16 May More than 600 graduates participate in 2022 ICC commencement ceremonies May 16, 2022 By Thomas, Donna S. General 0 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 will be eternally grateful.” The wife and mother of three, Ashley, who was selected to ICC’s 2022 Hall of Fame, is a member of the prestigious Phi Theta Kappa honor society as well as nursing organizations and is engaged in her church and her community. In his remarks during all three ceremonies, ICC President Dr. Jay Allen acknowledged the importance, not only of nurses but also of all healthcare professionals. “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. In addition, numerous ICC graduates, both past and current, and especially in the last two years, those who are healthcare professionals, have gone above and beyond during the pandemic. We salute you!” During the first two ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science degrees and certificates were awarded. To Haley Dean of Saltillo, president of the Fulton Campus Student Government Association and Miss ICC, “Commencement means a day for students to be celebrated by their family and friends for all their long hours of studying, hard work and achievements.” And what a celebration it was, as ICC returned to normal activities and events. It was a bittersweet event for those who crossed that stage. “ICC is endless opportunities, relationships that will last a lifetime and a faculty and staff who care about my success in and out of the classroom.” Dean said. “There has never been a time that I questioned if I belonged at ICC. It is home away from home, and I know I am fully equipped for the next level in my education due to my experiences at ICC.” Tupelo Campus Student Government Association treasurer Richard Stone III of Tupelo, who participated in the 2 p.m. ceremony, agrees. “Commencement is the celebration of the commitment which students have made to ourselves and our futures, and it marks the beginning of a new journey in which we will take the skills and knowledge learned at ICC to go further toward fulfilling who we are as individuals. But ICC is more than just that knowledge which we have acquired. It is a family which we have become a part of, and so as we celebrate, we acknowledge that this moment is bittersweet.” Pins were also presented to the graduates of the Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapy Assistant Technology, Radiologic Technology, Surgical Technology and Associate Degree Nursing programs during the 5 p.m. ceremony. Faculty marshals included Dr. Toni Armstrong, Associate Degree Nursing instructor; Tanya Cox and Doris McCreary, both Computer Information Systems instructors. Related Articles 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 ... 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 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 ... ICC students graduate in 2021 commencement ceremonies Several area residents were among those who earned Associate of Arts or Associate of Applied Science degrees or certificates during commencement ceremonies May 13 and 14 at Itawamba Community College. They include Abbeville – Jemetrio Jerome Crowder, A.A.; Kaleesha Danielle McJunkins, A.A.; Aberdeen – Jaisha S. Blanchard, A.A.; Destinee Latrise Brown, A.A.; Jaden M. Buchanan, A.A.; Asantee Desarae Buckingham, A.A.; Natalie Nicole Crosby, A.A.; Ashley Gordon Cullum IV, A.A.S.; Jeremyiah Darrell Devauld, certificate; Perashia C. Dunlap, A.A.; Miranda P. Flippo, A.A.; Aaliyah Deandrea Haughton, A.A.; Terra Kay Hill, A.A.S.; Aliyah L. Howell, A.A.; Michaela Shea Johnson, A.A.S., A.A.; Jonathan Isaiah Key, A.A.; Nolan R. Koehn, A.A.S.; Jeffrey Blake Lockhart, A.A.S.; Nathaniel Chance McNeese, A.A.; Kirstin Jocylen Metcalf, A.A.S., certificate; Analee B. Mobley, A.A.; Sarah L. Pace, A.A.; Jakobe Lee Rogers, A.A.; Caleb B. Schrock, A.A.; Ashley Tayte Stevens, A.A.; Donovan Lewis Turner, A.A.S.; Amauri A. Washington, A.A.S.; Ackerman – Molly E. Oswalt, A.A.; Algoma – William B. Allen, A.A.S.; Amory – William C. Oliver, certificate; Taylor R. Andrews, A.A.; William Stephens Bishop, A.A.; McKenzie Callihan Karrigan, A.A.; Paxton Ross Cantrell, A.A.; ... ICC commencement ceremonies set for May 10 Approximately 550 graduates will receive associate’s degrees or certificates in two ceremonies, May 10, at the Davis Event Center at the Itawamba Community College Fulton Campus. The 11 a.m. ceremony will include graduates whose last names are A-L, and the 3 p.m. ceremony, M-Z. Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science degrees as well as certificates will be awarded at both ceremonies. ICC’s commencement ceremonies are on Friday for the first time in a number of years. Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, president and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa, will be the speaker for both ceremonies. Her educational background includes a Ph.D. in community college leadership from Mississippi State University and both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics from the University of Southern Mississippi. Tincher-Ladner is the third leader of Phi Theta Kappa in 98 years. She also serves as an ex-officio member of the Phi Theta Kappa Board of Directors and secretary to the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation Board of Directors. She joined the PTK staff in 2012 as the chief information and research ... Comments are closed.