MSU-Meridian Commencement

Published 10:56 pm Friday, May 2, 2008

To a lot of people, yesterday was just an ordinary Friday. But to students graduating from the Mississippi State University Meridian Campus, it marked the end of years of hard work on their degrees and the beginning of the future they have been working toward.

The commencement was held Friday at the MSU Riley Center. The guest speaker was former Lt. Gov. Amy Tuck, who is now an MSU employee.

“I will always cherish my time as a student of Mississippi State University,” said Tuck, “and now I’m honored to work at my alma mater.”

She quoted the likes of Winston Churchill and Teddy Roosevelt, and congratulated the students on their hard work, telling them, “Today you are prepared to emerge as leaders in your respective skills.”

She also recognized three special graduates in her speech; Married couple Virginia and Jerry May, who graduated together, both earning bachelor’s degrees in social work, and teacher Dena. R. Patterson, who earned a master’s degree in science in education.

The Mays, who live in Martin, wanted to have a flexible schedule, so that their schoolwork would not interfere with raising their children. That’s why they took a variety of night, day, and online courses. Mr. May, who became hearing impaired after being injured while working as a firefighter, operated a lawn care business while working on his degree, and Mrs. May worked as a data processor at an elementary school.

Patterson, a fifth grade teacher at Oakland Heights Elementary, was chosen as one of five “Outstanding Education Graduates” for the 2007-2008 academic year. She was given a special day off by her principal to attend the graduation, and all of her fifth grade students attended as well.