School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences Celebrates its Fifth Annual Graduate Recognition Ceremony
The School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences graduating class of 2017 celebrated an afternoon of honors and achievements during the School’s fifth annual Graduate Recognition Program and Reception.
The event, held on May 4, in the Conservatory Room of the Ecology and Natural Resources Building, recognized the achievements of students in the departments of Advanced Technologies, Agriculture, Human Sciences, and the Center for Biotechnology. The room was filled with graduates and their families as well as faculty, staff and students. Sydney Allen, senior, child development major, presided over the ceremony and extended greetings to everyone.
The celebration began with a call to order followed by a silent meditation from the audience. Senior agriculture economics major, Rodricka Allen, offered a warm welcome to the audience and a few words of encouragement.
Following the welcome, Dr. Jeremiah Billa, interim chair, Department of Advanced Technologies; Dr. Victor Njiti, interim chair, Department of Agriculture; Dr. Keith McGee, interim chair, Center for Biotechnology; and Dr. Carrie Ford, chair, Department of Human Sciences, presented awards and memorable gifts to students with the highest grade point averages.
“This event was an event where we showcased students that had mastered skills that were beyond the expectations that were required for all of the students, and it was an event where we gave honor to all of our graduates,” said Ford. “We hope for each one them great success as they leave and journey on into what we believe will be greater things ahead for each of them.”
McGee expressed appreciation to the students and faculty within the School for their hard work as he gave closing remarks.
“I would like to tell you how proud we all are of the accomplishments that your students have made, and how much appreciation we have to you for allowing us to play a significant role in their lives,” said McGee. “For me, it is an honor to be up here to recognize the faculty and staff of the University.”
The program concluded with the blessing of the food given by Destiny Crockett, senior, agriculture environmental science major. After dinner, all of the graduates were given certificates of achievement and an Alcorn keepsake.
“This event was bittersweet, because it was a final farewell as a student in the Department of Agriculture here at Alcorn,” said Shivonne Marshall, senior, agriculture major. “I am appreciative that we are recognized for all our years of hard work.”
