DSCC Holds 48th Commencement Ceremony
Dyersburg State Community College (DSCC) held its 48th annual commencement exercises May 5 at the Dyer County High School Gymnasium. The graduating class consisted of 425 candidates for degrees and certificates with 218 of those candidates graduating with honors.
A grand processional opened the ceremony with music provided by the Dyer County High School Sound of the Choctaws Concert Band conducted by Justin Brown, director of bands. Reverend Cory D. Williams, senior pastor of Dyersburg Cumberland Presbyterian Church, gave the invocation. The DSCC Choirs ‘Syncopation’ and ‘Singsation,” led by Desiree Dolan, director of the DSCC choirs, performed special musical selections including the DSCC alma mater.
Dr. Karen Bowyer, president of DSCC, gave a brief welcome to those in attendance and congratulated the graduates on their success. She recognized eight retiring DSCC employees: Marilyn Armstrong, Upward Bound counselor, Melinda Evans, executive secretary, Harry Fonville, custodian, Roger McDiffett, emergency medical services program director, Robin Privett, nursing secretary, Deborah Roberson, account clerk III, Gary Steelman, utility worker III, and Doris Willett, director of career services for the workforce program which is funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
Graduates who were members of the Alpha Epsilon Alpha chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, who had served in the Armed Forces, and who were emergency medical technician graduates, were also recognized. William Summons, faculty regent at Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) and associate professor of mathematics at Southwest Tennessee Community College, welcomed guests and congratulated graduates on behalf of TBR.
Whitley Jump of Drummonds, president of DSCC’s Student Government Association (SGA), introduced guest speaker Rep. Johnnie Turner, State of Tennessee, District 85. In her address, Turner encouraged graduates to find a cause that is important to them as they begin their new journey.
“Class of 2018, today is the first day of the rest of your life,” stated Turner. “I know you have heard that many times before, but today it should have special meaning for each of you. I wish you the very best in all your future endeavors.”
Following Turner’s remarks, Dr. Bowyer presented a posthumous degree to the family of student Andrew Banks of Millington who passed away in January 2018.
Dr. Tamara Daniel, vice president for the college, presented the candidates for diplomas and certificates, and Dr. Bowyer conferred the degrees and certifications. 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.
Closing remarks were made by Luciana Shaw, president of the DSCC Alumni Association. A reception honoring the graduates and their guests followed Commencement exercises.
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