(COLUMBIA, Tenn. – June 29, 2020) - - - Columbia State Community College faculty and staff lined the Columbia Campus sidewalk during a “Drive-Through” parade to celebrate Spring 2020 graduates Saturday, June 27.

“It has been quite a wonderful celebration today,” said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. “I, along with the faculty and staff, could not be more proud of our graduates.”

Graduates received a commemorative box that included their mortarboard, tassel, stoles, cords, Student Honors Awards, degree/certificate and more. The boxes were presented in front of the Hickman building by cheerful Columbia State faculty and staff.

In lieu of a traditional ceremony, Columbia State will hold a Virtual Commencement July 18 at 10 a.m.

“We are disappointed that due to the coronavirus pandemic we could not safely come together as a group in our traditional ceremony,” Smith said. “However, we are excited to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates with a virtual ceremony. We are so proud of them.”

Check out photos from the event at https://www.flickr.com/photos/columbiastatecc/albums/72157714886191573

Photo Caption: Nashville resident Amiee Sadler earned an Associate of Science degree in sociology. During her time at Columbia State, Sadler served as the Student Government secretary/treasurer, Phi Theta Kappa honor society president and Sigma Kappa Delta president. Sadler was a member of the Student Veterans Organization, PRISM and the Secular Student Alliance. In addition, Sadler is a President’s Leadership Society graduate and is the 2019-2020 Tennessee Board of Regents Presidents’ Council community college liaison. Sadler has received many awards including the 2019-2020 Sociology Discipline Award, 2018-2019 SGA President’s Award and was the 2019-2020 Phi Theta Kappa Tennessee Prepared Speech winner. Sadler plans to continue her education at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville to earn a bachelor’s degree in sociology. Ultimately, she plans to earn a master’s degree in social work and a doctorate in sociology before going to law school. Sadler wants to open a non-profit organization and work in social and restorative justice with a focus on the LGBTQ+ community.

Photo Caption: Nolensville resident Liam Pangelinan earned a university parallel Associate of Science degree. Pangelinan was a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and Sigma Kappa Delta English Honor Society. Pangelinan was a nominee for the 2019-2020 Carolyn Allred/Lewis Moore Outstanding Student Award. He plans to continue his education at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Ultimately, he plans to attend graduate school and become a family nurse practitioner.

Photo Caption: Franklin resident Abigail Haney earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing. Haney is the recipient of the 2019-2020 Carolyn Allred/Lewis Moore Outstanding Student Award. During her time at Columbia State, Haney was the Student Nurses’ Association president, was a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the National Student Nurses’ Association. She also served as a tutor for the Tutoring and Learning Center. “I could not have accomplished all that I have without the unwavering support of my husband, family, friends, my nursing cohort and a few key faculty and staff members that have pushed me when I needed it on this journey,” Haney said. “Nothing worth having comes easy nor is it accomplished alone, and I am endlessly thankful for my village and their support.” Haney will be entering the workforce as a registered nurse. Eventually, she would like to continue her education and be a nurse practitioner or nurse educator.

Photo Caption: Columbia resident Corey Cummings earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in business. Cummings is a President’s Leadership Society graduate. During her time at Columbia State, Cummings served as the Student Government Association president, Student Veterans Organization SGA liaison, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society vice president of public relations and Sigma Kappa Delta English Honor Society vice president. “I didn’t think I would be able to go to college as a full-time student while being a single parent, but I had a lot of support from the faculty and staff at Columbia State,” Cummings said. “At Columbia State, I found a sense of belonging. I feel like I have been welcomed into a family.” Cummings is entering the local workforce at the Franklin Wellness and Rehabilitation Center.

Photo Caption: Columbia resident Tristen Peters earned an Associate of Science degree in Theatre Arts. She is a President’s Leadership Society and Tennessee Promise graduate. During her time at Columbia State, Peters served as Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society president and Sigma Kappa Delta English Honor Society secretary. “I gained so much from my time at Columbia State because of wonderful groups like PTK, SKD and PLS,” Peters said. “Because of these groups, I was able to become a leader on campus and I grew in my public speaking and leadership skills.” Peters was the recipient of the 2019-2020 Academic Discipline Award in Theatre Arts and was a nominee for the 2019-2020 Carolyn Allred/Lewis Moore Outstanding Student Award. She plans to continue her education at Trevecca University where she will study Christian Ministries.

Photo Caption: Harvest, Alabama resident Jon Bolden earned a university parallel Associate of Science degree. Bolden played on the Columbia State Chargers Basketball team, which finished the 2019-2020 season as the NJCCA Division 1 Region VII Champions. Bolden was the recipient of the 2019-2020 TCCAA Defensive Player Of The Year, and was named to the TCCAA All-Conference Second Team. During his time at Columbia State, Bolden participated in several community service projects and school events.

Photo Caption: Columbia resident Jenna St. Pierre earned an Associate of Science degree in biology. St. Pierre is a President’s Leadership Society and Tennessee Promise graduate. During her time at Columbia State, St. Pierre was the Student Government Association vice president, STEM club president and was a member of the Sigma Kappa Delta English Honor Society. She was also a tutor for the Columbia State Tutoring and Learning Center and an undergraduate research teaching assistant. In addition, St. Pierre is the 2019-2020 recipient of the Introduction to Biology Research Discipline Award and the 2019-2020 SGA President’s Award. She is a second-generation Columbia State graduate and started her academic career at Columbia State as a dual enrollment student. “Columbia State just feels like home,” she said. “Between the faculty, staff and the family-driven environment, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience to start my career in higher education.” St. Pierre plans to continue her education at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville where she will double major in biochemistry and cellular molecular biology. Ultimately, she plans to earn a master’s degree in microbiology and a doctorate in biochemistry.