Hopkinsville Community College hosted two commencements and a nurse pinning ceremony on Friday to celebrate the hard work and dedication of its spring graduates.
The nurse pinning ceremony took over the Thomas L. Riley Lecture Hall Friday morning. Twenty-eight graduates were celebrated for completing the registered nurse program. Then at noon and 3 p.m., commencement ceremonies celebrated graduates receiving associate degrees, diplomas and certificates.
Over 400 students were celebrated at Friday’s ceremonies. Chris Boyett, the vice president of academic affairs, called the ceremonies a milestone for their students’ academic journeys and for HCC because 810 credentials were awarded.
HCC Student Government Association Vice President Olivia Lancaster and Construction Professor Bob Smith were the celebratory speakers at both commencements.
Lancaster says the ceremonies mark the beginning of a new chapter for many people, whether that means pursing more education or joining the workforce. Lancaster tells graduates to remember the lessons they learned, the support they have received and the confidence that has been instilled in them by professors and peers as they take that next step.
Smith gave graduates some fatherly advice. His first piece of advice was to always work toward goals. Smith says goals provide direction and can motivate the development of good habits.
It might not be the holiday season, but HCC President Alissa Young called graduation season the most wonderful time of the year. Young thanked students for choosing HCC and said she hopes they continue to learn, explore the world, pursue their passions and welcome new experiences.
Before students received their diplomas, outstanding graduates were spotlighted. Tyler Couch and Lancaster were KCTCS All-Academic Team award recipients. Lancaster also took home the HCC Spirit Cup Award.