Dec 09, 2023 | Featured , Student Success , Inspiring Success , Academics , Columbia Campus

Columbia State Celebrates Graduates at Fall 2023 Commencement

Columbia State Fall Commencement 2023

Columbia State Community College celebrated 169 degree and certificate candidates as they crossed the stage during the fall commencement ceremony in the Webster Athletic Center on Saturday, December 9.

Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president, opened the ceremony by welcoming degree and certificate candidates, faculty, staff and guests.

“Today is a special day for several reasons,” Smith said. “First and foremost, it is a day of celebration of accomplishments. It is a day of recognition that these soon to be graduates set a goal and accomplished it.”

Smith introduced alum Leigh Williams as the guest speaker for the fall commencement ceremony. Williams is the executive director of the Williamson Health Foundation in Franklin and is a certified fundraising executive. There, she oversees the hospital’s current $30 million “More for You, Close to Home” capital campaign, which supports the foundation’s historic transformational expansion and renovation project. Williams has been involved with the foundation since 2013, serving in several different roles such as development coordinator, development associate and director of development.

Smith highlighted Williams, who graduated from Columbia State in 1993 and earned an Associate of Science degree in mass communications. She then went on to graduate from Lipscomb University with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and Capella University with a master’s degree in public administration.

Williams began her speech by describing the circumstances that led her to Columbia State instead of attending a university right after high school like she had originally planned. She then reflected on how her unexpected experience helped prepare her for success.

“Everything about Columbia State was just what I needed at the time,” Williams said. “It bridged my gap between high school and adulthood, and I am forever grateful for the collegiate foundation it became for me.”

Williams went on to applaud her own daughter, Lauren Sinor, who was one of the ceremony’s graduates, stating, “I’m proud to say I am a Columbia State graduate. I’m proud that my daughter is graduating today and how it has laid the groundwork for her lifelong career.”

Williams closed her address with gratitude for her time at Columbia State and encouraging the graduates with her own equation for success that mirrored the order of operations taught in algebra classes: “Remember the order of operations to solve your equation for success: exude your parentheses, be exponential, mentor and multiply, divide and conquer, add what you need and subtract what you don't. Be inspired, encouraged and motivated to always strive for success—and never, ever give up!”

Columbia State alum and Fall 2023 Commencement speaker Leigh Williams.

Columbia State alum and Fall 2023 Commencement speaker Leigh Williams.

 

Closing the ceremony, the alumni induction of new graduates was presented by Anne Scott, Columbia State library director, and Lakelon Bates, fall 2023 graduate and member of the Student Government Association.

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President’s Leadership Society graduates were also honored with a medallion at the commencement ceremony.

“The establishment of this society was based on the belief that leadership is inherent to our lives and that we all have leadership roles,” Smith said. “The President’s Leadership Society is open to all students at Columbia State and requires only their commitment to involvement for learning, participation, and helping others.” 

Formed in spring 2011, PLS is a free leadership training program focused on developing a student’s unique leadership skills from their first semester through graduation. The program focuses on participation in college-sponsored programs that promote educational attainment, career choices, volunteerism and civic responsibility.

During the course of the program, students attend a leadership retreat, enjoy exposure to the arts, participate in workshops and campus life, develop civic understanding and give back to the community through volunteerism.

Students received the President’s Leadership Society medallion for completing all requirements of the leadership training program prior to graduation. Throughout the program, students attend a leadership retreat, enjoy exposure to the arts, participate in workshops and campus life, develop civic understanding and give back to the community through service. Pictured (left to right): Marina Dexiree Villasenor Cortes; Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president; and Keila Hernandez-Torres.

Students received the President’s Leadership Society medallion for completing all requirements of the leadership training program prior to graduation. Throughout the program, students attend a leadership retreat, enjoy exposure to the arts, participate in workshops and campus life, develop civic understanding and give back to the community through service. Pictured (left to right): Marina Dexiree Villasenor Cortes; Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president; and Keila Hernandez-Torres.

 

Clarksville native Savannah Haupt graduated Summa Cum Laude as a Tennessee Promise student with a university parallel (general transfer) Associate of Science degree. During her time at Columbia State, she played on the Columbia State Women’s Soccer team. Next, Haupt plans to transfer to Austin Peay State University to major in nursing. She hopes to eventually work in a hospital, specifically in labor and delivery. “I loved the environment that Columbia State provided as well as the coaching staff that I was welcomed by,” she said. “I am very thankful for the experience I was given here, and I would like to thank my team for giving me one of the best seasons I could’ve asked for. Go Chargers!”

