Rust College Announces 157th Commencement Speaker
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Posted By: Reginald Culpepper on April 10, 2023 President Ivy R. Taylor is pleased to announce that three-time All-American linebacker/defensive-end, playing in both the National Football League (NFL) and Canadian Football League (CFL), Stevie “Shakespeare” Baggs, Jr. will deliver Rust College’s 157th Commencement address on the lawn of the McCoy Administration building in Holly Springs, Mississippi, on Saturday, May 6, 2023. American former professional football player, actor, motivational speaker, and author, Stevie Baggs Jr. is known best for his athletic career playing for teams including the Baltimore Ravens, Arizona Cardinals, Saskatchewan Roughriders, and Hamilton Tiger-Cats. During his college football career, Stevie Baggs Jr. earned his nickname, “Shakespeare”, by making plays on and off the field. He graduated with a degree in International Business from Bethune Cookman University in 2005. Drawing from his experience in professional sports, Baggs serves as an activist for human rights and has dedicated time in his career to empowering youth and adults as an impactful inspirational speaker. His driven attitude and gracious service to the community has gained him the support and partnership of many renowned charitable, educational, health and sports organizations. Named Health and Wellness Ambassador for the City of Atlanta, Stevie continues to be a strong voice for the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. The former athlete can also be spotted on television working alongside Barry Jenkins in the hit series “The Underground Railroad,” Tyler Perry in the hit show “Ruthless,” and in “The Game” on CBS/Paramount Plus. Baggs has made special appearances on the Steve Harvey show, Wendy Williams, and The View! In addition to being on camera, Stevie is also very passionate off camera about Real Estate investing. He believes that “you can’t change the culture without having agriculture.” As an advocate for change, Stevie Baggs Jr. works in communities to enhance the minds of youth to fuel the future through his foundation called Creating Empowerment Through Autonomy or CETA. The CETA Foundation, currently celebrating 18 years of service, envisions a world where all individuals have the health and wellness tools, resources, and support to maximize their quality of life. Recognized as the only athlete to play for eleven professional teams in ten years, “Shakespeare” continues to inspire and make plays off the field. In his bestselling book, “Greater than the Game,” Baggs shares how his experiences on the field prepared him for his purpose beyond the stadium. The book also guides readers to self-discovery by challenging them to examine how they can elevate their “personal game.” As a man of many hats, Stevie continues to execute his destiny with an unwavering heart of leadership and service. With all that he does, he lives by the quote, “I’m not flawless, but I am faithful.” Zachary Wilson, 2022-2023 Student Government Association President, will deliver the Student Government Association Presidential Address. In her third in-person commencement celebration since taking the helm as the College’s 12th President, Dr. Ivy R. Taylor expressed that she looks forward to celebrating the class of 2023 as they advance to the next stage of their professional journey. The Senior Service of Blessing and Consecration will be held, Friday, May 5, 2023, at 5:30 p.m., Doxey Morehouse Auditorium. The Commencement ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 6th at 11:00 a.m., on the front lawn of the McCoy Administration Building and is open to the public. The Ceremony will be live streamed for those unable to attend in-person. YouTube: RustCollege Facebook: @rcbearcats1866 Simulcast: Rust College Radio Station WURC 88.1 FM Website: www.rustcollege.edu About Rust College Rust College is the oldest most prestigious historically black college in Mississippi founded in 1866 by the Freedmen’s Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Offering degree programs in business, education, humanities, science and mathematics, and social science. Rust College equips and inspires students for excellence and service in their communities and throughout the world. Located in Holly Springs, MS, just 35 miles southeast of Memphis, Tennessee, Rust College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. For more information about Rust College, call (662) 252-8000, ext. 4915, (662) 544-0950, cell or visit www.rustcollege.edu. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Reginald Culpepper
President, Fulfillment and Web Services, HBCUCONNECT Clark Atlanta University class of 1998 Member Since September 2000 |
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