The 68th Commencement

Coahoma Sends Well Wishes to Graduates with VIRTUAL 68TH COMMENCEMENT

The COVID-19 pandemic overshadowed the institution’s plans to finish out the spring semester in person. Despite having to pack up their dorm rooms and move their coursework online, the class of 2020 managed to reach their achievement by adapting and hurdling over obstacles to achieve their educational achievements.

Though gathering around a Wi-Fi-connected device for the commencement ceremony, the graduates valiantly took a monumental leap into more significant endeavors.

With talks of a coronavirus vaccine distribution emerging, the opportunity for a regular in-person recognition or class celebration might be near.

In the virtual graduation, CCC President Dr. Valmadge T. Towner honored the graduates for fighting through the challenges of the coronavirus crisis with the continuation of hard work.

“We did not call for this health care crisis, but it’s important how we react to it,” said Towner.

“Graduates, in your quest to become a graduate, I’m sure that many things have happened to you that were beyond your control. Yet, you have reacted and responded well. I want to salute you for persevering, particularly this spring semester.”

He advised them to allow the pandemic to serve as a lifelong lesson that teaches them to react appropriately to problems. State Rep. Orlando Paden, an alumnus of the College, served as the keynote speaker. Paden lauded the class for their achievements, encouraging them to offer their gifts to the world. “Your resilience and dedication to your academic endeavors have truly paid off. Truly, determination yields great rewards,” said Paden. “Today, we celebrate your milestone with family, friends, and the world.”

Paden is a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives. He serves District 26, which includes Coahoma and Bolivar counties.

“Presently, we are involved in an evolving situation, the COVID-19 pandemic. You, the class of 2020, have responded amazingly by completing your coursework online and earning your degree to ensure your promising future. We’re counting on you to be the change agent, the catalyst of diversity, the economic and social reformer,” Paden continued.

He assured the class that they would overcome the difficulties and disappointments to come.

After the conferral of degrees and certificates and the presentation of candidates, the golden class of 1970 was recognized in honor of 50 years since their graduation from the institution. Board of Trustee president Rena Butler concluded the annually held ritual with remarks to the graduates.

“We are honored that you chose Coahoma Community College to begin your college career. As one experience comes to an end, another begins,” said Butler. “Graduates, remember that good planning and hard work leads to prosperity.”

PRIDE&

PERSISTENCE

Tyler J. Williams, a general studies major from Lyon, MS, unmasks for a quick snapshot as she reads outside. She’s determined to move forward through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Defined, pride is a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.

Very little is more important to the quality of the overall student experience at a college than institutional pride.

We often glorify aspects of pride in an institution through adornments like success in athletics, although it is essential and becomes a significant point of pride when well executed. But more importantly, the positive experiences and traditions of a collective organization lay the foundation for great institutional pride. When pride exists and is felt on and beyond the gates of an institution, the lasting effects transcend far and wide. Something remarkable has come into fruition.

Coahoma Community College is an institution that exudes pride in its service to others and accomplishments. The school’s pride is the driving force behind its persistence, which has been on display since last spring when COVID-19 changed the way society navigates.

Despite the pandemic, the institution met the challenges headon and persevered by implementing initiatives and ensuring its students continue to receive a quality education. Khalela Dennis, a mass communications major from Memphis, Tennessee, applauds her college for providing essential tools for them to stay on course to graduation. “This has been a challenging year, so I understand that going virtual is temporary but necessary to continue pursuing my education,” said Dennis. “Coahoma Community College took the initiative and provided us with laptops to strive and persist in our online educations. The faculty and staff at Coahoma are very attentive and ensure students are doing their best. The opportunities that have presented to my peers and I make me proud to be a Coahoma Tiger.”

Coahoma Community College President Dr. Valmadge T. Towner feels an elevated need to move Coahoma forward, making strides to maintain the work of intrepid dreamers of time’s past.

“From ensuring that students have computer devices, access to the internet, safe residential living accommodations, healthy food, tutorial support, financial subsistence, counseling services, and more, we understand that Coahoma exists for students,” said Towner. “We vow daily not to use COVID-19 as an excuse that hinders us from educating and teaching our students.”

The institution has risen from humble beginnings to prominence as one of the nation’s premier comprehensive community colleges. For over 70 years, Coahoma has pledged empowerment, instilling great pride into those in which it serves. With its heartfelt dedication and expertise of its faculty and staff, its students’ commitment, and the spirit of partnership and hard work in the surrounding communities community, Coahoma Community College’s future is as boundless and bright as the future of the resurging Mississippi Delta.

Coahoma Community College president Dr. Valmadge T. Towner knows of the great pride of his institution firsthand. Towner has deep ties to the institution, having been a former student. Being intimately connected, he embraces the incredible legacy and tradition that countless Tigers, like him, have felt throughout generations.

The school’s efforts, according to Towner, are a testament to their unwavering support of their students’ goals and its caring and nurturing spirit. Towner knows of CCC’s great pride due to being a former student. He embraces the incredible legacy that countless Tigers like him have felt throughout the years.

“Since 1949, Coahoma Community College has adopted a creed of being the ‘College that Cares. The pandemic has only nudged us to hold tighter to that claim. We continue to believe that all students belong here at Coahoma. We have marshaled all resources to support our students in their quest to reach their educational goals. We are a group of educational care warriors that believe we can help students become overcomers by over caring for them daily.” Rita Hanfor, activity director for Community Relations, first set foot on CCC’s campus in 1958, so she’s seen the school hurdle many obstacles and adapt to an array of changes. She reflected on those times the institution proved the naysayers wrong.

“Coahoma has faced challenges since 1949,” said Hanfor. “The college that never would be has beat the odds in every sense of the word. With the help of the Almighty, we will continue to face challenges and move forward without a doubt, as long as we have strong leadership that believes in and loves the institution.”

CCC Students enjoy a socially-distanced visit to the campus game room. The resilience of Coahoma students is nothing short of amazing!