Clarksville native Savannah Haupt graduated Summa Cum Laude as a Tennessee Promise student with a university parallel (general transfer) Associate of Science degree. During her time at Columbia State, she played on the Columbia State Women’s Soccer team. Next, Haupt plans to transfer to Austin Peay State University to major in nursing. She hopes to eventually work in a hospital, specifically in labor and delivery. “I loved the environment that Columbia State provided as well as the coaching staff that I was welcomed by,” she said. “I am very thankful for the experience I was given here, and I would like to thank my team for giving me one of the best seasons I could’ve asked for. Go Chargers!”

 

A Shelbyville resident and first-generation graduate, Ernesto Alfonso Rojas graduated with an Associate of Science degree in psychology. Next, Rojas plans to transfer to Middle Tennessee State University to eventually complete a master’s degree and a doctoral degree. He hopes to one day establish a psychology clinic in Bedford County where he plans to “bring top care for my community where a person can come in and receive the best medical care available regardless of their race, ethnicity or societal position.” Rojas also has a younger sister who is currently a student at Columbia State completing her first semester. “Columbia State has provided me with the tools and know-how to fulfill my dreams by preparing me for the real world and by allowing me the opportunity to have amazing professors every step along the way,” he said. “I will always be in debt to what Columbia State has given me: the opportunity to show everyone with a dream, regardless of their upbringing or societal position, that anything can be achieved with hard work and dedication. I beat the societal norms placed upon me and my Hispanic community and I will forever hold near and dear in my heart what I have learned here.”

A Shelbyville resident and first-generation graduate, Ernesto Alfonso Rojas graduated with an Associate of Science degree in psychology. Next, Rojas plans to transfer to Middle Tennessee State University to eventually complete a master’s degree and a doctoral degree. He hopes to one day establish a psychology clinic in Bedford County where he plans to “bring top care for my community where a person can come in and receive the best medical care available regardless of their race, ethnicity or societal position.”  Rojas also has a younger sister who is currently a student at Columbia State completing her first semester. “Columbia State has provided me with the tools and know-how to fulfill my dreams by preparing me for the real world and by allowing me the opportunity to have amazing professors every step along the way,” he said. “I will always be in debt to what Columbia State has given me: the opportunity to show everyone with a dream, regardless of their upbringing or societal position, that anything can be achieved with hard work and dedication. I beat the societal norms placed upon me and my Hispanic community and I will forever hold near and dear in my heart what I have learned here.”

 

A Lawrenceburg native and Tennessee Promise student, Burcham Rook Askew Bain graduated Magna Cum Laude with a university parallel (general transfer) Associate of Science degree. During his time at Columbia State, he was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and a TRiO student, as well as an honor and dean’s list student. Bain plans to earn his bachelor’s degree at Middle Tennessee State University in communications. “I recommend Columbia State and community colleges to every high or middle schooler I encounter because it is so perfect for helping one prepare for their future,” he said. “Educational ideas that I have been around my whole life became obvious and reasonable to me through Columbia State because I had the time, space and mentors to teach me those things. It also prepared me mentally to have perseverance and resilience to life and college, and to balance multiple things at once like a job and school. I learned better how to get out of my shell and make friends because of Columbia State. I learned why community, faith, family, friends and connection are important things. Columbia State was the perfect buffer zone for me to figure out what major I really wanted to do, which was amazing because it gave me time and insight to figure out what that was going to be. I could say that Columbia State prepared me for life and my future in every way imaginable, and it helped me mature and learn who I am and who I want to be. It helped me learn my passions and values.”
A Lawrenceburg native and Tennessee Promise student, Burcham Rook Askew Bain graduated Magna Cum Laude with a university parallel (general transfer) Associate of Science degree. During his time at Columbia State, he was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and a TRiO student, as well as an honor and dean’s list student. Bain plans to earn his bachelor’s degree at Middle Tennessee State University in communications. “I recommend Columbia State and community colleges to every high or middle schooler I encounter because it is so perfect for helping one prepare for their future,” he said. “Educational ideas that I have been around my whole life became obvious and reasonable to me through Columbia State because I had the time, space and mentors to teach me those things. It also prepared me mentally to have perseverance and resilience to life and college, and to balance multiple things at once like a job and school. I learned better how to get out of my shell and make friends because of Columbia State. I learned why community, faith, family, friends and connection are important things. Columbia State was the perfect buffer zone for me to figure out what major I really wanted to do, which was amazing because it gave me time and insight to figure out what that was going to be. I could say that Columbia State prepared me for life and my future in every way imaginable, and it helped me mature and learn who I am and who I want to be. It helped me learn my passions and values.” 

 

Centerville native Lake Bates graduated with an Associate of Science degree in marketing. A Tennessee Promise student, Bates was a member of the Student Government Association and Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers. His mother, Kim Bates, is also a Columbia State alum. Next, Bates plans to continue his education in marketing at University of Tennessee at Martin. “Columbia State has given me the real-life skills when it comes to facing real-world challenges,” he said. “There are so many great people, you make connections that will last a lifetime.”

