Maya Angelou, the famous African American poet, historian, and civil rights activist who is hailed be many as one of the great voices of contemporary literature, believes a struggle only makes a person stronger.

I think this is one of the greatest strengths of this school. Not only do the students go on to achieve great milestones in their own lives, they never forget their roots and the school that gave them the chance they needed to improve their lives and their families’ lives.

With the establishment of a presence in all three counties of Delaware, recruitment in and outside Delaware and throughout the world and new master’s and doctoral programs, Delaware State University will continue to grow and attract even more qualified students.

When Delaware State University was founded in 1890, it was not by choice, but by social reality.

Delaware State began as a school bent on service – teaching education, social services and nursing.

And the university’s reputation will only continue to grow as stories like Elaine’s are spread. Delaware State University’s motto ‘a past to honor, a future to insure,’ couldn’t be any more fitting for this transitional period you are going through.

Working together we can strengthen Delaware State University and the students who attend it.

I remember coming to this college in the 1960s as a new legislator when a road divided the campus – and it was not fully paved at that – and no wall defined the campus from the highway.

Lance Armstrong, the famous cyclist and more importantly, cancer survivor, has said ‘if you ever get a second chance for something, you’ve got to go all the way.’

They were often the first students in their family to go to college and the very idea of higher education was still foreign to them. They had to make a conscious and often difficult decision to come to college.

Their families helped them realize that there was more out there for them. These students came to Delaware State because of its inexpensive tuition, closeness to home, and solid reputation.

Delaware State is no longer a college for African Americans without other choices, it is a university of choice.

Typically, historical black colleges and universities like Delaware State, attracted students who were raised in an environment where going to college wasn’t the next natural step after high school.

During the days of segregation, there was not a place of higher learning for African Americans. They were simply not welcome in many of the traditional schools. And from this backward policy grew the network of historical black colleges and universities.

But all of this success came at the end of a long climb.

After completing a Delaware State education, they were afforded opportunities beyond anything they might have imagined – and they opened doors for themselves that surely would have remained closed if they only had a high school education.

By climbing a steeper road, the value and appreciation Delaware State students took and continue to take from their education and their experiences is just as great, if not greater, than students attending ivy league schools.

This is a value-added college education if I have heard one described. And what is the most remarkable about Delaware State University graduates – is they just keeping giving back.

These ivy league students are in the upper echelon of the college boards and had great opportunity in front of them regardless of where they go to college. Its in their very nature and it is something they expect.

These fallen heroes represent the character of a nation who has a long history of patriotism and honor – and a nation who has fought many battles to keep our country free from threats of terror.

Delaware State has established itself as an institution of excellence in its own right and attracts a diversity of students from various races, socio-economic status and locations.

Maya Angelou, the famous African American poet, historian, and civil rights activist who is hailed be many as one of the great voices of contemporary literature, believes a struggle only makes a person stronger.

We have to instill in them the skills they need to succeed at a young age and open up their imaginations to the very real opportunities they can be afforded if they put their minds to it.

Just the example Delaware State University graduates set by the way they live their lives, should be an inspiration to other high school students to go to Delaware State.

Through the years you, the Delaware State family and your predecessors, have faced many challenges. You worked through them with fierce determination and good will, and you have made great progress.

Ensuring a bright future for all our children is the responsibility of the community, the schools, families and like it or not- politicians as well.

We have long honored those who gave their lives during the unfortunate reality of war.

Getting to where Delaware State is today was a challenge my friends – a challenge proudly met by the people of this community and the Delaware State family.

Repaying the debt of these ultimate sacrifices seems nearly impossible but we must try.

Upon arriving, meeting their teachers and signing up for classes, these students began to realize that their attendance at Delaware State University was not a goal achieved, but rather a dream being sewn – a first step, if you will.

I believe it is important for the university to always remember its roots.

The teachers were focused on helping these students. The students benefited from hands-on teaching and a faculty who cared about them and their success in life and soon the students began to believe in themselves and the reality that they could make something of their lives.

I could not agree more. The students of Delaware State often looked to the school as their chance, their hand up, their hope. And they gave their all.