Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College held its annual Commencement Ceremony on May 11 at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum in Biloxi.  This year, 2,775 credentials were awarded to 1,757 individuals, with 762 receiving honors distinction.

“This is an important step forward for our students and we are proud to welcome them as MGCCC alumni as they progress toward their final goals,” said Dr. Mary S. Graham, MGCCC president.  “Many of our students will enter the world of work while many others will continue their education at a university or four-year college.  Whatever they do next, we are proud that we were able to provide them the best opportunities for their future successes.”

Highlights of the evening included a keynote address by State Auditor Shad White, who spoke about the importance of military service and service to the community. He encouraged all graduates to find a way to serve their communities, whether through public office, in the military, or as a volunteer with a nonprofit organization.

Two other events were held as part of MGCCC’s Commencement celebration.  They included the School of Nursing and Health Professions Pinning and Recognition Ceremony, held the morning of May 11 at the coliseum, where 198 graduates in Associate Degree Nursing, Emergency Medical Sciences/EMT, Health Care Assistant, Medical Laboratory Technology, Physical Therapist Assistant, Practical Nursing, Radiologic Technology, and Respiratory Care Technology programs were recognized.

The Adult Education Commencement Ceremony was held on May 10, also at the coliseum, with 104 graduates participating.  This year, 128 students received their high school equivalency diplomas through MGCCC.  Many of them take courses at the college during their preparation for the high school equivalency exam or immediately after through programs like Mississippi Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (MI-BEST).