ICC graduates receive diplomas, certificates during May 16 ceremonies

Approximately 1,000 Itawamba Community College graduates crossed the stage at the Davis Event Center on the Fulton Campus, May 16, during three commencement ceremonies and were rewarded with Associate of Arts or Associate of Applied Science degrees or certificates.

            Among them included a 15-year-old and his mother, a native of South Africa, a 32-year-old high school equivalency graduate, an amputee and one who started the pursuit of her college diploma more than 20 years ago.

            Lathan Jon Austin Nunley of New Albany said he “nervously but excitedly stepped into the world of college. Today, I’m proud to say I’m graduating with my first degree – alongside my mother, who has supported me every step of the way.” His educational journey began at home where his mother homeschooled him ‘from birth to eighth grade.’ “With her guidance and the encouragement of those around me, I was taught to believe that anything is possible. That mindset pushed me to graduate high school at just 13 years old through Penn Foster.” His ultimate goal is to work in the tech field. “I face an important decision within the next few weeks, choosing between two colleges, one focused on computer technology and the other on AI and cybersecurity,” Nunley continued. “Whichever path I take, I know I’ll reach my goals with the unwavering support of my family, friends and instructors who’ve inspired me throughout this journey.”

            Among his support system is fellow graduate and mom, Tangenia Nunley, who in 2004 graduated with honors from ICC with a degree in Computer Networking and began a successful career in the tech field. She said that she eventually stepped away to become a stay-at-home mom and homeschooled her son. “Even during those years, I remained committed to my personal and professional growth,” she explained. In 2012, she returned to ICC to earn a certificate in Health Information Technology to help further expand her skill set. Nine years later she pivoted again into real estate, earning licenses in Mississippi and Tennessee. “Truth be told, it was my 13-year-old son who inspired the next chapter of my journey. He encouraged me to go back to college with him, I am graduating as an honor student and a proud member of Phi Theta Kappa, a recognition of my dedication and hard work.” She will be transferring to the University of Memphis this fall to continue her journey toward a bachelor’s degree in computer science. “Today’s graduation represents more than just a personal achievement – it’s a family celebration. I’m incredibly proud to walk across the stage alongside my son. This moment symbolizes years of dedication, growth and the enduring belief that no dream is too big, no journey too long, and it’s never too late to pursue what sets your heart on fire.”

            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.”

            The journey of South African native James Ross led him through China and subsequently to Tupelo and ICC. When he enrolled, Ross said that the instructors made him feel at home in both Tupelo and at the College. “I got to hear the anecdotal version from American history from Dr. (Bruce) Ingram and all about biscuits and chocolate gravy, and the fear of public speaking dissipated with Mrs. (Allyson) Cummings’ stories of Southern life. I was encouraged by ICC instructors to share my writing at poetry events, become a Phi Theta Kappa officer, take part in setting up ICC events and write and act in a short film. I was able to embrace my South African experiences and also learn about Tupelo and America, and I’ve made forever friends.”

            The road to a college diploma hasn’t been easy for 32-year-old Clifton Pierce of Nettleton, who was diagnosed with development delayed ADHD. At the age of 25, he started working toward his high school equivalency diploma, and two years later, he earned the credential, but because of the pandemic, walking across the stage was delayed. In 2021, Pierce had the opportunity to receive not only his diploma, but also recognition as Student of the Year from his GED instructors. The fall of that same year, he became a college student at the Tupelo Campus. “At first it was a rocky start, but later on I was more and more comfortable with learning and working hard passing my courses leading me to today, when I will become an ICC graduate again with a major in communications.”

            “This has been by far one of the most challenging, yet best experiences of my life,” said Rodney Hardy of Gordo, Ala., whose left leg was crushed during an accident one afternoon during a snow and ice storm when he left nursing school at the Tupelo Campus in 2014. Hardy was in the hospital for three months, doesn’t remember he was on a vent and lost his leg. “I also lost a great job, my nursing career, went through every stage of the grieving process, battled depression and suffered from PTSD. His therapy at UAB included both Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy. “My OT was a lady who was no more than 5’2”, 130 pounds, but she pushed a 5’8”, 405-pound amputee to his limits and showed me that ‘yes you can go back to school and although your new life will be in OT terminology ‘adaptive,’ it can be ‘functional,’” Hardy said. Fast forward a few years, life and job connections led him to applying and interviewing for a spot in ICC’s OTA class. Hardy has had to drive three hours round trip to school for 18 months. “My instructors took nothing less than maximum effort and pushed not only me, but the entire class to work with a spirit of excellence. I’m not the fastest, the smartest or the youngest, but my prayer and my goal is to be the most efficient in my craft as a future OTA, and this program has thoroughly prepared me. ICC’s OTA program is more than just a program. This has been a life changing journey and experience.”

            Then, there’s Carlee Morgan of Tupelo, a devoted wife and mother of two daughters, who will celebrate her 40^th birthday in July. “What better way to mark this milestone than by finishing what I started over 20 years ago,” she said. As the office manager and homeowner services coordinator for Habitat for Humanity, Morgan found unexpected inspiration from a Habitat homeowner who was earning her degree while raising her children as a single mom. “That moment sparked a determination,” she said, “one that brought her to this day – walking across the stage for the very first time.” Morgan said that she credits her friends and family for their unwavering encouragement and belief in her, but this is just the beginning of her educational journey. She’s continuing on to Ole Miss to pursue her bachelor’s degree. “It’s never too late (to earn a degree), and you’re never too old.”

            The Nunleys, Ross, Pierce, Hardy and Morgan are only six of the graduates who crossed the stage at the Davis Event Center to receive their diplomas from President Allen. So, there are still approximately 994 individual stories to tell about those who participated in the May 16 ceremonies. But, as Allen said, “It is indeed a special occasion as I celebrate with each of you! I can’t wait to reconnect with every graduate who has crossed this stage today, to continue to share their stories.”

            Associate Degree Nursing graduates, who were among those who participated in the 5 p.m. ceremony, received their pins at a special event in the Davis Event Center at 7 p.m. Additional ceremonies were at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.