ITTA BENA, Miss. — “Failure and success are not opposites; they are partners.”
That message from keynote speaker Toks Omishakin resonated throughout the R.W. Harrison Complex on Saturday morning as celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2026 during its 74th Commencement Ceremony.
A distinguished MVSU alumnus and Secretary of the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA), Omishakin challenged graduates to embrace resilience, take risks and pursue purpose beyond fear and failure.
A capacity crowd of family members, friends, faculty, staff and supporters filled the arena as graduates crossed the stage amid standing ovations, decorated graduation caps and emotional celebrations from loved ones waving signs and cheering from the stands.
The university conferred degrees to 128 undergraduates; 32 graduates and celebrated 57 Golden graduates from the class of 1976.
Special honors were presented during the ceremony to students earning the university’s highest grade-point averages. Faezah Fathi received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a 3.96 GPA, while Monterrio Johnson, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, and Shovkat Zeynalli, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, each graduated with a 3.92 GPA.
The university also recognized Santiago Sutton and Darria Blue for fulfilling the rigorous requirements for commissioning through the United States Army. The graduates were praised for their dedication to service, leadership and commitment to the nation.
Omishakin, who earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering technology from MVSU in 1999, reflected on his personal journey from Valley student to national transportation leader, sharing stories of failure, perseverance and growth.
“Failure is a critical component of our journey,” Omishakin told graduates. “Failure reveals information that we need to know. Failure teaches us critical lessons.”
During his address, Omishakin encouraged graduates to “thrive,” using each letter of the word as a framework for success: tumble or trip, hard work, resilience, innovation, vision and excellence.
He also urged graduates to dream beyond limitations and ignore negative perceptions surrounding historically Black colleges and universities.
“Don’t listen to the chatter,” Omishakin said. “Your dreams and your actions behind those dreams will make the difference.”
One of the most emotional moments of the ceremony came as Omishakin recounted being fired from his first engineering job less than a year after graduating from MVSU. He shared how the setback ultimately redirected his life and led him toward continued education, teaching and public service.
“I failed, but I rose again,” he said to loud applause from the audience.
Omishakin also reflected on the encouragement he received from educators throughout his life, including Greenwood High School teacher Thelma Collins and several MVSU professors who believed in his potential.
As he closed his remarks, Omishakin challenged graduates to take risks and embrace discomfort as part of growth.
“Be comfortable being uncomfortable,” he said. “The world needs you. Before you go to bed tonight, commit to one thing that has a risk attached to it. You may fail, but it also may change your life and your family’s life.”
University President Jerryl Briggs Sr. congratulated graduates on reaching a significant milestone and encouraged them to use their education to make a meaningful impact in their communities and professions.
“Today represents more than the conferring of degrees; it represents perseverance and sacrifice,” Briggs said. “We are proud of the Class of 2026 and confident that they will continue to lead, serve and make a difference in communities across the nation and around the world.”