Fall Convocation Inspires Bowie State Students to Embrace Excellence and Possibility

Bowie State University officially launched the academic year with Fall Convocation, welcoming the Class of 2029 into the Bulldog family with a powerful message of resilience, purpose and pride. The annual event marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for students as they embark on their collegiate journey. at Maryland's first historically Black public university, an institution known for cultivating excellence and empowering leaders. Dr. James "JJ" Hairston, renowned gospel artist, worship leader, songwriter and pastor whose music and ministry has inspired millions worldwide, served as the keynote speaker. Dr. Hairston performed his hit song You Deserve It with the Bowie State combined Concert and Gospel Choirs - inspiring the packed auditorium before uttering a word of his keynote address.

During his speech, Dr. Hairston offered students a roadmap for success. He emphasized that achievement in college depends less on innate ability and more on how they manage their time, choices and mindset. He outlined five practical tools for thriving at Bowie State: protect your schedule, practice resilience, take ownership of your learning, build meaningful relationships and maintain balance. "Protect your schedule like your future depends on it because it does," he said, while encouraging students to view setbacks not as defeats but as opportunities to grow stronger.

Dr. Hairston also encouraged students to fully embrace the Bowie State experience by participating in campus events, joining clubs, building friendships and finding joy in the journey. "Success is not just about where you end up," he said. "It's also about who you become along the way."

Alongside these tools, he shared five guiding principles that have shaped his own life: strive for excellence, remain consistent, believe in yourself, stay adaptable and lean on your community. "Surround yourself with people who push you forward, not hold you back," he said, reminding students that their journey is "a marathon, not a sprint."

Closing with a vision of what lies ahead, Dr. Hairston invited students to picture themselves four years from now, standing in their caps and gowns surrounded by family and friends. "Nothing is impossible," he said. "Not because it's easy or because life won't test you, but because within you, you have everything you need to succeed. Go forward, Class of 2029. Work hard. Stay focused. Enjoy the journey. Refuse to quit. And prove to yourself and the whole world that impossible is only temporary."

Watch the full Fall Convocation ceremony.

View the Fall Convocation photo album.

View the Fall Convocation program booklet (pdf).