Centerville native Lake Bates graduated with an Associate of Science degree in marketing. A Tennessee Promise student, Bates was a member of the Student Government Association and Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers. His mother, Kim Bates, is also a Columbia State alum. Next, Bates plans to continue his education in marketing at University of Tennessee at Martin. “Columbia State has given me the real-life skills when it comes to facing real-world challenges,” he said. “There are so many great people, you make connections that will last a lifetime.”

 

Missouri native Kella Hernandez-Torres graduated with an Associate of Science degree in psychology. She was a member of Sigma Kappa Delta honor society and the President’s Leadership Society. “I chose Columbia State because it stood out for me from other community colleges,” she said. “I am most proud of my time in study abroad.”

Missouri native Kella Hernandez-Torres graduated with an Associate of Science degree in psychology. She was a member of Sigma Kappa Delta honor society and the President’s Leadership Society. “I chose Columbia State because it stood out for me from other community colleges,” she said. “I am most proud of my time in study abroad.”

 

Nolensville native Lauren Sinor graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing. Next, she plans to work in the Neuro-ICU at Skyline Medical Center and eventually plans to earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing from University of Tennessee. “My favorite memory from Columbia State is being able to spend time with my friends that I made here outside of school,” she said.
Nolensville native Lauren Sinor graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing. Next, she plans to work in the Neuro-ICU at Skyline Medical Center and eventually plans to earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing from University of Tennessee. “My favorite memory from Columbia State is being able to spend time with my friends that I made here outside of school,” she said.

 

Franklin residents and mother-daughter duo Jenny and Emma Wire both graduated with an Associate of Applied Science in business with an emphasis in administrative professional technology. Jenny was a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society and graduated Magna Cum Laude as a Tennessee Reconnect student. “After a 27-year break, it was really refreshing to come back to Columbia State and get my foot in the door,” said Jenny. Emma graduated as a Tennessee Promise student. “I feel like Columbia State is a great first step,” said Emma. “Especially if you’re trying to go on to get a bachelor’s degree. This is a great start to getting used to college and the experience.” Next, Jenny plans to earn her bachelor’s degree in supply chain management at Bellevue University, and Emma plans on attending a technical college with hopes to one day own her own nail salon.
Franklin residents and mother-daughter duo Jenny and Emma Wire both graduated with an Associate of Applied Science in business with an emphasis in administrative professional technology. Jenny was a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society and graduated Magna Cum Laude as a Tennessee Reconnect student. “After a 27-year break, it was really refreshing to come back to Columbia State and get my foot in the door,” said Jenny. Emma graduated as a Tennessee Promise student. “I feel like Columbia State is a great first step,” said Emma. “Especially if you’re trying to go on to get a bachelor’s degree. This is a great start to getting used to college and the experience.” Next, Jenny plans to earn her bachelor’s degree in supply chain management at Bellevue University, and Emma plans on attending a technical college with hopes to one day own her own nail salon.

 

Summertown native Sarah Frazier graduated with an Associate of Science degree in business administration. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, she was a member of the Student Veterans Organization and both Phi Theta Kappa and Sigma Kappa Delta honor societies. During her time at Columbia State, Frazier was honored with the Chancellor’s Commendation for Military Veterans award. Next, she plans to transfer to Middle Tennessee State University to earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration with hopes to one day open a candle-making business with her sister. “Columbia State has reiterated the importance of teamwork in and out of school which was originally taught to me by the Marine Corps,” she said. “I also now have a deeper understanding of what will be expected of me in the workplace. Columbia State has prepared me for the four-year university that I plan on attending after graduation by establishing the workload that will be expected of me continuing forward.”

Summertown native Sarah Frazier graduated with an Associate of Science degree in business administration. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, she was a member of the Student Veterans Organization and both Phi Theta Kappa and Sigma Kappa Delta honor societies. During her time at Columbia State, Frazier was honored with the Chancellor’s Commendation for Military Veterans award. Next, she plans to transfer to Middle Tennessee State University to earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration with hopes to one day open a candle-making business with her sister. “Columbia State has reiterated the importance of teamwork in and out of school which was originally taught to me by the Marine Corps,” she said.  “I also now have a deeper understanding of what will be expected of me in the workplace. Columbia State has prepared me for the four-year university that I plan on attending after graduation by establishing the workload that will be expected of me continuing forward.”

 

Pictured (left to right) Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president; Leigh Williams, Columbia State alum and Fall 2023 Commencement speaker; and her daughter, fall 2023 graduate Lauren Sinor.
Pictured (left to right) Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president; Leigh Williams, Columbia State alum and Fall 2023 Commencement speaker; and her daughter, fall 2023 graduate Lauren Sinor.