JACKSON – Around 765 graduates strode across the Mississippi Coliseum stage to collect their diplomas May 24, during the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s 68th annual Commencement. Students in the schools of medicine, dentistry, nursing, graduate studies in the health sciences, population health and health-related professions added up to a graduating class of 942, representing 943 degrees; one student, was awarded two, the MD/PhD. A total of 930 degrees were conferred, officially, with another 13 students expected to complete their degree requirements. On May 24, Dr. LouAnn Woodward helped them mark this milestone in their careers. “The work before you is hard. It is important. It is heavy. And it is rewarding and it is worth doing. Remember the excitement, the spirit and the passion you have today and keep it with you,” said Woodward, vice chancellor for health affairs and dean of the School of Medicine. “As you move forward in your career, look for the joy … . Every day is not a good day – some days are really tough. But you spend too much of your life working to not enjoy it. As you practice your profession, have a good time.” Dr. Glenn Boyce, chancellor of the University of Mississippi, underlined the contributions of the graduates’ family and friends. “No one succeeds on this journey alone, and I know there are loved ones here today who also sacrificed and supported you, some very deeply, on this journey,” he told the graduates. And Boyce paid tribute to those who taught them. “These faculty have challenged you, guided you, demanded your best, and have given you, their best,” he said. “At times, I’m sure you probably thought they were too demanding. “But very soon, when you compare your preparation at this health sciences campus with that of your peers from elsewhere, you’ll find how very fortunate you are to have been taught and trained by these outstanding faculty.” ------------------------------ Local Graduates Local UMMC graduates include: • Angel Faye Baddley from Eupora, Master of Science in Nursing. She is the daughter of Keith and Teresa Parker, and wife of Lance Baddley. • Meagan Abigail Black from Mathiston, Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She is the daughter of Tim Black. • Kathlyn Greer Blaylock from Eupora, Doctor of Physical Therapy. She is the daughter of Stan and Lyn Blaylock. • Carrie Amanda Brown from Mantee, Master of Science in Nursing. She is the daughter of Peggy Hillhouse and Larry Hunter, and wife of Riley Brown. • Kadie Carol Byrd from Eupora, Master of Science in Nursing. She is the daughter of Russ and the late Carol Turner, and wife of Dillon Byrd. • James Cody Griffin from Eupora, Bachelor of Science in Nursing. He is the son of James and Karen Griffin, and husband of Leslie Griffin. • Allyson Nicole Hays from Eupora, Master of Science in Nursing. She is the daughter of Michelle Dozier and wife of Phillip Hays. • Mary Mae Strickland from Mathiston, Doctor of Physical Therapy. She is the daughter of Rob and Valerie Turner, and wife of Chandler Strickland. • Ashleigh Dawn Werner from Mathiston, Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She is the daughter of Charles and Regina McClellan, and wife of Luke Werner.
