Philadelphia Mayor Streets speaks at Oakwood College commencement

Philadelphia Mayor Streets speaks at Oakwood College commencement

When students attend Oakwood College in Alabama, one of their greatest ambitions in life is to return to speak at their alma mater when they have achieved success.

Philadelphia, Pa. Mayor John F. Street's vision to return for such an opportunity became a reality when he wore an Oakwood College cap and gown for the first time since he graduated in 1966 served as its Commencement speaker Saturday, May 13 at 8 p.m. at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Ala.

More than 375 Oakwood College graduates and 17000 parents, alumni and friends heard Philadelphia's mayor address them at the 104th Commencement Exercise.

Commencement Chairman and Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs Juliaette Phillips outlined other highlights of the commencement weekend

Friday, May 12 at 8 p.m. at Oakwood College, a Consecration Service was held with Dr. Sherwin Jack (`81), Senior Pastor, Ephesus SDA Church, Harlem, N.Y. serving as speaker;

Sabbath/Saturday, May 13 at Von Braun Center the Baccalaureate was given by Pastor Charles D. Brooks (`51), "The Breath of Life" telecast Co-founder/Director Emeritus;

Nursing Pinning Ceremony, was held at 4:30 p.m., in Salon 1, North Hall, 2nd floor, Dr. Carol Easley Allen, president, American Public Health Association and chairman, Oakwood College Nursing Department was speaker.

Vesper Service at 7 p.m. featured the Aeolians of Oakwood College performing, The Human Surround Sound and with recording artist and interim Oakwood College's Chaplain T. Marshall Kelly.

The Hon. John Street, Mayor of Philadelphia, was speaker during the commencement exercises.

Prior to his November 1999 mayoral election, Street served as Philadelphia City Council president and its Finance Committee chairman whose leadership was instrumental in implementing a financial plan that turned Philadelphia's $250 million deficit into a $169 million surplus. He is a 1966 Oakwood College and 1975 Temple University Law School graduate.

Mayor Street, 56, was born of humble circumstance in Norristown, Pa., and suffered poverty, growing up without electricity or indoor plumbing as a child. He and his family realized the importance of education and made sacrifices through elementary and high school.

After graduating from Conshohocken High School, he worked his way through Oakwood College in Huntsville, majoring in English. In 1975, Street earned his juris doctorate degree from Temple University Law School, paying his tuition by moonlighting as a sidewalk vendor on the university's campus.

Upon qualifying as a lawyer, Street served clerkships with Common Pleas Court Judge Matthew W. Bullock Jr. and with the United States Department of Justice. He taught English at an elementary school for his first professional job and later, at the Philadelphia Opportunities Industrialization Center. He also practiced law before entering into public service.

A determined individual for the betterment of the community he was a fierce activist and led efforts for fair housing opportunities for the poor and challenged the Philadelphia School Board to spend more on students and less on administration.

Mayor Street has also been a leader in forging closer cooperation between the police and the community in the fight against crime and drugs in Philadelphia's neighborhoods.

Article Copyright Sengstacke Enterprises, Inc.

Photo (Mayor John F. Street with Naomi Street, Brian O'Neill and Alex Bongbitacola)