On the morning of April 16, 2025, the Student Leadership Chambers at Texas Wesleyan University was filled with energy and excitement. It was University College Day (UCD), and students, faculty, and guests gathered in celebration—of scholarship, history, culture and community. 

One of the most anticipated moments of UCD was breakfast with two extraordinary guests: Shermann “Dilla” Thomas, a renowned Chicago historian and cultural storyteller, and Dr. Opal Lee, widely known and beloved as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.” 

As everyone settled in with their breakfast, the room buzzed with conversation and fellowship. Dr. Lee, full of wisdom and warmth, offered heartfelt advice to the students at Texas Wesleyan University. “Your parents sacrificed a lot to get you to school,” she reminded them. “Don’t waste your time. You’re young—you can get through school and still have fun. Be sure—be very sure—that you come with the idea that you’re going to complete it. Be sure.” 

Shermann “Dilla” Thomas shared stories of his family and the deep roots of Chicago’s cultural history. Famous for making the past come alive through his vibrant storytelling, Dilla’s love for historical preservation was clear. 

“I’m looking forward most to learning from the students,” he said. “Especially during Q&A—the questions teach me so much about the various ways to think and perspectives.” 

Dilla also spoke with admiration about sharing the morning with Dr. Lee. “Juneteenth is the most American thing that we celebrate, and I wanted to meet the person that is responsible contemporarily to how we feel about that. People who are unafraid to tell the truth are impressive. Just sitting next to her makes me feel wiser for those reasons,” said Dilla. 

He also shared a piece of advice that stuck with him: “I stole this from President Barack Obama,” he said with a smile. “He said to focus on what you want to do more than what you want to be,” said Dilla. He emphasized that concept with an example of a doctor who may really want to help people, but “life happens and maybe you can’t pay for medical school.” He explains that whether you “become the technical thing” or not, there are ways you can help people.

The breakfast served as more than just a meal—it was a meaningful exchange of ideas, inspiration and legacy. It bridged generations and celebrated the importance of history, identity and perseverance. As the plates cleared and the morning wrapped up, attendees left with full stomachs and even fuller hearts—ready for the day ahead, and especially for Dilla’s keynote address that would continue to enrich the University College Day experience.