DSCC Celebrates 1st Virtual Commencement for 50th Graduating Class
Dyersburg State Community College (DSCC) held its 50th annual commencement via virtual video June 11. The College recognized 449 candidates for graduation inside the First Citizens National Bank Auditorium on the Dyersburg campus. The virtual event was held in lieu of its traditional in-person ceremony held each May and can be viewed on the College’s website at www.dscc.edu and its Facebook, Vimeo and YouTube pages.
An invocation was given by Rev. James Luvene, pastor of Hughlett United Methodist Church, Lighthouse United Methodist Church and Ross United Methodist Church.
A processional opened the ceremony with music provided by Dr. Douglas Olson, DSCC music instructor. The DSCC Sing Team, led by Dr. Olson, performed a special virtual musical rendition of “I Hope You Dance.”
A special virtual address was given by Gov. Bill Lee, followed by a warm welcome by Dr. Karen Bowyer, president of DSCC. Dr. Bowyer recognized six retiring DSCC employees: Alan Barnett, associate professor, men’s basketball coach and athletic director; Laurie Jones, secretary I; Bart Jowers, evening custodian; Patricia Larson, executive secretary II; Kim Litton, account clerk II; and Dianne Seat, records specialist.
Dr. Bowyer recognized 12 distinguished graduates who had at least 30 credit hours at DSCC and achieved a perfect 4.0 grade-point average. Those students were: Leigh Ann Braden of Ripley, Katlyn Brooke Canada of Dyersburg, Sarah Marie Cheshire of Gates, Mackenzie Paige Emery of Atoka, Jared Devin Fielder of Obion, Allie Elizabeth Johnson of Rives, Morgan Bernadette Kiernan of Atoka, Donna Renee Kilburn of Bells, Currie Jean McIntyre of Covington, Savannah McClain Pham of Halls, Maureen Nicole Wignes of Munford, and Christy Dawn Woelm of Atoka.
Kevin Reed of Ripley, president of the DSCC Student Government Association (SGA), introduced guest speaker Commissioner Tony Parker, Tennessee Department of Correction and 1993 alumnus.
Dr. Jan Reid-Bunch, vice president for the college, presented the candidates for diplomas and certificates, and Dr. Bowyer conferred the degrees. The announcement of graduates by academic division was presented by Dr. Jimmy Barham, dean of arts and sciences; Julie Frazier, dean of business, technology and allied health; and Amy Johnson, dean of nursing.
The College plans to offer graduates the option to attend a future in-person ceremony once it is deemed safe amid COVID-19 concerns.
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