PEARL – Referencing obstacles that students have gone through such as the COVID-19 pandemic, ż student graduation speaker Chase Keenan reminded fellow nursing and allied health graduates of how well they have persevered.
“This accomplishment you are here celebrating today is the result of choosing everyday not to give up. No matter how hot the fire got or how many times it felt like life was striking you, you did what it took every day to forge yourself into someone stronger and more powerful,” said Keenan, 23, of Brandon.
Keenan earned an Associate in Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. At ż, Keenan served as vice president of the Student Government Association at the Jackson Campus-Nursing/Allied Health Center.
A total 593 ż students graduated in one of three ceremonies on July 30 with 320 students choosing to participate in one of the ceremonies. ż awarded a total of 700 credentials, with some students earning more than one credential.
Of the total 593 graduates, 85 graduated cum laude, 53 graduated magna cum laude and 69 graduated summa cum laude.
Delivering the invocation and benediction was Daryl Carson, 47, of Vicksburg, who earned a degree from the Associate Degree Nursing program. Carson served in the Student Nurse Organization and the National Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (N-OADN) Alpha Delta Nu honor society.
ż President Dr. Stephen Vacik reminded graduates of the importance of their education.
“The power of education is that it drives our vision for a better life,” he said. “Our vision as an institution is that ż will serve as a catalyst to create a compelling culture – right here in Mississippi.
“And, while the graduates who sit upon this stage today represent a diverse set of circumstances, they are connected by their belief that a community college education is a step up to a broader opportunity, to build a better life, and to contribute to the communities we live in,” Dr Vacik said.
With six campuses in central Mississippi, ż is a comprehensive institution offering quality, affordable educational opportunities with academic programs of study leading to seamless university transfer and career and technical programs teaching job-ready skills.
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 or call 1.800.żCC.
Chase Keenan of Brandon, left, spoke at the July 30 graduation ceremony at ż. He received a degree in diagnostic medical sonography. Daryl Carson of Vicksburg, right, delivered the invocation and benediction. He received an Associate Degree in Nursing. They are with ż President Dr. Stephen Vacik.
Chase Keenan of Brandon, left, spoke at the July 30 graduation ceremony at ż. He received a degree in diagnostic medical sonography. Daryl Carson of Vicksburg, right, delivered the invocation and benediction. He received an Associate Degree in Nursing. They are with ż President Dr. Stephen Vacik.
Chase Keenan of Brandon gave the graduation address at the July 30 ceremony at ż. Members of the college’s Executive Leadership Team on the stage with him are, from left, Marvin Moak of Raymond, Andrea Janoush of Madison, Dr. Keri Cole of Clinton, Sherry Franklin of Brandon and, far right, ż President Dr. Stephen Vacik of Brandon.
Chase Keenan of Brandon gave the graduation address at the July 30 ceremony at ż. Members of the college’s Executive Leadership Team on the stage with him are, from left, Marvin Moak of Raymond, Andrea Janoush of Madison, Dr. Keri Cole of Clinton, Sherry Franklin of Brandon and, far right, ż President Dr. Stephen Vacik of Brandon.
Daryl Carson of Vicksburg, right, delivered the invocation and benediction at the July 30 ż graduation ceremony for nursing and allied health students. He received an Associate Degree in Nursing. (Brad Smith/ż)
Daryl Carson of Vicksburg, right, delivered the invocation and benediction at the July 30 ż graduation ceremony for nursing and allied health students. He received an Associate Degree in Nursing. (Brad Smith/ż)
Chance Keenan of Brandon, whose brother Chase was the speaker for the nursing/allied health graduation, received a degree in diagnostic medical technology from ż on July 30. He has a job lined up at Merit Health Central and has already passed the required board exam. “Our teacher said it will be your best day and your worst day of your life,” he said of taking the exam. “It wasn’t a lie. It was very difficult, but I passed.”
Chance Keenan of Brandon, whose brother Chase was the speaker for the nursing/allied health graduation, received a degree in diagnostic medical technology from ż on July 30. He has a job lined up at Merit Health Central and has already passed the required board exam. “Our teacher said it will be your best day and your worst day of your life,” he said of taking the exam. “It wasn’t a lie. It was very difficult, but I passed.”
Charlie Belden, 40, of Vicksburg received an Associate Degree in Nursing from ż on July 30. “It was a commitment,” he said of the program. He plans to continue working at the Vicksburg Convalescent Home and eventually become a travel nurse.
Charlie Belden, 40, of Vicksburg received an Associate Degree in Nursing from ż on July 30. “It was a commitment,” he said of the program. He plans to continue working at the Vicksburg Convalescent Home and eventually become a travel nurse.
Graduating with degrees in surgical technology from ż on July 30 were, from left, Aireyonna James of Crystal Springs, Brandi Fife of Edwards and Patricia Spangler of Pearl.
Graduating with degrees in surgical technology from ż on July 30 were, from left, Aireyonna James of Crystal Springs, Brandi Fife of Edwards and Patricia Spangler of Pearl.
Kanisha Edwards, 32, of Jackson received an Associate Degree in Nursing from ż on July 30. “It was a long road but with God’s help we are here at the finish line,” she said.
Kanisha Edwards, 32, of Jackson received an Associate Degree in Nursing from ż on July 30. “It was a long road but with God’s help we are here at the finish line,” she said.
Payton Bourdin of Madison, left, and Jake Koenig of Byram received their Emergency Management Technology from ż on July 30
Payton Bourdin of Madison, left, and Jake Koenig of Byram received their Emergency Management Technology from ż on July 30
Angel Harmon of Vicksburg is greeted by Darcy Cardwell after receiving her degree from ż on July 30.
Angel Harmon of Vicksburg is greeted by Darcy Cardwell after receiving her degree from ż on July 30.
Anahy Ramirez of Ridgeland was showered with roses and a balloon after her July 30 graduation from ż.
Anahy Ramirez of Ridgeland was showered with roses and a balloon after her July 30 graduation from ż.
Whitney Robinson of Pearl graduated from ż on July 30. With her is friend Suzie Gilbert.
Whitney Robinson of Pearl graduated from ż on July 30. With her is friend Suzie Gilbert.
Courtney McDaniel of Vicksburg graduated from ż on July 30 with an Associate Degree in Nursing. With her is friend Courtney Dorsey.
Courtney McDaniel of Vicksburg graduated from ż on July 30 with an Associate Degree in Nursing. With her is friend Courtney Dorsey.
De’kiya Kelly of Hattiesburg celebrated her graduation with an Associate Degree in Nursing from ż on July 30 with her family, including younger brother Dekari, 4, who lives in Byram.
De’kiya Kelly of Hattiesburg celebrated her graduation with an Associate Degree in Nursing from ż on July 30 with her family, including younger brother Dekari, 4, who lives in Byram.
