Jacksonville, Fla. – Edward Waters College held Spring Convocatum Est. on Jan. 18 to commemorate the Class of 2016’s commitment to academic excellence and graduation through a pledge and pinning ceremony, and for students to witness their name in the College registry.

New and transfer students were welcomed by the administration and were issued an “I’m on the Rise” pin before reciting a pledge of commitment to reach new heights each day. The pledge, derived from the Student Retention Commitment Pledge, states, “I pledge to uphold the mission and core values of Edward Waters College; to hold as fundamental and imperative academic success for me and for my fellow scholars; to promote by my words and my actions the principles of excellence, ethics, and servant leadership; and to support the EWC student retention initiative by exercising my intrinsic motivation to maintain high academic standards and to graduate in 4 years.”

Following the pinning ceremony, keynote speaker and alumnus Rahman Johnson delivered an inspirational speech about using past experiences to prepare oneself for the future. He stated, “The power is already in you. So, what are you going to do with it?” He also spoke about the importance of preparation, finding joy in life, and making sure all ones’ goals in life are pursued with intention.

Johnson, a marketing and communications consultant, graduated with honors from EWC in 2000 and went on to be named one of Ebony Magazine’s “30 Young Black Leaders Under 30.” He also was the host of "SPLAT!" on Nickelodeon from 2003-2005 and was formerly a correspondent for Black Entertainment Television News.  Johnson is an accomplished actor with many stage and film credits, including the HBO’s "First Time Felon," an off-Broadway production of "Once On This Island" and ABC's series "Sheena."

Since growing up near Stockton Street in Jacksonville, Rahman has been known for holding to his roots and supporting the local community. In 1998, he was one of the youngest elected officials in Florida as Group 5 At-Large Representative for the Duval County Soil and Water Conservation District. He also served as Area Director of Community Partnerships for Census 2000, a youth initiatives advisor for two Jacksonville mayors, a writer and editor for the Florida Times-Union, and a columnist for the Jacksonville Free Press. Johnson is also known for his work with the Urban League and the United Nations of the United States, and for being a member of numerous boards.

Convocatum Est. is a traditional ceremony which aims to initiate, inspire and empower new students to attain academic excellence.