Over 500 students turned their tassels in UNC Pembroke’s winter commencement. 

One of the 562 graduates was Wendee Lambert whose long road to graduation began 17 years ago. 

She first enrolled in 2007 but was diagnosed the following year with kidney failure. Forced to withdraw from school, she refused to give up. She re-enrolled in 2015, received a kidney transplant in March, and Saturday earned a degree in business administration.

“It was an emotional roller coaster,” she said. “My professors were great. They worked with me through it all, but I had to push myself. It was tough, but I was determined to make it to this day.”

She was not the only member of her family to walk across the stage to receive their diploma. Lambert’s daughter Shania Chavis, donned a matching gown and crossed the stage with a biology degree.

“This was really special for me,” Shania Chavis said. “My mom has been through a lot. At one point she didn’t think she would graduate, but she never gave up.”

Another powerful moment came when Dustin Chavis stood from his wheelchair and, with assistance, walked across the stage to accept his psychology degree to perhaps the loudest ovation from those gathered. 

Dustin Chavis, of Rowland, was diagnosed at birth with cerebral palsy. His plans to assist combat veterans struggling with PTSD.

Saturday was twice as nice for Cierra Blackhorse of Prospect who celebrated a birthday while earning her bachelor’s degree in chemistry.

Blackhorse described the milestone as “euphoric, exciting and liberating.” Her plan is to pursue a career in pharmaceuticals.

Another graduate, Deion Perry’s mind was filled with thoughts of his mother, Lillian, his sole source of inspiration. He was two weeks shy of his 12th birthday when his mother passed away, leaving him to be raised by his aunt in Monroe, NC.

“I do everything to honor my mother,” he said. “Even though she couldn’t see me graduate high school or college, a piece of her is in me. I know she would be proud.”

At UNCP, Perry was heavily involved with Brother 2 Brother, a mentor organization dedicated to male student success on campus. He plans to use his business degree to establish a nonprofit for underprivileged youth.

Erin Barnhardt Allen plans to continue her education after earning her degree in chemistry. She will continue on in the Physician Assistant program at Methodist University. She plans to one day specialize in pediatric medicine. 

“The thing I loved most about UNCP was the small classes,” said Allen, who graduated with summa cum laude honors. “I developed wonderful relationships with my classmates and professors. The professors knew me by name. I would not have gotten that experience at a bigger school.”

UNC System President Margaret Spellings gave the commencement address and told the graduates that life is about compromise and relationships.

“Life is group work,” she said. “Great writers work with editors, publishers and marketing people. Great actors work with scriptwriters and directors. Successful business owners and entrepreneurs work with hundreds or thousands of people to make their companies run.”

“Most of your life’s work isn’t about you at all,” Spellings said. “The most meaningful and satisfying work happens when you forget yourself. When you’re focused not on your own performance or getting credit, but on the greater good.”

Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings took inspiration from an acronym used by Navy pilots while encouraging the Class of 2018 that their potential to carry out their mission in life is unlimited.

“C-A-V-U stands for Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited,” Cummings said. “A military term indicating perfect flying weather. No barriers, no boundaries, no limits. Today, you are that naval pilot. Perfectly positioned on the deck of that carrier… and as you look about, you see nothing but blue skies and open clear waters. Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited.”

Fly high graduates and best of luck in all your future endeavors.