Dr. Helga

What a weekend! On Friday afternoon I had the honor of participating in commencement. I have to say, it was almost like an out of body experience. I had been to graduation several times to cheer on my colleagues and to remind myself that people do actually finish the PhD.

My beautiful family and many of my friends were in attendance. I intended to write that I was the only Black female PhD recipient with locks there, but I will have to amend that to, I was the only Black female PhD recipient. I am proud of myself, but we still need to encourage other Black students to pursue advanced degrees.

That's why I was most excited to have most of my nieces and nephews and, of course, my daughter there. They are gorgeous (and so is my sisterlocked sister "Aya").


This amazing intellectual and freedom fighter also ended her career at my University last weekend. She is retiring from that school, but her career is far from over.


Congratulations to the Class of 2008! (Where is Helga?)