12 May ICC graduates more than 650 during three May 12 ceremonies May 12, 2023 By Thomas, Donna S. Career Center, General 0 More than 650 graduates of Itawamba Community College crossed the stage at the Davis Event Center on the Fulton Campus, May 12, during three commencement ceremonies and were rewarded with Associate of Arts or Associate of Applied Science degrees or certificates. They were among approximately 1,000 graduates who have earned degrees from ICC this year, including Kelly Barnett of Amory, who participated during the 10 a.m. ceremony. Barnett, who majored in Business and Marketing Management Technology, said she “didn’t have the opportunity to attend college right out of high school because of personal issues, so to be able to finally complete this has meant the world to me. This time around has not been without its challenges either.” She lost her father in October 2021. “I know he was so proud I was back in school, so even though I wanted to quit, I pushed through! I just want my children to look at me and be proud of me and understand that it is okay if you fail or get off track, but don’t ever quit.” That drive led Barnett to membership in the prestigious Phi Theta Kappa honor society, inclusion on the President’s List and selection to ICC’s 12-member Hall of Fame for 2023. “ICC’s staff has been amazing to me on this journey, especially Mrs. Jodi McCrimon (Business and Marketing Management Technology). She has believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, and she is another reason I have been so successful and why I kept going.” In his remarks during all three ceremonies, ICC President Dr. Jay Allen emphasized the integral role that ICC has played, not only in the lives of the graduates, but in the communities it serves. “Community colleges, such as ICC, are on the front line of helping people realize their potential: academically, personally and professionally. And, when we succeed and do our best in connecting with students, we help them to recognize and embrace the potential within themselves.” To first-generation graduate Emory Reinhard of Mantachie, “ICC Commencement means achieving personal goals. As the first person in my family to obtain an associate’s degree, it has been difficult navigating new waters, even with the unwavering support of my family. As I walk across the stage, my mind will be fixated on the thought of making my parents proud.” Reinhard said that she was filled with insecurities when she entered classes on the first day. “Throughout my time at ICC, I have developed leadership skills that will benefit me the rest of my life, and I have become a person that I am proud to be.” Reinhard, who was recognized recently at a Student Awards of Distinction ceremony, had a long list of achievements during her two years at ICC. They included Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship, Hall of Fame, All-Mississippi Transfer Academic Second Team and multiple departmental awards. Middle College student Jay Salters will receive his Tupelo High School diploma soon, along with the ICC Associate of Arts degree that he received during the 10 a.m. ceremony. Among his honors at ICC are Hall of Fame and president of the Tupelo Campus Student Government Association. He said that “ICC’s commencement means accomplishment, success and determination. It means that I have completed something at such a young age and not let anything stop me. It’s just one large step taken on a long journey.” He majored in political science. McKinley Stegall of Pontotoc, Occupational Therapy Assistant Technology program graduate, was among the degree recipients at the 5 p.m. health sciences ceremony. “Commencement is a time for every graduate to celebrate our accomplishments,” she said. “Two years ago, when I started the OTA program, I had no idea what the future would hold. I also had no idea that I would meet some of my favorite people. I wish that I could turn back the clock to my very first day at ICC and relive each amazing moment, but thankfully I have the memories to look back on. ICC has been my home away from home for the past four years. I spent two years at ICC-Fulton completing prerequisite courses before spending two years in the OTA program. ICC has given me friendships that I will have for a lifetime. I have made so many memories at ICC from my freshman year living in Monroe Annex to my last day in the Health Science Education Center, and I will forever cherish the memories I’ve made.” Associate Degree Nursing graduates received their pins at a special ceremony in the W.O. Benjamin Fine Arts Center immediately following the 5 p.m. commencement. Related Articles More than 600 graduates participate in 2022 ICC commencement ceremonies More than 600 graduates of Itawamba Community College crossed the stage at the Davis Event Center on the Fulton Campus May 13 during three commencement ceremonies and were rewarded with Associate of Arts or Associate of Applied Science degrees or certificates. They were among more than 1,000 graduates who have earned degrees from ICC this year, including Kelly Jo Ashley of New Albany, who participated during the 5 p.m. health sciences ceremony. Ashley, who was a certified elementary teacher for 11 years, began the Associate Degree Nursing program during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. “None of us knew what to expect,” she said. “However, as I reflect on the past two years at ICC, I am beyond thankful to the faculty, staff and all other support personnel who not only made this journey possible, but who helped us to grow and learn as future nurses and people. I would not be the person I am today without everything I have learned and experienced during these two years at ICC, and for that I ... Mississippi Speaker of the House of Representatives Jason White challenges ICC graduates in one of three commencement ceremonies Mississippi Speaker of the House of