Several students at the University of Tennessee at Martin concluded their educational journeys Dec. 14 by taking part in the commencement ceremonies for the fall 2024 semester.
Some will continue their educations by seeking higher-level degrees, while others will look for jobs and begin their careers.
A total of 366 graduates with bachelor’s or master’s degrees crossed the stage in the two ceremonies held at the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center to receive their degrees. One ceremony was held at 10 a.m., while the other was held at 2 p.m.
Chancellor Yancy Freeman greeted the graduating students and commencement attendees with a quote from President Theodore Roosevelt.
“It comes from a speech entitled ‘Citizenship of the Republic,’ and was delivered in 1910 in Paris,” he said. “He said, ‘It is not the critic who counts, not the one who points out how the strong person stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better.
“‘The credit belongs to the person who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming.’”
Freeman said that the graduates themselves have made the effort to get to that point in their lives.
“Everyone graduating today has faced unique challenges and disruptions to their daily lives,” he said. “And yet, they persisted and made it through those trying times to reach this day and this moment.
“Congratulations, graduates! Your commitment, consistency and willingness to complete your journey is finally here.”
Dr. Reginald R. Williams Sr., the principal of Overton High School in Memphis and a 1985 UT Martin graduate in geosciences, was the commencement guest speaker.
He later earned a master’s degree from Trevecca University in Nashville and education specialist and education doctorate degrees from Union University in Jackson.
In addition to his academic degrees, Williams has earned multiple certifications, taught science and mathematics and coached boys’ basketball for nine years at Bolton High School, where he led his teams to six district championships, three regional finals and two state tournaments in a sport he never played.
“My mom is a retired teacher, and she told me on many occasions to take education hours,” he said. “I said, ‘No way,’ but on my mother’s side and my father’s side were teachers, so trust me: I ran from this for a while.
“Now, as a 30-year educator – and 19 years as a principal – I’m here to say we need teachers. If you are still undecided about your future, we still need you.”
Williams advised the graduates on the importance of preparation.
“Remember the five P’s: Proper planning prevents poor performance,” he said. “When we pray for rain, we must deal with the mud. My advice to you graduates is to have a Plan B and C. You have probably heard that if life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Trust me: Life or life moments are going to happen.
“My advice to you: Laziness kills ambition. Anger kills wisdom. Fear kills dreams. Ego kills growth. Jealousy kills peace. Doubt kills confidence. Make good choices and make good decisions.”
Following the ceremony, graduates were surrounded by family and friends excited for their future.
“It feels great; I’m very excited,” said Kylie Brown, a veterinary science and technology graduate from Manchester. “I’m about to move to Alabama for Auburn (University’s) Veterinary School internship.
“I’m really glad (my family) could all come. They had a long journey to get here, so I’m very excited.”
Jasmine Burkett, a veterinary technology graduate from Smyrna, said it was hard to fully take in what had happened.
“It’s very surreal,” she said. “No words can describe how I feel in this moment in time. I’m excited, but also really sad – ‘surreal’ is probably the word I’m going to stick with.”
On being a first-generation college graduate, she said, “It’s unbelievable. I’m very grateful. (After finishing my last final,) I cried in the parking lot. That’s when it hit me.”
Josh Stewart, a business management major from Newbern, said graduating “feels awesome.
“All the hard work has paid off, and I’m just happy.”
Tyler Frazier of Ripley, who earned a Master of Business Administration degree, said he was grateful to have achieved his MBA.
“Right now, I’m working at a bank, so I did this to further my education,” he said. The commencement ceremonies are archived online at www.youtube.com/utmartin/streams.
PHOTO: Dr. Reginald R. Williams, the principal at Overton High School in Memphis and a UT Martin graduate, addresses the fall 2024 graduates at the commencement ceremonies held Dec. 14.
