RAYMOND鈥擟andie Walton, 42, of Yazoo City, accomplished a lifelong goal today as she crossed the stage at the Fall 2023 graduation ceremonies for 蜜桃影像 in the Clyde Muse Center on the Rankin Campus. Walton is graduating with an Associate Degree in Nursing.
鈥淚 started college years ago, then life happened, and I had to quit,鈥 Walton said. She worked 10 years as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at St. Dominic, where she met Dr. Wesley Prater, OBGYN.
鈥淗e is a wonderful doctor. He really inspired me and encouraged me,鈥 Walton said. 鈥淢y family and my friends, too, they all encouraged me to take that leap. But Dr. Prater taught me so many things about healthcare for babies and for women, and taking care of critical patients. The more I learned, the more I wanted to learn.鈥 Walton plans on returning to St. Dominic and working in women鈥檚 health. Walton wasn鈥檛 the only non-traditional student that had a happy ending to their come-back story.
Tina Gunn, 48, of Canton, said she started college back in 1993 after high school graduation, but said she had a lot of life鈥檚 obstacles thrown at her, 鈥渋n the way that life happens. But I can鈥檛 say how much it means to me to finish what I started.鈥
Walton earned her Associate Degree in Office Systems Technology. She plans on being an advocate for mental health.
蜜桃影像 President Dr. Stephen Vacik鈥檚 spoke at the ceremony and advised graduates to be steadfast in their work.
鈥淭oo many people today jump around from job to job and relationship to relationship rather than putting in the required effort and waiting on the outcomes,鈥 Vacik said. 鈥淗ere鈥檚 the thing, life is messy, in case you don鈥檛 already know that. If you don鈥檛 stick with it during the times when running away or quitting would be easier, then you will miss out on all the good things and the many blessings.鈥
This Fall 蜜桃影像 awarded 879 degrees and certificates to 577 蜜桃影像 graduates, which means many graduates are earning more than one community college credential.
Among our graduates, 217 students graduated with honors. One hundred and twenty three are graduating Cum Laude having maintained a 3.2 – 3.59 GPA. There are 74 students graduating Magna Cum Laude having maintained a 3.6 – 3.99 GPA. And there were 20 who graduated Summa Cum Laude having earned a 4.0 GPA.
蜜桃影像 provided a live web cast of today鈥檚 ceremonies on their website for those who were unable to join in person.
With six campuses in central Mississippi, 蜜桃影像 is a comprehensive institution offering quality, affordable educational opportunities with academic programs of study leading to seamless university transfer and career and technical programs teaching job-ready skills.
About 蜜桃影像
Our Mission: 蜜桃影像 is committed to moving people and communities forward by helping develop their purpose, passion and profession.聽
Our Vision: 蜜桃影像 will be a catalyst to create a competitive economy and a compelling culture for Mississippi.
Our Values: 蜜桃影像 aspires to the following IDEALS: Integrity, Diversity, Excellence, Accountability, Leadership, Stewardship.
To learn more, visit or call 1.800.蜜桃影像CC.
Media Inquiries Contact
Rhonda Dunaway
(601) 857-3343
rhonda.dunaway@hindscc.edu