Quentin Gardner

It’s time to say farewell. First, I want to give honor and glory to God for giving me the ability to set foot on this campus and graduate.

It is an honor to say that I am a black man with a degree. Not many can say that.

I also take pride in my 3.5 GPA as well as graduating in four years — that’s something to brag about.

When I came to NCCU, I had three goals: make my mother proud, have fun and excel in every situation.

I am glad that I have reached these goals.

I am blessed to be a part of such a supportive and loving family.

My mother, my late grandmother and my grandfather are the inspirations of my life.

To my grandma: I know you’re looking down on me from heaven. I think I can call myself the “man of the house” now.

To my mother: Thank you for everything you have done for me.

To my grandfather: Thank you for being my father and showing me what a real man really is.

Although I’m leaving NCCU, I realize a new chapter in my book of life is about to begin.

NCCU has taught me so much and I can say I have had some of the best, caring professors here.

I joined the Campus Echo my freshman year, not knowing where it would take me.

With the help of D.P., I am the journalist I am today. Thank you for your guidance.

Last fall, I was gravely nervous about becoming the sports editor.

I strived to continue our legacy of excellence. I gazed across the Echo office and thought, “I want to win one of those awards.”

I did my best to enlighten readers with the achievements of our student-athletes.

I can’t thank them enough for making my job at the Echo worthwhile.

I also want to thank my Echo family. I couldn’t have

done this without you.

Cooper, I know you will do well as the next Echo editor-in-chief. You’ll be the next Ed Bradley one day.

How fitting. The Olympics are approaching, and now I have to “pass the torch” to Anielle DaSilva.

Anielle, my advice to you: Don’t be like me; be better than me. Find your own path and see where it takes you. To the remaining Echo staffers, continue the legacy of this wonderful award-winning newspaper.

You all better represent at next year’s HBCU National News Media Conference.

To my close friends —Torry, Marcus, and Shereka and anybody else I hang with who I forgot — thank you for being there for me. I love all of you.

And Shereka: Can you stop calling me to make sure I go to class? That’s a little aggravating. LOL.

Hewitt and Travis, thank you for being my roommates.

Congratulations to the class of 2008. Good luck in life and remember to keep God first. Peace.