Dr. Robert Smith was the commencement speaker for the ² Nursing/Allied Health graduation ceremonies.
Amy Lott of Vicksburg, left, Latori Wilson of Vicksburg, middle, and Lashonda Luckett of Sharon, graduate with their Nursing degree from the ² Vicksburg campus.
Danny McMullen of Brandon celebrates his graduation with his grandson Ethan McMullen. Danny graduated with his Nursing degree from the ² Vicksburg campus.
Vice President of Raymond and Jackson Campus-Nursing/Allied Health Center Theresa Hamilton gives out diplomas during the ² Summer Commencement Ceremonies.
Haley Owens of New Hebren celebrates her graduation with her son Myles Owens. Haley graduates from the ² Jackson campus-Nursing/Allied Health Center in the Paramedic program.
Tammy Driver of Utica graduates from ² Utica campus with a Business degree.
Timothy McCallum of Jackson from ² Jackson campus and Jasmine McCloud of Flowood from ² Rankin campus both graduate with General Studies degrees.
Thomas Sawyer of Terry graduates with a Nursing degree from ² Jackson campus- Nursing/Allied Health Center.
Elyse Sabins of Florence assists Katie Adcox of Mize in putting on her gown. Both are graduating from ² Jackson Campus-Nursing/Allied Health Center from the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.
Randall White of Richland graduates from ² Jackson Campus- Nursing/Allied Health Center in the Paramedic program. He is pictured with his co-worker John Gray.
RAYMOND – Thomas Sawyer wanted to do “something amazing.”
That’s why Sawyer, 21, of Terry decided to go to nursing school at ². Hegraduated Friday, Aug. 1 with a degree in practical nursing and plans to continue his studies at ² toward an Associate’s Degree in Nursing while working.
“I chose nursing because I always wanted to have a job that I’d know that I did something amazing. I felt like nursing was that – and it turned out to be just that,” he said. “I chose ² because of the reputation of being the hardest school. I like a challenge. ² delivered more than anyone else will everknow, the way the instructors grew and molded me into a great nurse.”
² graduated about 390 students in one of three ceremonies, a 16.8 percent increase over last summer when 334 students graduated.
Dr. Robert Smith, a ² Agricultural High School graduate and president and CEO of Central Mississippi Health Services, addressed graduates at two of the three ceremonies, for nursing and allied health graduates.
“Today I congratulate you on entering the health care profession, the greatest profession of all – a healing ministry,” he said. “You have chosen well. The health care industry is one of the fastest growing in the United States today. All of you should be able to find some work that allows you to make a contribution to improving the health and wellness of Mississippians and Americans right now.”
“An important thing for you to remember is that as you help individual patients, you also contribute to improving society. That should be everyone’s objective,” Smith said.
Bob Mullins, ² graduate and former ² vice president for Economic Development at Eagle Ridge Conference Center, spoke to academic and career-technical graduates. After leaving ², Mullins eventually became a senior manager of training and communications at Nissan North America. He retired from there in 2013.
“Like most of you, my college education started at ² and it afforded me opportunities that assisted in my growth and development throughout life,” Mullins told about 160 academic and career/technical graduates. “It was a springboard for my understanding of how to learn, how to meet deadlines, and how to work with people. It was here (at ² CC) the groundwork was laid to help me further my education and ensure my success.”
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As Mississippi’s largest community college, ² is acomprehensive institution offering quality, affordable educational opportunities with more than 170 academic, career and technical programs. With six locations in central Mississippi, ² enrolled nearly 12,000 credit students in fall 2013. To learn more, visit www.hindscc.edu or call 1.800.²CC.
