Elizabeth City, N.C. — At Elizabeth City State University's (ECSU) Honors Luncheon, success was served with a side of motivation. In a room filled with approximately 35 honors scholars at the K.E. White Graduate Center March 25, Judge Janice McKenzie Cole celebrated the students' hard work but challenged them to give much more to the world.
"You are here because you are determined," Cole began. "You set goals and remained focused. You made sacrifices—the late nights, the early mornings—but true success is not about what you acquire; it's about who you are and what you contribute.
Judge Cole urged students to think beyond the traditional picture of success.
"I want to challenge you to think about success beyond the traditional markers—beyond the good grades, the impressive job title, the good-paying job, the big house, the luxury car, or the ability to send your children to private schools," she said. "While these are commendable accomplishments, and I don't mean to take anything away from those who have achieved them, they should not be your sole measure of success. True success is not just about what you acquire, but about who you are. Who you become and what you contribute."
Judge Cole painted a picture of a nation in need of leaders with character, integrity and empathy. "Right now, our nation seems to be bankrupt of men and women of good character," she said. "Don't wait until the challenges come to decide what you stand for. By then, you will be like a tree blowing in the wind."
After introductions from Latif Tarik, director of the University Honors Program, Interim Chancellor Catherine Edmonds reminded students of the university's mission. "We are committed to fostering an environment of academic excellence," she said. "Our honor students are living proof of this mission. You represent the future of ECSU—bold, brilliant and boundless potential."
The luncheon was more than a pat on the back for four honors seniors preparing to graduate this spring. Ceanna Kinney, Jeneal Homer, Dayana Garza, and Kristen Bannerman were singled out for their achievements, each receiving a plaque, a certificate frame, and a stole to wear with pride at the Spring 2025 commencement.
Reflecting on her four years in the honors program, Bannerman shared how the experience shaped more than just her resume. "This program has shaped my confidence in ways I didn't expect," she said. "One of the most amazing opportunities I had was attending the National Collegiate Honors Council conference, where I presented my research on how the Black community has been historically represented in media and film. I couldn't have done it without the incredible support of my honors directors."
Judge Cole urged students to build bridges for others as they climb. Citing the poem "The Bridge Builder" by Wm. Allen Dromgoole, she reminded them that success is a collective journey. "Build bridges for those you will never know, who will stand on your shoulders," she said. "We need more leaders who understand that true wealth is measured not in dollars but in the lives they impact."
While the students shined in their moment of recognition, the luncheon also spotlighted those who paved the way. Tarik took a heartfelt pause to honor former program director Dr. Velma Blackman for her years of tireless dedication to the university and its students.
In the end, the honors luncheon wasn't just about celebrating what these students have accomplished; it was about envisioning what they will do next. With plaques and certificates in hand and purpose in heart, the students left as scholars and as future leaders ready to build bridges for those who follow. Judge Cole's challenge to "be a good person" is more than advice — it's a blueprint for leadership.