President Tom Wilkerson Exceeding its previous record of more than 320 graduates, Bainbridge College marked another milestone when President Tom Wilkerson conferred 347 degrees and certificates at Decatur County Memorial Coliseum in Bainbridge. The May 11 ceremony was the last under Dr. Wilkerson’s tenure.

Having come on board in 2005 and been inaugurated at the first graduation on his watch, President Wilkerson came full circle by giving the commencement address. Challenging the graduates to embrace change and become lifelong learners, he offered insights to help them find their place in the world. He added that of his almost 48 “terrific” years in higher education, he cherishes “the Bainbridge years as the best.”

“Adapt to change and make it work for you,” he told the BC Class of 2010, noting it will determine the person they become. “Set high personal goals for yourself and hold yourself accountable for reaching those goals.” He emphasized that they must learn from failure. “There is no shame in failure,” he said, adding “there is great shame in the failure to try and to try again.”

“Finally, be responsible for each other. As we care for others, others will care for us.”

Associate Professor Shirley Beck, who is retiring this year from the Technical Studies Division’s Administrative Office Technology program, served as parade marshal. President Wilkerson recognized her for her years of service. He also recognized Associate Professor of Electronics Technology Don Huskey, who is retiring, and Vice President of Student Affairs Marty Clay, who had accepted an administrative position at Eastern New Mexico University.

Assisting with the presentation of graduates were Director of Admissions and Records Connie Snyder, who became Interim Dean of Student Affairs May 18, and Dr. Tonya Strickland, who chairs the Arts and Sciences and the Learning Support Divisions. Also assisting with graduation were the BC Foundation, BC Ambassadors, Student Ambassadors, and Student Government Association members.

Names that follow of graduates from the Early-Miller- Seminole areas are listed alphabetically by towns and by degrees or certificate areas. Those graduating with honors are so indicated.

Associate of Arts Degree

Lora Cawthon, Herman Cochran (Honors), Thomas Floyd, Tyesa Nicole Hutchins, Erica Jones Cook (Honors), Sheila Kuhn (Honors), Rachel L. Rogers, Andrew T. Usry, all of Blakely; Lacey R. Addison (Honors), Jessica Barwick, Amanda Sue Inlow (Honors), all of Brinson; Keidra LeChelle Brown (Honors), Lance Michael Carpenter, Fay D. Daniels, Kittie De- Priest (Honors), Brittany M. Grubbs, Melissa Grubbs (Honors), Kelvin Antwan Hallmon (Honors), Amanda DeLayne Harvey, Melissa Heard, Kendra NeChelle Jessie (Honors), Jeremy Miller, Candace S. Miller, Robert N. Poff, Lee Anne K. Sheffield, Megan Whitaker, Lavonne Denise Williams (Honors), all of Colquitt; Gary M. Adams, Kathy E. Burch, Cody Walker Houston, Walter Stephen Miller, Robert Emory Snider, Latara LaShay Virgin, and Jian Yu, all of Donalsonville; Ashlee Nicole Hornsby, Sheila Michele Waddell, Andria Weathersby, all of Iron City; Kelly Adams (Honors), Phillip Rogers, both of Jakin.

Associate of Science in Nursing Degree

Kenneth R. Simpson II of Blakely; William Davis Tyus of Brinson; Megan E. Jarvis and Jason E. Wells of Colquitt; Dallarie Charme’ Jamison and Devin Lee Ross, both of Donalsonville.

Associate of Applied Science Degree

Phyllis Elliott (Honors), Adrienne Epps (Honors), Antrinette M. Freeman, De- Haviland Hayes Haire, Racheal A. McCorkle, Joann W. McCoy, Emily O. Pippin (Honors)¸ Latoya Stapleton, Courtney S. Yarbrough, all of Blakely; Tonya Renee Hill, Ashley M. Miller (Honors), Julia Smith, April Marsha-Nicole Taylor, all of Brinson; Petrina Yevette Hopson, Toni Privett, Jonathon Widner, all of Colquitt; Gwendolyn Freeman (Honors), Angela Coretta Salter (Honors), both of Damascus; Monika Johnson, Kathy Hopkins King, Joshua A. Ready, Marianne Renee Starr (Honors), Quentin R. Taylor, all of Donalsonville; Lola M. Spann of Ft. Gaines; Patricia A. Baker, Tywann P. Elijah (Honors), both of Iron City.

Certificates

Applied Marketing and Management: Janice Lenice Carter, Joann McCoy, both of Blakely; Neotha Fedd, Twynette Reynolds, both of Donalsonville.

Business Office Technology: Joyce Shaw Douglas of Colquitt; Andrea Letitia Salter of Damascus; Holly Ann Retherford (Honors) of Jakin; Deidra L. Lewis of Morgan.

Computer Information Systems: Quentin Taylor, Tavoris G. Williams, both of Donalsonville.

Criminal Justice Technology: Barbara K. Walker of Colquitt; Courtney C. Johnson of Damascus; LaKeisha M. Nicholson of Donalsonville; Amanda Hale-Seabrooks of Iron City; Nykia Causby of Jakin.

Early Childhood Care and Education: LaToya Rainge of Blakely; Courtney Perkins of Donalsonville.

Electrical/Electronics Maintenance: Donnell C. Price of Blakely.

Licensed Practical Nursing: Tamekia Lashon Bryant, Latesha Collier, Frances Daniels, Alma Eafford, Sara L. Howard, Sheena Lee, Jessica Celeste Love, Denise McCrackin, Shenita Rogers, LaKeisha L. Stamper, Tiffany Latoya Tolbert, Delphine Lampkin Wimbush, Shaneka Lashon Wimberly, all of Blakely; Cheri W. Earp, Calla Ann Hartsfield, both of Brinson; Bridget Cox, Markesha L. Freeman, both of Colquitt; Marilyn J. Glynn, Tracy Moore- Whatley, Crystal Whigan, all of Donalsonville; Renee A. Kimble of Iron City.

Medical Assisting: Cheri W. Earp of Brinson; Lillie M. Richardson of Colquitt; Tabitha Yvonne Henderson of Donalsonville.

Medical Office Technology: Sara Ann Brown, Nina Causey (Honors), Julie Hall Noah (Honors), Charity Faythe Smith, Lativia Rena Worlds, all of Blakely; Jessica Kay Hicks, April Marsha- Nicole Taylor, Teresa L. Hurst, Ashley M. Miller (Honors), all of Brinson; Petrina Hopson, Chastity D. Young (Honors), both of Colquitt; Megan Michelle James of Jakin.

Paramedic Technology: Adam K. Brackin (Honors), Quentin Kente Carter, Amanda Garrett, Dennis J. Perkins (Honors), Angela R. Rathel, all of Colquitt; Susan P. Grice of Donalsonville.