College students earn degrees at local college graduations

JACKSON, Tenn. — Lane College and Union University held summer graduation ceremonies Saturday.

“I’m still in the moment, not going to lie to you about it, I’m still soaking it in right now,” Lane College graduate Dimitri Brockman said.

Saturday morning the gym at Lane College was filled as summer graduates marched across the stage, celebrating what for some, wasn’t an easy accomplishment.

“It’s been a struggle, but there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. I’m here I made it,” Brockman said.

Commencement wasn’t only a big day for students, but their parents as well.

“It was a struggle, but she came back and did her thing, graduated with honors,” grandmother of Lane graduate Patricia Simpkins said. “We are so proud, we came from Trenton, New Jersey.”

“He’s been through many challenges all the way from Kansas City, Missouri to down here,” mother of Lane College graduate  Michele Handson said. “But I thank god that we’re here. Hallelujah he can pay his own bills.”

Dressed in red gowns, Union University graduates celebrated being the first class to complete the bachelors to doctoral nursing program.

“I’ve been in school for 3 years now for this, 36 months year round and I can’t even describe the feeling of accomplishment, its great,” Union doctoral graduate Dr. Ashley Burdette said.

More than 100 Union undergrad and graduate students earned degrees this summer, something they hope helps them advance in their careers.

“With this accomplishment added to my record and my resume, I just hope to use it to go higher within the company I work with,” Union University undergraduate Andre Marshall said.

Although graduations are typically during the fall and spring, Union graduates say they enjoyed summer commencement.

“I actually really like it because its a smaller graduation so I feel like its a little more intimate, and of course it’s shorter which is nice and its not out in the heat.” Dr. Burdette said.

Union University students return for fall classes on Monday and Lane College resumes classes on August 22nd.