Representatives Jason White challenged Itawamba Community College graduates today (Friday) at the 10 a.m. commencement ceremony at the Davis Event Center at the Fulton Campus to live by the words he shared with his colleagues as they began the new term in January. “To whom much is given, much is expected,” White said. “I would tell you graduates the same message applies as you enter this new chapter of your lives. Hurdles and challenges certainly await you; don’t get bogged down by the small things, focus on the big picture and make an impact. Don’t be trepidatious to do something out of the ordinary, challenge conventional wisdom, and even push yourself to a zone of discomfort.” White said that when he was in law school at Mississippi College, a half mile or two blocks away from the Mississippi State Capitol which he passed every day for three years, he never once dreamed that he would be elected as a Representative nor being involved in politics. “Be open to ... ICC awards degrees, certificates during 2024 spring commencement ceremonies Several area residents were among those who earned Associate of Arts or Associate of Applied Science degrees or certificates at the conclusion of the 2024 spring semester at Itawamba Community College. They include Abbeville – Armani T. Wilson, A.A.; Kaliah D. Mcjunkins, A.A.; Timothy K. Traylor, A.A.; Aberdeen – Akalin N. McNairy, A.A.; Allison B. Underwood, A.A.; Amber S. Payne, A.A.S.; Amiya S. Robinson, A.A.; Brayden T. Johnson, A.A.; Cara James, A.A.; Cashonna S. Gilleyan, A.A.; Chasitee D. Riddle, A.A.; Daisha L. Moore, A.A.; Dorian M. Shaw, A.A.; Jalyn D. Jones, A.A.; Janya L. Robinson, A.A.; Jatoria C. Garth, A.A.; Jessica D. Ewing, A.A.; Jodi L. Williams, A.A.S.; Jonathan D. Crandall, A.A.S., certificate; Kaylee M. Flippo, A.A.; Kelsey M. Taylor, certificate; Kendall M. Breedlove, A.A.; Kierra A. Haynes, A.A.; Kimberly D. Walker-Burroughs, A.A.S.; Laney R. Howell, A.A.; Lauren B. Gillard, A.A.S.; Layken J. McMillian, A.A.; Maggie J. Irons, A.A.; Malia F. Luker, A.A.; Markeisha L. Hoskin, A.A.; Megan A. Strevel, A.A.; Micah C. Terry, A.A.; Nakiyah A. Gardner, A.A.S., certificate; Olivia E. Randle, A.A.; Rachel Stacy, A.A.S.; Tameria M. ... ICC awards diplomas, certificates during four in-person ceremonies Approximately 640 graduates received diplomas and/or certificates during four in-person ceremonies at the Davis Event Center at the Itawamba Community College Fulton Campus last Thursday and Friday. The 2021 in-person commencement was the first event of this magnitude since COVID forced ICC to limit or cancel events due to limited facility capacity last spring. Since the 2020 ceremony was delivered virtually, graduates were invited to participate in this year’s ceremony, and their names were included in the program. Also among the graduates were 10 Middle College participants from Tupelo High School, who were part of a first-of-its-kind pilot program in North Mississippi, which began in August 2019. The THS juniors attended classes at the ICC Tupelo Campus for the majority of the school day, while taking class at THS to pursue either an Associate of Arts or Associate of Applied Science degree. “Community colleges, such as ICC, are on the front line of helping people reach their potential: academically, personally and professionally,” said ICC President Dr. Jay Allen. “And when we succeed and do our best in connecting with students, we ... ICC's Scheuer shares holiday food preparation tips for stress-free gatherings - Tis the season for food and stuffing more than just the turkey! Can it be November already? Thanksgiving will be here and shortly after, Christmas. Tis the season for food and stuffing more than just the turkey. There will be holiday parties, family gatherings and many opportunities for entertaining, all of which involve food and more food. The fare can range from fancy to home cooking, but no matter what the occasion, preparation tips and shortcuts are always appreciated. Itawamba Community College Food Management Certification program director Christy Scheuer, who has catered numerous events in her career ranging from the most elegant to smaller more intimate, has suggestions for family gatherings no matter how many Thanksgivings and Christmases you’ve celebrated together. She even has a recipe to share. “Take time to sit down and plan what menu items you would like to prepare for your guests,” Scheuer said. “How many guests do you anticipate? Are there any dietary restrictions/allergies/preferences? Remember, most times, simple is best…there is no need in having five sides…three family favorites are perfect!” She recommends selecting items that your family likes and ... ICC ranks second in state in producing more bachelor's degrees than any other community college Recent data from Mississippi’s Institutions of Higher Learning shows students who graduate from Itawamba Community College and transfer to a university receive their degree with a grade point average above the state average. In addition, ICC graduates earn their college credentials with a higher GPA than students who begin their university studies during their freshman year. The statistics also indicate that ICC ranks second in the state in producing more bachelor’s degrees than any other community college, 12 short of first place, which is held by an institution that doubles our enrollment, said ICC President Dr. Jay Allen. Students who began their college careers at ICC and transferred to a university graduated from there with an average GPA of 3.28. The average among all IHL graduates is 3.23. ICC graduates finish with higher GPA than the average completion GPA of all Mississippi community colleges and institutions of higher learning,” Allen said. “ICC’s priority is our students, and it is our mission to provide them with a quality educational foundation, no matter where their life journey takes them,” Allen ... Comments are closed.