, robed in his cap and gown and red honor cords, was carefully rolled from his room to a larger room to accommodate those attending the official ceremony. 

Waiting in regalia to conduct the ceremony was Dr. Herman Thomas, Vice President of Academic Affairs.  Dr. Irene Perry delivered a beautiful invocation for the occasion.  Dr. Martel A. Perry, Executive Vice President assisted in the ceremony; the same language and actions were taken with Edgar that were given to the Shaw graduates May 9th. 

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Administration, and the entire Shaw constituency, Dr. Thomas bestowed all of the rights and privileges to Edgar and he was hooded and presented with the Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. 

Dr. Thomas stated, "You have earned this diploma with all of the rights and privileges of the Class of 2009. Today you graduate magna cum laude and your tireless academic and athletic excellence have been a tremendous asset to the University." 

Bobby Sanders, Head Baseball Coach presented Edgar with a Shaw Baseball jacket.

Other members of the Shaw group included Paul Vandergrift, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, Mrs. Herman Thomas and Terry Spicer, University Relations.

Dr. Perry stated, "Emily Perry, President of the National Alumni Association extends congratulations on behalf of the alumni constituency to you with an open expectation that your love for our beloved institution will continue and in time result in financial giving.  We celebrate your excellence."  He also said, "Mildred Council, President of the Greenville/Pitt County Alumni Association, also extends greetings of congratulations and prayers for your continued recovery and success."

"I will never forget this ever in my life," said Huff.  "Shaw University is the oldest historically black college of the South and today I am a part of her history.  I love Shaw University."

He concluded this amazing day by stating, "I'm doing alright.  I'm happy to be alive and celebrate this moment in my life."

World Translation Click On Language and enter Website http://www.martelanseperry.com

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