Hopkinsville Community College and its officials embraced history Friday afternoon — courtesy of a stage thrice full for a 9 AM nurse’s pinning ceremony, as well as noon and 3 PM Class of 2024 graduations in the Thomas L. Riley Lecture Hall.
One of her “favorite days of the year,” President & CEO Dr. Alissa Young confirmed that 724 credentials — be them associate’s degrees, diplomas and/or certificates — were awarded to students, a record number for the institution.
This is coming off of December 2023’s graduating effort, which saw more than 700 credentials completed by students last fall.
A former University Heights Academy graduate, HCC Student Government President Abigail Love has served both her fall and spring classes in this role.
She said she would miss the amazing faculty, staff, and students…but a big world awaits, and college gave her some courage.
Melissa Dougherty, HCC associate professor of chemistry and faculty representative to HCC’s board, turned to her scientific background of atoms for messaging — calling HCC the “nucleus” of the graduate’s educational blueprint.
Dr. Chris Boyett, HCC’s chief academic affairs officer, offered a surprise presentation, too, calling HCC Associate Professor Angela Smith to the front of the class.
During the noon celebration, HCC Assistant Professor Sherry Thompson sang the National Anthem with piano accompaniment from HCC’s Wayne Eastham, while Mt. Olive Baptist Church Pastor Joe Leavell offered the invocation.
HCC officials also honored 35 HOPFAME graduates, who earlier this week signed to “go pro” in bound contracts with regional manufacturing agencies, after working with them during their studies.
