Carver addresses largest graduating class in SSCC history

Southern State Community College's 37th annual commencement exercises were held June 8 in the Patriot Center on SSCC's Central Campus in Hillsboro. A total of 596 students applied for degrees or certificates as part of the largest graduating class in the college's history.

Selected as the 2012 commencement speaker, alumnus Dr. Michael Carver started his educational journey at Southern State as a post-secondary enrollment option (PSEO) student, completing college coursework while still in high school. He earned his associate degree from Southern State, transferring afterward to Bowling Green State University where he earned his bachelor's degree in biology, and both his master's degree and doctorate in history.

"How do I summarize the sum total of your recent achievement in the span of a brief speech? Quite simply, I can't," said Dr. Carver. "Instead, I invite you to contemplate the deeper meaning of this milestone you've reached. It is evidence of your willingness to take risks; it's proof of your intellect; it confirms your willingness to engage in some very hard work; and it further speaks to your ability to face challenges and to prevail over them.

"The good news is you have triumphed. But never allow these successes to define who you are. Yes, they speak to your determination and resolve, but they are not the sum total. Make every effort to learn who you are at every phase of your life. Coming to know ourselves should be as simple as listening to what our hearts strain to tell us. Your time here at Southern State has equipped you with the requisite skills to continue on this process of self-discovery and lifelong learning. As you hear your name read aloud tonight, take it as a call of action to go out into the world and make available your ample gifts."

The names of the 2012 recipients of the Bill Horne Memorial Scholarship and the Sam & Jeff Ladrach Memorial Scholarship were announced by Dr. Kevin S. Boys, president of Southern State Community College.

"These funds were established and substantially raised by the faculty in order to keep the memory alive of departed faculty members who truly modeled careers of commitment, care and individuals attentiveness to their students," said Dr. Boys. "The Bill Horne Memorial Scholarship is awarded to Kristy Oyer, and the Sam & Jeff Ladrach Memorial Scholarship is awarded to Luanna Fairley."

Jeff Wallace, president of the SSCC Faculty Senate, honored six Southern State faculty members who are retiring this year - Skip Werline, Virginia Ferguson, Louis Mays, Eric Patton, Ken Shull and Ken Storer.

"These folks have dedicated their lives to serving thousands of students-a pretty amazing accomplishment," said Wallace. "I wanted to thank you all for serving with kindness and compassion."

For the 2012 commencement exercises, the invocation was given by Marcie Hamilton, president of Phi Theta Kappa, and the National Anthem was performed a cappella by Jessica Wise, Amy Kline and Bethany Griffith.

Ryan McCall, Ph.D. vice president of academic affairs, recommended the candidates for degrees, which were conferred by SSCC President Dr. Kevin Boys and SSCC Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Vicki Wilson. James Bland, vice president of student affairs and enrollment management, announced the graduates. The benediction was provided by David Felty, president of the Student Government Association.

To view candid photos of the 2012 SSCC Commencement, please visit the photo album located at www.facebook.com/southernstate.

For more information about Southern State Community College, call 1-800-628-7722, email info@sscc.edu or visit www.sscc.edu.