CELEBRATING GRADUATES SAFELY
TJC recognizes Spring 2021 graduates with multiple small ceremonies Tyler Junior College celebrated 1,207 graduates for degrees: nine in dental hygiene and 21 in healthcare the Spring 2021 semester during 10 small ceremonies technology and medical systems. on May 10 and 11. Among the graduates were four Associate Degree The special graduations were created to honor the Nursing students who also received their Bachelor of students’ achievements and allow them to walk Science Nursing from The University of Texas at Tyler the stage while still maintaining health and safety in the inaugural class of the concurrent enrollment guidelines. program. TJC held the 10 ceremonies More than 100 graduates over two days in Wagstaff were high school students Gymnasium with limited who simultaneously “We always look forward to celebrating attendance at each session. received their high school our graduates and honoring them for Each graduate was allowed diplomas and associate their hard work and success.” to bring four guests, and degrees through dual credit physical distancing and face courses or Early College Dr. Juan E. Mejia coverings were required. High School. Graduates crossed the For Shemina Maddox, it was stage to receive their diplomas in the presence of a special celebration with her son Billy, and daughter TJC President Dr. Juan E. Mejia, Provost Dr. Deana Brittley, as all three received TJC degrees. Shemina Sheppard, and a TJC Faculty Senate representative. Maddox earned her Bachelor of Applied Technology Also present at the ceremonies were Mitch Andrews, in Healthcare Technology and Medical Systems while vice president for institutional advancement, Brittley and Billy received their associate degrees. who emceed the ceremonies; Kim Lessner, vice Ms. Maddox, the first in four generations to graduate president for operations, working out logistics; Kevin from college, said, “I’m at a loss for words; it’s Fowler, chief human resources officer, assisting the unexplainable but so exciting. I think it’s a push for graduates; and a limited number of faculty and staff. them [Brittley and Billy] to keep going and not Of the more-than-1,400 degrees and certificates give up.” awarded, 30 graduates received baccalaureate
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