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Southwest celebrates return to tradition at Twenty-fourth Commencement

By Chris Caldwell 

A windy, cloudy day with a few droplets of rain did not stop the show of families, friends, faculty and staff from enjoying a momentous occasion celebrating the Class of 2022. For the second consecutive year, Southwest returned to the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium for Commencement where nearly 1,100 credentials were conferred on May 21, 2022. 

Southwest President Dr. Tracy D. Hall welcome graduates and attendees to the College’s 24th Commencement.
Southwest President Dr. Tracy D. Hall welcomes
graduates and attendees to the College’s 24th
Commencement.

“Thank you for being a part of today’s ceremony,” Southwest President Dr. Tracy D. Hall said to the vast crowd that filled the stadium. “Today is a great day in the life of the college and certainly a significant milestone in the lives of our graduates. To the Class of 2022, I have three simple words for you that mean so much – you have made it.  You have arrived at this amazing day in your lives. No matter the obstacles. No matter the fear. And for some, no matter despair. You pushed forward and pushed through. You made it!” 

In her address, Dr. Hall acknowledged Southwest’s very own employees who received degrees, trailblazing students who are the first in their families to receive a college degree and those who serve or have served the country in the armed forces. “These exceptional individuals are all excellent examples of what Southwest represents.” 

A first for the College

For Seth Haslip and David Grinstead, Commencement was an amazing day as two-time graduates. The two graduated with their high school diploma from Arlington High Schools on May 17.  After earning 16 hours of college credit, they became the first  dual enrollment students to receive a Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) Technical Certificate.   

Seth Haslip and David Grinstead“Walking on stage at Commencement was a privilege and having the opportunity to do so as a high school student was an amazing moment for me,” Grinstead said. 

Grinstead and Haslip also completed five National Institute for Machining Standards (NIMS) certifications at Arlington High School taught that were by Engineering Technologies Instructor Antonio Hayes. “I’m very proud of Seth and David and their diligence at never giving up to achieve this special distinction,” Hayes said.  

Grinstead will continue his education at Tennessee Technical University while Haslip plans to enter the workforce taking the skills he learned to find a job in the welding industry.  

Graduates challenged to show their potential 

Meka EgwuekweMeka Egwuekwe, co-founder and executive director of CodeCrew, a Memphis-based nonprofit that specializes in youth computer science education delivered the keynote speech. His address represented the college's return to a traditional keynote speaker. 

Beginning with his vocal rendition of Mufasa from The Lion King, Egwuekwe asked graduates to build upon the foundation of the ancestors and to remember those who carried them through their education. He reminded the graduates of the importance of mentorship and in giving back. 

“This  not an ending, it is a beginning,” Egwuekwe said. You all are commencing today to build and manifest your success. Some of you will go on to 4-year colleges, some of you will receive other educational opportunities, start a business or go into the workforce. I challenge you today to be an intentional mentor. People are watching you, people are looking up to you. Show them the power and potential of your education,” he said. 

“There is no education like adversity.” 

Having a tug-of-war with his tassel on graduation day did not deter student-speaker Connor Taylor from addressing his fellow graduates. Taylor is a Psychology major who will transfer to Mississippi College where he will study pre-medicine with the ultimate goal of earning a Doctor of Medicine.  At Southwest, Taylor is president of Southwest's chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, a member of the Psi Beta Honor Society of Psychology and National Society of Leadership and Success, and serves on the student subcommittee for the President's Cabinet. 

Connor Taylor“This moment carries much more significance,” Taylor said. “These caps, gowns and certificates not only signify successful completion of a degree but the capability, determination and motivation of those who earned them.”  

Taylor shared a quote by Benjamin Disraeli, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom - “There is no education like adversity,” that he attributed to his fellow Saluqis. “I do not doubt that everyone here has encountered their own adversities along the way. I commend you on the hard work and perseverance that has brought you this far. And if you will stay true to those virtues, they will take you all the further,” Taylor said. 

Faculty and Alumnus of the Year honorees

In keeping with tradition, the College bestowed two awards. The William W. Farris Faculty of the Year Award was presented to Department Chair and Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Studies, Joanitha Barnes, for her outstanding leadership and support of students and colleagues. The Alumnus of the Year was given to 1984 graduate Ronald Claxton for his exceptional work helping students to succeed. Claxton recently retired from Southwest as interim director of advising after 37 years of service. 

To view the graduation in its entirety on-demand via the College’s YouTube Channel, click here.

Congratulations to the Class of 2022! We are Saluqi proud of you all!