Fayetteville State University celebrated a record-breaking commencement weekend May 8-9, conferring 1,247 degrees and marking several institutional "firsts," including a historic student keynote and a homecoming for one of the nation’s top military leaders.

The weekend festivities began at the Felton J. Capel Arena with the launch of a new university tradition. Sierra Osborn, an FSU alumna completing her MBA in health informatics, became the first graduate student in the university’s history to deliver the keynote address.

“This is pretty powerful,” Allison said. “Fayetteville State University - underscore the word Fayetteville. This four-star general, who commands tens of thousands of people around the world, is from here.”

A Fayetteville native and commander of United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, and U.S. Forces Korea, Brunson urged graduates to view their degrees as tools for service and vital instruments for community progress.

“Your degree is not just a piece of paper,” Brunson said during the ceremony. “It’s a tool that can make the world a better place.”

Brunson also noted FSU’s deep ties to the armed forces, noting that over one-third of the student body is military affiliated. The university stands as one of the few nonmilitary institutions in the country to offer a four-year, tuition-free scholarship for service members, veterans, and their families.

“The Army and Fayetteville State University have always been committed to one shared mission, enhancing the lives of our students, soldiers, and the communities that support us,” he added.

The university’s military connection was further reflected in the commissioning of two new officers during the ceremony. 2nd Lt. Felipe Justino will serve as an airfield operations officer with the Air Force at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, while 2nd Lt. Devon Matos will begin training as an intelligence officer with the Space Force at Peterson Space Force Base.

In addition to student success, FSU honored academic excellence by naming Melissa J. Haithcox-Dennis, Ph.D., as the 2026-2027 Teacher of the Year. Haithcox-Dennis, an associate professor of community and public health, has secured significant grant funding to support health strategies across North Carolina.

The weekend concluded with a tribute to the Class of 1976. These alumni were inducted into the Golden Bronco Society to celebrate the society's 50th anniversary and its enduring legacy at the university.