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DSCC Holds 51st Commencement

graduates walking in processional
Class of 470 candidates for degrees and certificates honored on the front lawn of the Dyersburg campus.

The front lawn and grand columns of the E.B. Eller Administration Building set the stage as Dyersburg State Community College (DSCC) celebrated its 51st graduating class in its annual commencement exercises May 7 on the Dyersburg campus. The class consisted of 470 candidates for degrees and certificates, with 149 of those candidates graduating with honors.

A grand processional opened the ceremony, followed by special music prerecorded virtually by the DSCC Sing Team entitled, “I Hope You Dance.”

Dr. Karen Bowyer, president of DSCC, gave an opening welcome to those in attendance and congratulated the graduates on their success. She commended the graduates on their perseverance and devotion to their academics through the pandemic. Dr. Bowyer recognized eight retiring DSCC employees: Brenda Fincher, associate professor of computer information technology; Julie Frazier, dean of business, technology and allied health; Kim Litton, account clerk II; Rob Martin, associate professor of biology; Terri Pike, assistant professor of reading; Steve Robey, print shop and purchasing clerk; Sandra Samples, custodial supervisor; Gina Seratt, associate professor of nursing; and Brenda Springfield, custodian.

Graduates who were members of the Alpha Epsilon Alpha chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and those who had served in the Armed Forces, were also recognized.

Pam Mabry, Mayor of the City of Newbern, 1983 DSCC Alumna and President of the DSCC Alumni Association, shared parting words to the class of 2021. “Don’t forget where you came from,” stated Mabry. “The road that you are on right now is going to take several different paths, but this is the beginning of where you’re going.”

Dr. Jan Reid-Bunch, vice president for the college, presented the candidates 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; Dennis Anderson, interim dean of business, technology and allied health; and Amy Johnson, dean of nursing.