Joyce Oliver And Georgia

BC Graduation 2011 Marks Firsts

Vice President of Academic Affairs Tonya Strickland presented the medallion to James Ulmer of Bainbridge, who graduated with his Associate of Applied Science degree in electronics technology. Ulmer received BC�s highest honor, the Academic Recognition Award, May 5 at Honors Night and was the first recipient of the Outstanding Non-Traditional Student award for extraordinary academic achievement and accomplishments.

Below , Posthumous Award for Blakely Student: Family members of the late Vicki Burden of Blakely proudly display her diploma that was granted posthumously at Bainbridge College Graduation May 12. Left to right after the ceremony are nephew, Jamen Cane; sister Joann Cane; son Derrick Burden; BC President Richard Carvajal, who awarded the diploma; Ms. Burden�s mother Alicia Burden; daughter Kierra Jinks; extended family member Shaquana Hayes, and sister Elisa Harpe. The late Ms. Burden�s family resides in Blakely.

Graduation�s new traditions included a slide show, big screen projection of each student as he or she crossed the stage, and having faculty and staff speakers on the program. Returning was the tradition of a bagpiper leading the students in procession, and continuing was the trend of having increased numbers of graduates each year. The college�s 358 degrees and diplomas awarded topped 2010�s record of 347.

Two technical diplomas were awarded posthumously and in loving memory of students who died during Spring Semester. The family of the late Vicki Burden of Blakely attended the ceremony and received her diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education. The diploma in Electrical/Electronics Maintenance was awarded for the late Taurus Hudson of Bainbridge.

Instructor of Learning Support Mathematics Teresa Teal of Blakely served as parade marshal, leading the faculty procession before bagpiper Joe Ashcraft of Tallahassee, FL, led in the graduates.

Student Government Association Vice President Patricia Williams of Bainbridge gave the invocation. Graduate Reca Flanders of Bainbridge sang the National Anthem a cappella.

After welcoming the 2,400 people gathered for graduation, President Carvajal, who gave the commencement address, introduced Regent Doreen Poitevint of the Second Congressional District, who spoke on behalf of the University System of Georgia Board of Regents. Vice President of Business Affairs Shawn McGee of Leary introduced President Carvajal.

Also on the program were two of BC�s Meritorious Award winners, Instructor of Nursing Jeffrey Ross of Donalsonville, and Administrative Assistant Cherie Owens of Iron City; Student Government Association President Jana Simmons of Cairo; Interim Dean of Student Services Connie Snyder; Vice President Strickland, who recognized faculty and staff and honor graduates, in addition to Ulmer as Outstanding Graduate Medallion recipient; and Faculty Council Chair Dr. Carol Adams.

An afternoon visit with Joyce Oliver

I first met Joyce on a beautiful spring afternoon at the Atlanta School of Massage campus in Dunwoody, Georgia. My prior information of the alum had been brief, a few simple words from my coworkers stating, “Joyce is fantastic! You’ll have so much fun interviewing her for the ASM blog.” And having engaged the experiences and insight of Joyce Oliver, I can attest that those few simple words hardly did this talented alum justice!