DSCC graduates 400-plus at 43rd commencement

Posted: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 6:00 pm

The Messenger 05.23.13

Dyersburg State Community College recently graduated the largest class in its history during 43rd annual commencement exercises at Dyer County High School gymnasium in Newbern.
The graduating class consisted of 417 candidates for degrees and certificates, and 275 of those candidates graduated with honors.
DSCC President Karen Bowyer welcomed graduates and their families.
“We know that members of this class will make significant contributions to this and other communities, as have the 6,368 graduates who have gone before you,” she said.
“You will be our nurses, teachers, network administrators, bankers, health information technologists, medical coders, accountants, administrative assistants, information technology specialists and law enforcement officers, just to name a few.”
Dr. Bowyer recognized several retiring DSCC employees, including Eil-een Anderson, Linda L. Ballard, Dorothy Bond, J Dan Gullett, Douglas W. Hodge, Teresa D. Johnson, Billie Mackin, Dr. Evelynn A. Miller, Dr. Laurinda Kay Patterson, Rita Riley, Almeter M. Thomas and Linda Weeks.
She recognized graduates who belonged to Alpha Epsilon Alpha Chap-ter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and welcomed John M. Farris, who spoke on behalf of the Tennessee Board of Regents.
Commencement speaker was Randal Boyd, chairman and CEO of Radio Systems Corp.
He spoke about his experience as a participant in the recent Boston Marathon, where bombings killed three people and injured more than 260 others. He explained the experience made him realize how fragile life is and made him focus on the people he loves the most.
He emphasized four main messages, stating, “You must first have a mission and a plan. Second, surround yourself with brilliant people that you like to be with and that you want to be like. Next, have a set of values that you can live by and make sure that one of those is giving back to your community. Last, live every moment to its fullest and keep those you love as close as possible.”
A reception was held afterward for the graduates and their families.

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