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NFL star Russell Wilson encourages graduates not to give up on challenges at NC State commencement

WRAL News learned that NFL quarterback and NC State grad Russell Wilson will deliver his address in person Friday night at the 7 p.m. ceremony in Carter-Finley Stadium.

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By
Nia Harden & Keely Arthur
, WRAL reporters & Julian Grace, WRAL anchor/reporter
RALEIGH, N.C. — While the Class of 2021 at both North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will hear from some very high profile commencement speakers, only the Wolfpack will get the full in-person experience.

NFL quarterback and N.C. State grad Russell Wilson delivered his commencement speech in person on Friday night at Carter-Finley Stadium.

Wilson encouraged graduates to enjoy the good times and not give up when challenges come.

"You know what I believe -- people don't become successful 99 percent of the time because they give up," Wilson said. "Graduates, as you go out to the world, take every chance. Sometimes, you'll win and sometimes you'll lose."

Wilson also shared a story about a friend who nave gave up on him, and who told Wilson that he believed in him when he faced tough times at N.C. State after losing his father.

"I believe ... in people who lift up everyone around them and use their talent and heart to change someone else's life," he added.

During Friday’s ceremony, Chancellor Randy Woodson conferred an honorary degree on alumnus Jeff Williams, chief operating officer at Apple. Woodson also conferred an honorary degree on alumna Ashley Christensen, James Beard Award-winning chef, during Saturday’s ceremony.

A second NC State graduation ceremony, to allow for social distancing, is planned from Saturday at 9 a.m.

"To be here, in Carter-Finley, producing the first graduations that's been here since 1997, it's a thrill for me," said N.C. State creative visions and event producer Allin Foulkrod. "It's a privilege knowing that these cheers will be filled by students who have had a year unlike any other year."

Despite Gov. Roy Cooper's announcement lifting the statewide mask mandate, face coverings were recommended for graduates and guests at Carter-Finley as they move about the stadium.

During Friday’s ceremony, Chancellor Randy Woodson will confer an honorary degree on alumnus Jeff Williams, chief operating officer at Apple. Woodson will confer an honorary degree on alumna Ashley Christensen, James Beard Award-winning chef, during Saturday’s ceremony.

"It's nice that we can graduate all together," said graduating student Olivia Iffland. "It was all up in the air for so long, so it was really exciting. We were all freaking out when we heard [there would be an in-person graduation.]"

"It's obviously different and it's just sad and heartbreaking that we weren't able to finish the way we started," added Louis Evans, another graduating student.

The university will confer 4,566 bachelor’s degrees along with 90 associate’s, 1,752 master’s, 199 doctoral and 96 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees. Some students are graduating with more than one degree.

After such a hard year, this is an opportunity to celebrate and have a moment of just sheer happiness," said N.C. State Emergency Manager Director Amy Orders.

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