Dyersburg State Holds 52nd Commencement Ceremony
The front lawn and grand columns of the E.B. Eller Administration Building set the stage as Dyersburg State Community College (DSCC) celebrated its 52nd graduating class in its annual commencement exercises on May 7 on the Dyersburg campus. The class consisted of 517 candidates for degrees and certificates, with 288 of those candidates graduating with honors.
The DSCC choir led by Thomas Frost, the DSCC music instructor, performed special music for this special ceremony. Dr. Scott Cook, president of DSCC, gave a brief welcome to those in attendance and congratulated the candidates on their success. 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 by Dr. Cook.
Ollie Myrick, president of the DSCC’s Student Government Association (SGA), introduced the guest speaker, Dr. Niles Reddick, Chief Operating Officer and Dean of the University of Memphis-Lambuth. Dr. Reddick addressed the graduates with ten things that he has learned and experienced that would help the graduates be more successful. “First, is hard work, second is life and work are about dealing with people and all of their issues, third it's about not taking life so seriously, so enjoy your ride and keep a sense of humor- remember happiness is a way of travel, not a destination. Fourth, it’s about seeing the positive and good in people, fifth is it's about being appreciative of what you have, sixth it's about making the best choices don't always focus on yourself in a narcissistic way, but do take care of yourself, seventh, it's about keeping your beliefs close to your heart, eighth, it's about loving your family and friends, ninth is surprise yourself and others in your success. Lastly, this is the most important of all keep your faith close, whatever that may be.”
Dr. Jan Reid-Bunch, vice president for the college, presented the candidates and Dr. Cook conferred the degrees and certifications. The announcement of graduates by the academic division was presented by Dr. Jimmy Barham, Dean of Arts and Sciences and Dennis Anderson, Dean of Career, Technical and Distance Education.