Panola College Conducts 80TH Commencement

Panola College Press Release

Students at the first ceremony line up in preparation for the processional into the Arthur Johnson Gymnasium

December 15, 2017 - On Thursday, December 14, 2017, Panola College conducted its 80th commencement in the Arthur Johnson Gymnasium. The first ceremony took place at 5:00 p.m. followed by a second ceremony at 7:30 p.m. Panola College had 209 degree and certificate candidates and over 130 of those students participated in the commencement ceremonies.

At the start of both ceremonies, Dr. Billy Adams, Vice President of Instruction, presented each graduating class of fall 2017 as Dr. Gregory Powell, President of Panola College led the processional of board members, faculty, staff, and students in to be seated while “Pomp and Circumstance” was played in the background.

Following the alma mater, sang by Panola College Chorale, and directed by Mrs. Sandra Bauer, Don Cocklin, psychology professor, gave the invocation. Powell then welcomed the assembled and gave opening remarks. Before the awards ceremony, Adams certified to Powell and members of the Panola College Board of Trustees that the graduating students had completed all work necessary to graduate from Panola College.

Dr. Kathy Watlington, Professor of Foreign Languages, then began the reading of graduates and Powell awarded diplomas to all graduating students.

For the closing of both ceremonies, Mr. Ernest Spencer, School of Energy professor, gave the benediction, followed by Dr. Powell leading the recessional to the closing instrumentals.

Panola College fall 2017 graduates pose for photos before their commencement ceremony.

Members of Phi Theta Kappa, a community college honor society, pause to take a photo together before commencement.

Panola College President, Dr. Greg Powell, awarded diplomas to over 130 graduates that attended commencement.