DSU honors military-affiliated students at Pass and Review Ceremony
Delaware State University’s graduating military-affiliated students were honored recently at DSU’s annual “Pass and Review” ceremony. Sponsored by the University’s Office of Veteran Affairs and the Dover Air Force Base DSU program, the ceremony honored the unique accomplishments of students who have successfully balanced academic achievement with military service. Held at the Martin Luther King Jr. Student Center, the April 28 event brought together students who were joined by their family, friends, and members of the DSU community.
The ceremony involved the presentation of Military Graduation Cords symbolizing students’ dedication to learning and service. True to military practice, a “Pass and Review” is an official event where troops are marched in unit before commanding officers and distinguished visitors. At DSU, it was adapted to symbolize the journey of military-affiliated students.
Delaware State University’s Graduating Military-Affiliated Students:
Michael Rodriguez – Physical Education
Michele Jones – MSW Social Work
Nicholas Vinci – Psychology
Amanda Nowoczynski – Social Work
Tyshawn Marshall – Sport Administration
Thomas Copeland – Music Industry
William Slaughter – Aviation Management
Jessica Wilson – MSW Social Work
Elij’shah Ogburn – Engineering Physics
Shawna Brown – Textile and Apparel Studies
Marquis Gillis – Kinesiology
Ahleah Cole – Biological Science
Devin Johnson – International Studies
Amiya Whitfield – Human Resources
Wesley White – Aviation
Rebecca Fox – Kinesiology
Joseiris Esparra – Liberal Studies
The ceremony was led by Master Sergeant Varlensia T. Relaford, who serves as the 436th Airlift Wing Development Advisor at Dover Air Force Base.
President Tony Allen and former DSU President Dr. Wilma Mishoe, spoke at the beginning of the ceremony and offered heartfelt words of encouragement and appreciation for the students’ commitment to serving their country while being exemplary students at the University.
Dr. Kamesia M. House, Associate Vice President for the Division of Strategic Enrollment Management, shared her thoughts on the importance of the ceremony and what it represents. “Recognizing military-affiliated students is a vital part of honoring their service, resilience, and the unique perspectives they bring to the academic environment,” House said. “Delaware State University exemplifies this commitment through ceremonies and initiatives that celebrate these students’ contributions.”
Lolita Treadwell, DSU’s Dover AFB Director, also reflected on the importance of the ceremony, saying, “This ceremony wasn’t just about handing out cords—it was about honoring the journey, the sacrifices, and the strength behind each student’s success. For our military-affiliated graduates, every late-night study session, every training weekend, every challenge they had to overcome—it all matters. And these moments help to remind us why their stories deserve to be seen and celebrated.”
Psychology major, and U.S. Army Reservist, Nicholas Vinci reflected on his time as a military-affiliated student at DSU and shared his thoughts on the ceremony.
“The DSU motto, ‘It All Matters,’ perfectly aligns with my military experience, where every decision, effort, and detail holds significant importance in achieving success. In the Army, I’ve learned that even the smallest actions can have a profound impact, whether it’s waking up at five in the morning when staying in bed feels easier, speaking up when it’s more comfortable to stay silent, or staying in on a Friday night to write that essay when your friends are going out,” said Vinci. “These seemingly minor choices are what set you apart from your peers. In both the military and life, everything truly matters, and embracing this principle has been fundamental to my growth and success.”
“The Pass and Review ceremony embodied this lesson. It reminded me that every moment of hard work and perseverance mattered, and that each step we took on that stage reflected not just our achievements, but our readiness to lead and serve,” Vinci continued.
Dr. Travis Mishoe Sudler, Delaware State University’s Director of Enrollment Academic Services, also spoke at the event, recognizing the achievements and academic dedication of DSU’s State Scholars, those outstanding recipients of Inspire and Presidential Scholarships.
Devon Wilson, DSU’s Director of Veteran Affairs, also highlighted the ceremony’s deeper meaning, noting that “The Pass & Review ceremony symbolizes a change in status for our students. They’ve earned an education that can never be taken from them, and it’s a true honor to recognize their hard work, dedication, and determination. We here at Delaware State University appreciate, acknowledge, and honor our military affiliated students.”
The ceremony, a signature military event at Delaware State University, marks the beginning of National Military Appreciation Month, and serves as a touching reminder of Delaware State University’s commitment to recognizing the dedication, determination, and service of its graduates connected with the military, ready to graduate from DSU capable of leading their chosen careers as well as continuing service to the nation.
Photos from the event can be found here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCcnkc.
Article by Devin Bonner