Jimmie Allen to speak at Delaware State University commencement

Delaware State University announced its 2023 commencement speakers will be multi-platinum country music star Jimmie Allen and Dr. Willis L. Lonzer III, Alpha Phi Alpha International president.

Allen, who grew up in Milton, attended the university from 2004 to 2006 before pursuing his music career. He will speak at the undergraduate ceremony set for 8 a.m., Friday, May 12, in Alumni Stadium. Allen broke into the country music scene in 2018 with the release of his debut album “Mercury Lane,” when his singles “Best Shot” and “Make Me Want To” both went platinum and hit No. 1 on the Billboard Country Music Airplay chart.

Last year, Allen was nominated for Best New Artist at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards and Outstanding New Artist at the 53rd NAACP Image Awards. In 2021, Allen was crowned New Artist of the Year at the 55th Annual Country Music Association Awards and New Male Artist of the Year at the 56th Annual American Country Music Awards. He released his third album, “Tulip Drive,” in June 2022. 

“Delaware State University is where I am proud to say I attended. I met lifetime friends there and learned so much about who I am as a Black man, and navigating my way through life,” said Allen. “I’m honored to be the keynote speaker for this year’s undergraduate ceremonies and hope I can share something that will inspire the next generation of leaders. Thank you to President Allen and the rest of the DSU family for having me. Let’s go, Hornets!”

The graduate ceremony will take place at 11 a.m., May 12, in the Tubman/Laws courtyard on campus and feature Lonzer, a Delaware State alumnus and executive scientist with more than 20 years’ experience in global pharmaceutical research and development, and global medical affairs. He has been a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. since his days at university and is currently international president. Started in 1906, Alpha Phi Alpha is the oldest Black Greek-letter fraternity in the world, with more than 900 chapters and 290,000 members.

A native of Richmond, Va., Lonzer matriculated to Delaware State University, where he was a Charles Waples Scholar in chemistry and earned a bachelor of science degree in chemistry. He holds a doctorate in biochemistry from the University of Akron.

Lonzer said Delaware State University and the university family played a significant role in his personal and professional development.

“As I reflect on my time at the university, I clearly see the planting of rich seeds for my professional development and eventual career path through the obtainment of a STEM degree in chemistry, and the cultivation of my interests in medicine/biomedicine through the research programs established at the university,” he said. “Personally, socially and even professionally, the benefits of my involvement in campus life have also been richly rewarded as I honed my leadership, social and professional networking skills that have served me very well even in my election and role as the serving general president of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.”

University President Tony Allen plans to nominate Jimmie Allen (no relation) to receive his honorary degree at the undergraduate ceremony and was excited about the prospects of both featured speakers. He said, “Our vision at Delaware State University is to be the most substantively diverse, contemporary and unapologetic HBCU in the nation. Doing so requires a noted and continuous clarion call from anyone touched by the Delaware State University experience. Both Jimmie and Dr. Lonzer are tremendous examples of that tradition, and I am proud that each will have the opportunity to impart their story and wisdom to what will be the largest graduating classes in Delaware State University history.”

Details on graduations will continue to be posted on the 2023 Commencement website page.