10 May Mississippi Speaker of the House of Representatives Jason White challenges ICC graduates in one of three commencement ceremonies May 10, 2024 By Thomas, Donna S. General 0 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 where life takes you,” he advised. “Surround yourself with people who will give you a positive push, and don’t shy away from an opportunity that requires a little bravery and a little courage.” Among those individuals, White emphasized, are the families and friends of the graduates. He encouraged members of ICC’s class of 2024 to connect with their “firm foundation or firm place to stand” before sundown today to express their gratitude. “Congratulations on making the greatest investment in yourself,” White opened his remarks. “You put in the study hours, you prepared for the exams, you planned for your future; this is no small feat. When you make this investment in yourself, and you put what you learned back into Mississippi, you are also making an investment in our state – so I want to thank you for your contribution. The careers for which you have prepared, or the next step in your education journey you plan to take, lend to a better and brighter Mississippi. As I look out across this room, I couldn’t be more encouraged for Mississippi’s workforce. “Lastly, I offer a few words of encouragement surrounding your sense of place or home, this thing we call ‘Mississippi’ and her ‘potential,’ which is really interwoven with your potential.” White said that real progress is possible only through a process of self-evaluation and self-analysis. “Graduates, today, you set your own sail and that will determine your course. You have filled your cup with knowledge, prospect, intention, and I am invigorated to see how you pour that into your communities and our great state of Mississippi.” White expressed appreciation to his colleagues in the Mississippi House of Representatives, namely Rep. Donnie Bell, ICC alumnus and chairman of the Workforce Development committee; Rep. Randy Boyd and Sen. Daniel Sparks, who were present at the ceremony. 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 also 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.” White was elected as Mississippi’s sixty-second Speaker of the House in January. The Kosciusko native began his service in the Mississippi House of Representatives, District 48, which consists of portions of Attala, Carroll, Holmes and Leake counties, in August 2011 and was reelected in 2016. During his time in the Legislature, he has been involved in several pieces of key legislation, including the Mississippi Infrastructure and Modernization Act and the Mississippi Tax Freedom Act, the largest tax cut in state history while also seeing the implementation of historic accountability measures and investments in both Education and Workforce Development. He is a past recipient of numerous Legislative awards, including Law Enforcement Legislator of the Year, Mississippi RISE Award and a Mississippi Top 50 Most Influential. Approximately 900 graduates crossed the stage to receive diplomas during the three ceremonies, which were 10 a.m., Associate of Arts including Middle College; 2 p.m., Associate of Arts; and 5 p.m., Associate of Applied Science including Career Education and Health Science. They were among more than 2,000 graduates who have earned degrees from ICC this year. 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 Itawamba Community College receives $100,000 and joins 41 other schools across the US as All Within My Hands' Metallica Scholars Initiative expands in year five Metallica’s foundation, All Within My Hands, continues its multimillion-dollar investment in critical workforce programs at community colleges nationwide. Among the schools, Itawamba Community College was selected from a competitive pool of applicants to receive $100,000 to transform the futures of students in the community. “It is a tremendous honor for Itawamba Community College to be selected as one of the recipients of the prestigious All Within My Hands grant, which will significantly impact our career education programs, providing funding for students to pursue a pathway and their best start,” said ICC President Dr. Jay Allen. “It is another indication of the success of the College and reinforcement of the mission that students and their success are our top priority.” The Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) was launched in 2019 by Metallica’s foundation, All Within My Hands (AWMH), in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). The workforce initiative marks its fifth year with an ambitious expansion into new curricula. MSI now directly supports 42 community colleges across 33 states, and by the end of this year, it will have helped ... Miss. Speaker of the House Jason White to deliver keynote address at ICC 10 a.m. commencement ceremony, May 10 Mississippi Representative Jason White will be the speaker for Itawamba Community College’s 10 a.m. commencement ceremony, May 10, at the Davis Event Center on the Fulton Campus. In January, White was elected as Mississippi’s 62nd Speaker of the House. The Kosciusko native began his service in the Mississippi House of Representatives, District 48, which consists of portions of Attala, Carroll, Holmes and Leake counties, in August 2011. Following re-election in 2016, he was named Rules Chairman and elected Republican Floor Leader by the Republican Caucus. In 2020, his Mississippi House colleagues elected him Speaker Pro Tempore, and his fellow Republicans elected him Republican Caucus Chairman. White, who is also the City Attorney for Kosciusko, represents a number of governmental entities and utility boards and providers. His previous service includes former Municipal Court Judge and Youth Court Judge and Board of Aldermen for the Town of West. He is also involved in a number of civic duties, including current president of the Attala County Bar Association and President of the West Historical and Preservation Society. During his time in the ... ICC graduates more than 650 during three May 12 ceremonies 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 ... 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 ... Three ICC graduates selected for Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship Program JACKSON, Miss –Sydney Franks of Saltillo, Cole Stephens of Mantachie and William “Ti” Simpson of Okolona have been selected to participate in the undergraduate portion of the Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship Program (MRPSP). Franks is the daughter of Fred Franks Jr. and Carin Franks of Saltillo. Stephens’ parents are Craig and Shaye Stephens of Mantachie. Simpson is the son of Billy and Judy Simpson of Tupelo. Created in 2007, MRPSP identifies college sophomores and juniors who demonstrate the necessary commitment and academic achievement to become competent, well-trained rural primary care physicians in our state. The program offers undergraduate academic enrichment and a clinical experience in a rural setting. Upon completion of all medical school admissions requirements, the student can be admitted to the University of Mississippi School of Medicine or William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine. During medical school, each MRPSP scholar may receive $30,000 per year based on available funding. Consistent legislative support of MRPSP ... Commencement ceremonies set for May 13 Approximately 600 students will participate in two commencement ceremonies, which are scheduled for May 13 in the Davis Event Center at the Itawamba Community College Fulton Campus. Ceremony times include Associate of Arts, 11 a.m., and Associate of Applied Science, 3 p.m. Speakers for the ceremonies will be Glenn McCullough Jr., executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority, A.A.; and Juanita Gambrell Floyd, vice president of finance and administration for the CREATE Foundation, A.A.S. Appointed by Gov. Phil Bryant to lead the MDA on June 8, 2015, McCullough is a former chairman of the Tennessee Valley Authority (2001-2005), former director of the Appalachian Regional Commission (1993-97) and former mayor of Tupelo. He was first nominated to the TVA board by President Bill Clinton and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 1999. During his tenure with TVA, the utility earned national recognition for its economic development efforts and launched its megasite program. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi is located on a TVA megasite. During McCullough’s service as mayor, Tupelo was named an All-America City by the National Civic League, and the city launched the ... Comments are closed.