Columbia State celebrates graduates at Fall 2022 commencement
Courtesy of Columbia State
·2 min read
Columbia State Community College celebrated 132 degree and certificate candidates as they crossed the stage during the commencement ceremony in the Webster Athletic Center Saturday, Dec. 10.
Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president, opened the ceremony by welcoming degree and certificate candidates, faculty, staff, and guests.
“Today is a special day for several reasons,” Smith said. “First and foremost, it is a day of celebration of accomplishments. It is a day of recognition that these soon-to-be graduates set a goal and accomplished it.”
Smith introduced alum Elizabeth Crutcher as the guest speaker for the fall commencement ceremony. She is the operational coordinator for the Solvay manufacturing site in Mount Pleasant where she supports the team in various capacities, such as assisting with human resources, safety, communications, and employee engagement.
Smith highlighted Crutcher, who attended Columbia Central High School, graduating in 1975. She then graduated from Columbia State Community College in 1977 with an Associate of Science degree in secretarial science, receiving both the Business and English Awards. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bethel University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree in management and organizational development.
Crutcher began by thanking the college for the opportunity. She then reflected on a recent program in her position designed to help women learn how to embrace their ambitions.
“I marvel at how this opportunity presented itself at the same time I was participating in a program geared at learning to trust my instincts, reach out to other people, build a network and step out of my comfort zone,” Crutcher said. “Yes, even at this stage of my life, I needed help. Dr. Smith’s invitation arrived just a few days after I had completed a work-related challenge that I had chosen for myself as part of the program. Her invitation was another opportunity for me to come out of my comfort zone.”
Crutcher closed her address by offering another piece of advice to the graduates: “Wisdom comes in all shapes and sizes, we mustn’t let it pass us by, we must keep our eyes open for people who have our best interests at heart.”
Closing the ceremony, the alumni induction of new graduates was presented by Molly Rogers, Columbia State alum and instructor of business, and Alla Mohammed, fall 2022 graduate and member of the President’s Leadership Society.
Alla Mohammed, President’s Leadership Society graduate, was also honored with a medallion at the commencement ceremony. Formed in spring 2011, PLS is a free leadership training program focused on developing a student’s unique leadership skills from their first semester through graduation.
Columbia State is a comprehensive community college serving southern Middle Tennessee dedicated to nurturing success and positively changing lives through teaching, learning, and service. Visit ColumbiaState.edu to learn more.
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