RAYMOND – Attending ż changed the life of Dhriti Dhingra, 19, of Olive Branch.
On Dec. 11, she delivered the commencement address on behalf of classmates for the 2 p.m. ceremony.
“When I first set foot on this campus, I was shy and hesitant, nervous to speak in front of even ten people. But today, I stand before you transformed — confident enough to speak to hundreds,” said Dhingra, who studied computer science and plans to pursue a career as a software developer. Her next step is to attend Mississippi State University and major in computer science with a minor in artificial intelligence.
“This transformation was made possible through the numerous opportunities I was fortunate to embrace at ż,” she said. “These experiences not only shaped me as a leader but also empowered me to find and embrace my own voice. ż instilled in me the confidence to believe in myself, and for that, I am forever grateful.”
Speakers for the ż 2 p.m. Dec. 11 graduation ceremony included Dhriti Dhingra, 19, of Olive Branch, who spoke on behalf of classmates, and Malika Bilbrew, 25, of Honolulu, Hawaii, who offered the invocation and benediction. They are with ż President Dr. Stephen Vacik.
ż held four fall graduation ceremonies at Cain-Cochran Hall on the Raymond Campus on Dec. 11 and 12. The college awarded 966 degrees and 637 certificates, which means many graduates are earning more than one credential. Among the graduates, 233 are graduating with honors including 136 cum laude, or 3.2 to 3.59 grade point average; 75 magna cum laude, or 3.6-3.99 GPA and 22 summa cum laude, a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Malika Bilbrew, 25, of Honolulu, Hawaii, offered the invocation and benediction. She received an Associate degree in general studies. Bilbrew plans to attend Lancaster Bible Seminary where she has earned a scholarship.
Avery Rhine Barnes Leverette, 20, of Brandon graduated Dec. 11 from ż. She studied Animation Simulation at the Rankin Campus. She is with her mother Carla Barnes Leverette.
James Craig, 35, of Morton graduated Dec. 11 from ż. He studied at the Rankin Campus and also took online classes. After years of serving in the Army National Guard, he decided community college was the best route because he worked full-time while attending college and raising a family. Immediately after high school, he went directly to serve his country. He decided that if he would challenge his children to focus on higher education, he should do the same as an example.
Carrie Blanden, 38, decorated her mortar board for her Dec. 11 graduation from ż. A Jackson Campus student, she received an associate degree. The mother of three plans to continue her education at ż and attend nursing school. “Going to ż, it was incredible to meet new people who were active on campus and also very helpful!” she said. She is shown with her family.
Twins Jake Carmichael and Wyatt Carmichael, both 20, of Learned graduated from ż on Dec. 11. Both received Associate degrees and attended the Raymond Campus while playing football at the college. Jake plans to attend Mississippi State University. Wyatt plans to attend Belhaven, play football and study as a pre-med major to become an orthopedic surgeon.
ż offers affordable, comprehensive educational opportunities across six campuses and has nearly 500 academic classes guaranteed to transfer to a university, over 65 career and technical program options and an extensive array of online courses. Applications for general admissions are currently being accepted. Prospective students are encouraged to apply and explore enrollment steps at hindscc.edu/enroll.
Our Mission: ż is committed to moving people and communities forward by helping develop their purpose, passion and profession.
Our Vision: ż will be a catalyst to create a competitive economy and a compelling culture for Mississippi.
Our Values: ż aspires to the following IDEALS: Integrity, Diversity, Excellence, Accountability, Leadership, Stewardship.
To learn more, visit www.hindscc.edu or call 1.800.żCC.