RAYMOND – At age 62, Bruce Hopkins of Terry fulfilled a promise he made to his mother on her deathbed: to continue his college journey.
Hopkins graduated from Hinds Community College on Dec. 12 after studying criminal justice. He plans to complete his college journey at Jackson State University, also studying criminal justice.
Wearing a red, white and blue cord denoting that he is a military veteran, Bruce Hopkins of Terry fulfilled a promise to his mother at age 62 – graduating from college. He graduated from Hinds Community College on Dec. 12.
My mom and I discussed this on her sickbed. I promised her I would do this. I left college and went to the Army. I decided to come back and finish it up,” said Hopkins, who spent 34 years in the Army working in Logistics. “It was a goal; I wanted to finish college.”
Hopkins quipped he didn’t want his mom “to come back and haunt me.”
Hinds held four fall graduation ceremonies at Cain-Cochran Hall on the Raymond Campus on Dec. 11-12. The college awarded 966 degrees and 637 certificates, which means many graduates are earning more than one credential. Among the graduates, 233 are graduating with honors including 136 cum laude, or 3.2 to 3.59 grade point average; 75 magna cum laude, or 3.6-3.99 GPA and 22 summa cum laude, a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Graduate Shanora Thomas of Jackson, right, offered the invocation and benediction at the 10 a.m. Dec. 12 ceremony at Hinds Community College. Jaylen Alexander McGriggs of Clinton, left, offered graduation remarks on behalf of classmates. They are with Hinds President Dr. Stephen Vacik.
Graduate Shanora Thomas of Jackson offered the invocation and benediction, and Jaylen Alexander McGriggs of Clinton offered graduation remarks on behalf of classmates. Thomas, 24, attended the Jackson Campus where she earned her certification in welding. After graduating she is going straight to work in her field.
Graduate Shanora Thomas of Jackson offered the invocation and benediction at the 10 a.m. Dec. 12 ceremony at Hinds Community College.
McGriggs, 19, attended the Raymond Campus where he earned an Associate degree in Electro-Mechanical Technology. After graduating from Hinds, he will attend Mississippi State University to study engineering.
“I stand here today in front of many people with different journeys, and I believe today we close a chapter by celebrating this accomplishment. We stand here today, reflecting on our time at Hinds, and we can proudly say that we have made it to the finish line,” McGriggs said.
Jaylen Alexander McGriggs of Clinton offered graduation remarks on behalf of classmates at the 10 a.m. Dec. 12 ceremony at Hinds Community College.
D.J. Norris graduated from Hinds Community College on Dec. 12 after studying at the Jackson Campus but plans to return for another degree.
Norris, a native of rural Rankin County, plans to study Information Technology and already has a degree in Logistics. He served as president of both the Student Government Association and Phi Theta Kappa.
“I love it here,” he said of the Jackson Campus. “It’s a welcoming campus. You can find everybody really easily. We have a lot of services.”
D.J. Norris, a native of rural Rankin County, graduated from Hinds Community College on Dec. 12 after studying at the Jackson Campus. He is shown with Hinds President Dr. Stephen Vacik.
Jon Myrick of Madison checked in for graduation from Hinds Community College on Dec. 12 after studying in the Diesel Technology program.
Austin Odom of Brandon checked in for graduation from Hinds Community College on Dec. 12 after studying in the Diesel Technology program. He plans to continue at Hinds next semester in the Heavy Equipment portion of the program.
Quintarus McCray Jr. of Greenville played football at Hinds Community College and studied physical education. He graduated on Dec. 12 and plans to continue playing football at Jackson State University.
D’Joi Henry of Jackson decorated her mortar board with small replicas from an elementary school classroom – crayons, scissors and Dr. Seuss book. She graduated from Hinds Community College on Dec. 12 and plans to continue her studies at Mississippi College. She was an online student while taking care of her disabled mother.
Kyndle Montgomery of Byram studied cosmetology at Hinds Community College and has a job lined up as a freelance make-up artist. She decorated her mortar board with some bling in honor of her Dec. 12 graduation.
Friends Tyrin O’Quinn of Port Gibson and Kenneth Murphy of Vicksburg graduated from Hinds Community College on Dec. 12 after studying Body Work and Collision.
Hadley Patterson of Brandon, left, is shown with Hinds employee Kelli Jones, who previously coached Patterson as a cheerleader in junior high school. Patterson studied business at Hinds and plans to continue her studies to become an esthetician. She graduated from Hinds on Dec. 12.
Caitlin Parks of Clinton studied graphic design at Hinds Community College, graduating on Dec. 12. She is moving to Ohio to work and continue her studies.
Molly May of Brandon graduated from Hinds Community College on Dec. 12. She is with her mom, Tracey May.
Samiria Lewis of Edwards is surrounded by family after graduating from Hinds Community College on Dec. 12.
Emily Johnson of Byram is all smiles after graduating from Hinds Community College on Dec. 12.
Hinds offers affordable, comprehensive educational opportunities across six campuses and has nearly 500 academic classes guaranteed to transfer to a university, over 65 career and technical program options and an extensive array of online courses. Applications for general admissions are currently being accepted. Prospective students are encouraged to apply and explore enrollment steps at hindscc.edu/enroll.
Our Mission: Hinds Community College is committed to moving people and communities forward by helping develop their purpose, passion and profession.
Our Vision: Hinds Community College will be a catalyst to create a competitive economy and a compelling culture for Mississippi.
Our Values: Hinds Community College aspires to the following IDEALS: Integrity, Diversity, Excellence, Accountability, Leadership, Stewardship.
To learn more, visit www.hindscc.edu or call 1.800.HindsCC.