Columbia State Holds Fall Graduation

Approximately 140 students were recognized for their accomplishments at the Columbia State Community College fall 2014 commencement ceremony held in the Webster Athletic Center Saturday, Dec. 13.

“We are here to celebrate the accomplishment of growing, learning and being,” said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. “We are proud of our graduates as they have set goals, and they have accomplished those goals. That is a mighty thing.”

Smith commented that an organization has many working parts that all work together to be as strong as it can be.

“Columbia State is a strong organization thanks to the many students and committed faculty and staff that work together to be the best they can be,” Smith continued.

Columbia native, Judge Randolph Baxter delivered the fall 2014 commencement address, congratulating students on their success and encouraging them to never forget this day.

“This is the part you will always remember,” Baxter said.

Baxter also spoke of relationships and how important they are in being successful.

“Your relationships have collectively brought you across this bridge,” Baxter said. “Be very grateful for them, as you will see them again. You never can tell when you’ll see these people.”

Baxter also explained there were three keys to success, a person’s relationship with their faith as being most important. He stated that the number two key was to never stop learning, and the third key is to always have a plan and know where you’re going.

“Learning is a lifelong process that prepares you to sharpen your marketable skills,” Baxter explained. “Focus on your goals and objectives until they are accomplished.”

Baxter and his wife, Yvonne, reside in Richfield, Ohio and are the proud parents of four children and grandparents to six grandchildren. In his spare time, he plays the trumpet with the Cleveland Clinic Concert Band.

Graduates include residents of Giles, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Marshall, Maury, Perry, Wayne and Williamson Counties, as well as Davidson, Knox, Madison, Sumner and Wilson Counties and other areas of Tennessee.

 Photo above: Williamson County resident, Johnathan Cueva earned a general transfer associate degree with a concentration in graphic design. The Independence High School graduate plans to transfer to Middle Tennessee State University where he plans to major in graphic design. Cueva plans to move back to his native New York after he earns his bachelor’s degree. He noted that chose he Columbia State because he feels it is a good school with a welcoming environment, great classes and good friends. Pictured, left to right: Vilma Cueva, Cueva’s mother; Johnathan Cueva; and Cueva’s grandmother.

 

About Columbia: 
Columbia State is a two-year college, serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with locations in Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg and Clifton. As Tennessee’s first community college, Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, one of the largest higher education systems in the nation. For more information, please visit www.columbiastate.edu. Tennessee’s Community Colleges is a system of 13 colleges offering a high-quality, affordable, convenient and personal education to prepare students to achieve their educational and career goals in two years or less. We offer associate degree and certificate programs, workforce development programs and transfer pathways to four-year degrees. For more information, please visit us online attncommunitycolleges.org.