Thousands turn out for graduation

Stone County resident Lindy Hatten graduated from the Perk Campus and will attend USM in the fall.

An estimated crowd of almost 7,000 family and friends turned out to recognize one of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s largest graduating classes on May 12. More than 1,400 students made up this year’s class, with 655 students taking part in the commencement ceremony at the Coast Coliseum.

Before graduates heard their names called, they heard from commencement speaker Paul Robinson, Northrop Grumman’s vice president of the Ingalls Operations. Robinson, a retired rear admiral in the U.S. Navy, used several seafaring references to encourage graduates to become lifelong learners.

“I applaud your achievement, but I encourage you to keep learning. You will be your own compass now. Navigate the rest of your life on a course that will lead you to continuous growth,” Robinson said.

One of those students was Wiggins native Lindy Hatten. She graduated from the Perkinston Campus with an associate’s degree in pre-nursing and will attend the University of Southern Mississippi to continue her nursing education. Hatten says Gulf Coast was the right fit for her.

“I’m a much better student now then I was two years ago. The biggest thing I’ve learned is how to study and how to manage my time. I’m ready for university-level classes. I can’t wait to hang my degree from Gulf Coast on the wall,” Hatten said.

This is the fifth consecutive year the college’s graduating class has swelled to record numbers. This growth is being fueled by an increase in full-time student enrollment, which has increased 32 percent since the fall 2000 semester.

Gulfport resident JoAnna Williams receives her degree from Dr. Willis Lott, Gulf Coast president. Williams will attend the University of South Alabama next year on a basketball scholarship.

Gautier resident Wellington Hall was one of 655 students to receive a degree at MGCCC commencement ceremonies on May 12.