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Southwest returns to in-person celebration for 2022 Student Honors and Awards Convocation

By Chris Caldwell 

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Southwest Tennessee Community College President Dr. Tracy D. Hall stands with Rising Saluqi Award recipient Asia Johnson and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Kendricks Hooker during the 2022 Student Honors and Awards Convocation.

Having support from the ones you love can help shape the world around you, whether it comes from a family member, friend or teacher. They often contribute to one’s success at work or in school.  On April 12, 2022, Southwest’s best and brightest scholars were surrounded by their supportive loved ones in celebration of their academic achievements at the 2022 Student Honors and Awards Convocation Ceremony. The event was hosted by the Honors Academy in the Nabors Auditorium on the Macon Cove Campus. 

Over 80 students were honored during the ceremony that included various academic, leadership and service awards. Southwest President Dr. Tracy D. Hall said, “This is a celebration long-time coming! We are here for the first time since the pandemic to celebrate together in person. It is a joyous occasion and we are glad to see so many in attendance today.” 

Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Kendricks Hooker, acknowledged the tenacity and determination of this year’s students to persevere through the pandemic. “Students, you have been challenged like no other time in history, yet you did not lose sight of your goals,” Hooker said. “Your perseverance speaks volumes about your integrity and how you value education. We honor you, we celebrate you and thank you,” Hooker said. 

Hooker’s words of encouragement had special significance for logistics and transportation major Joe Rosser whose time at Southwest was filled with tragedy, pain, heartbreak and finally triumph. 

Joe Rosser
Joe Rosser proudly displays signage indicating
his graduation at Southwest’s 2022
Commencement.

“The tragic loss of my wife passing away from stage four colon cancer around the second semester when I started school at Southwest was devastating,” Rosser explained. “My wife was more concerned about my studies and my future career than her illness. Her passing away fueled my desire to finish school and make her proud. She always said, ‘Don’t stop until you get your degree; don't drop a class or take a break until you finish your degree,’ and that’s exactly what I did.”

Rosser earned an associate of applied science degree in business logistics/ transportation management. He is a full-time employee at McKesson and hopes his new credential will enable him to move into a senior management role.  “Getting my degree is going to benefit not just me but my entire family,’ Rosser said. “I know my finances will improve and I’ll be in a better position to help support my children and my grandchildren.”

Asia Johnson received this year’s Rising Salqui Award. Johnson, aka Ms. Southwest, is known for her bright smile and bubbly personality. She is the 2022-2023 president of the Student Government Association and a member of the 2022-2023 Campus Activity Board. Johnson received the award in recognition of leadership, service and involvement in student activities. 

“Southwest truly is a great choice for me because the College has allowed me to showcase my talents and abilities as a student leader,” she said. “I am thrilled to receive this special honor and am overjoyed. It signifies that people believe in my leadership skills. I will continue to be a positive influence to those around me and in my community.” 

Johnson’s anticipated graduation is May 2023 with a degree in criminal justice. She plans to continue her education and hone her leadership skills at LeMoyne-Owen College. 

Congratulations to all the award winners!

To watch the ceremony in its entirety on our Southwest Tennessee Community College YouTube channel, click here or click on the graphic below.  

Convocation