First African-American Graduate is Commencement Speaker
Roanoke, Va. - Cecelia M. Long, the first African-American woman to graduate from Hollins University, is the commencement speaker for school's 160th graduation ceremony on Sunday, May 19, at 10 a.m.
Long is Conciliar Officer with the United Methodist Church's General Council on Ministries in Dayton, Ohio. The Council coordinates and supports the agencies that serve on behalf of the denomination, studies missional needs, oversees the funding and effectiveness of ministries, and facilitates informed decision-making.
Previously, she was general secretary on the Status and Role of Women for the United Methodist Church. In that capacity, she contributed her experience, skills and expertise in advocacy, male-female dynamics, the intersection of racism and sexism, recognizing sexual harassment and misconduct, and leadership development. She was also a member of various delegations that traveled on behalf of the denomination to Palestine, Israel, Poland and Zimbabwe.
Prior to beginning full time work in the church, Long held various positions with Southwestern Bell Telephone in Texas; taught sociology at Bishop College in Dallas; and was a social worker with Dallas County Mental Health and Mental Retardation.
Long, a 1970 graduate and Roanoke native, served on Hollins' Board of Trustees from 1990-1999. She was the university's Founder's Day speaker in 1995 and the baccalaureate speaker in 1996.
Hollins is an independent liberal arts university offering undergraduate education for women, selected graduate programs for men and women, and community outreach initiatives. Founded in 1842 as Virginia's first chartered women's college, its distinctions include a nationally recognized creative writing program, the country's oldest study abroad program, and extensive internship opportunities.
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Press contact: Jeff Hodges, director of media relations(540) 362-6503[email protected]
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