Lights will illuminate the lawn, the choir will sing and the air will be filled with excitement when nearly 700 different family and friends gather in front of Jones Hall to celebrate their loved ones’ graduation from Jones College.
Walking the stage will be 644 students including graduates from summer 2024, fall 2024 and spring 2025. The May 9 ceremony, set for 7 p.m., will be open to the public with seating first come, first serve.
“I strongly encourage guests to arrive no later than 6:30 p.m.,” said Sarah Ishee, dean of students at Jones. “Graduates are expected to arrive no later than 6 p.m. in order to check-in at their designated staging location.”
Jones College choir and show choir will open the ceremony. Retired Col. Craig Ziemba, Director of Operations and Plans for the Mississippi Air National Guard, will be the guest speaker. Before degrees are awarded, special guest T-Bone Pruitt will be honored.
Last year’s graduation ceremony was held during the day. In hopes to have cooler weather and enhance the ceremony, the decision was made to have a nighttime graduation which will include fireworks.
“The ceremony should last about an hour to an hour and a half,” said Ishee.
The sophomore luncheon will be held May 8 at noon between Jones Hall and the Union. Students will be able to choose from four food trucks on campus. During the luncheon, gold key awards will be given out.
Graduation practice follows the luncheon at 1 p.m., when caps and gowns will be distributed.
“It truly takes a village to put on the graduation ceremony,” said Ishee. “Some of the major players are Dr. Jesse Smith, Bruce Smith, Dr. Kacie Birdsong, Dr. Tessa Flowers, Wendy Wilkerson, Amanda McLeod and her team in Enrollment Services; Joel Cain and all of us in Student Affairs; Dr. Finee Ruffin and her team in Marketing, Michael Bradshaw, Joe Everett, Brian Johnson along with our Housekeeping, Maintenance and Grounds crews, Chief Billy Chandler and campus PD.”
Graduation candidates are preparing for the next chapter of their lives, whether it be continuing their education at a university or heading to the workforce. Some graduates will even be coming back to Jones to complete a career and technical education course.
“I hope all of the graduates know just how proud I am,” said Ishee. “As all of you prepare for what’s next, remember this: growth doesn’t stop at graduation. Leadership doesn’t require a title, and all of your stories are only just beginning. If there’s one thing I hope all of you take with you, it’s the confidence that you are capable. From someone who’s spent a lot of time walking beside you, cheering for you, and occasionally calling you out when needed – I genuinely believe in your future. Now go make the world a better place!”
As the ceremony ends, the graduates of Jones College will stand united, ready to embrace the opportunities the future holds. They will forever be bonded by the experiences and memories they’ve shared. Jones will forever be in their bones.
by Sami Jordan
