1st Sgt. Michael Mills, of Headquarters & Headquarters Company, Aviation and Missile Command, received a bachelor’s degree in homeland security at last year’s Redstone graduation event. On Thursday, he was the commencement speaker at the Combined College Recognition Ceremony, encouraging graduates to use their education “to elevate your life for the better.”
“You all have embarked on a journey to seek higher learning, and you’ve completed that journey,” he said. “No matter when you began that journey or how difficult it was with everyday life coming at you, you have beaten the odds and that’s amazing.”
Twenty-seven graduates from six institutions walked across the stage at Bob Jones Auditorium, receiving bachelor’s and master’s degrees and doctorates from Garrison Commander Col. Erin Eike and representatives from their schools. The Redstone Education Center hosted the ceremony with the support of the Garrison.
Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. John Fritz, Deputy Garrison Commander Martin Traylor and Mark Mancini, director of military programs, also attended the event.
Mills, who is now working on a master of science degree in homeland security, named the graduating class “the Class of Commitment” and challenged them to “be your best self” every day. “Never stop committing yourself to achieving things you desire out of life because you deserve it.” The graduates included Mills’ daughter, Bryana Mills.
Education “opens doors of opportunities like nothing else,” Jennifer Anderson, the education service specialist at Redstone, said. “How will you change the world? I can’t wait to see.”
The institutions, graduates and their degrees are:
• American Military University: Phillip Joseph Greer, master of arts in history; Andrew Ryan Spencer, master of business administration (with honors); Earlmondish Marion, master of science in cybersecurity studies (magna cum laude); Keith Aaron Scott, master of science in information technology (magna cum laude); Tiffany Renee Wesley, bachelor of arts in emergency and disaster manager (with honors); Charles Manns, bachelor of arts in homeland security; Sharon Scott, bachelor of arts in hospitality management; Bernisha Garner, bachelor of arts in human resource management; Aja Danyele Williams-Jennings, bachelor of arts in intelligence studies; Robert Edward Lee Begley, bachelor of business administration (cum laude) and undergraduate certificate in real estate management; Jeffery James Miles, bachelor of science in cybersecurity (magna cum laude); and Morgan Breanne Sims, associate of science in computer technology (summa cum laude). Michael Louis Williams, master of arts in transportation and logistics management (with honors), American Military University.
• Athens State University: LaToya Renee Smith, bachelor of science in acquisition and contract management; and Ashley La’Shawn Smith, bachelor of science in logistics and supply chain management.
• Columbia College: Deborah Wilcox, master of business administration; William J. Patterson, bachelor of science in business administration; Carol Mills, bachelor of science in business administration and human resource management; Cynthia B. Davis, bachelor of science in human resource management (cum laude); Linda Hall, associate in arts; and John Bryson, associate in general studies.
• Liberty University: Amy Leigh Martin, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction (summa cum laude); Erin Lynn Thomas, doctor of philosophy in psychology (summa cum laude); Cheryl Diane Sisco, master of arts in clinical mental health counseling (summa cum laude); and Tawnita Cheek, executive certificate in strategic leadership.
• Samford University: Glorian Caroline Vaughn, doctor of pharmacy and master of public health.
• Southern New Hampshire University: Bryana Alexis Mills, bachelor of science in business administration (summa cum laude).
“We are so excited to celebrate your academic accomplishments,” Anderson said. “I’m absolutely your biggest fan and this is all about you.”
Anderson shared her own college journey at the ceremony. After serving 10 years in the Army, she decided to leave the service and go to college in her 30s. She took advantage of the G.I. Bill and the Hazlewood Act in Texas to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in counseling. “It took me seven years to get to my last class,” she said.
For the last 16 years, Anderson has been an Army education professional helping Soldiers, veterans and family members to achieve their education goals.
She said college graduates share a few traits. “You are a rare treasure, and you beat the odds,” she said, noting that only about 50 to 60% of four-year college students go on to graduate.
“You are mentally tough, and you have grit” and “you’ve got great stuff,” Anderson said, adding that they have “the qualities needed to be something extraordinary.”
Graduates listed on the program but not in attendance were: Penny Vilay Saysongkham, associate of science in accounting, American Military University; Nicholas Alan Young, bachelor of science in unmanned systems applications (summa cum laude), Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Killian Turner Hoyt, bachelor of science in aeronautics, Liberty University; and Fulgence Tomety, bachelor of science in supply chain management and logistics (magna cumma laude), Columbia College.
Credit: Source link
