Sheena Caldwell is a Hinds Community College Spring 2018 graduate

2018 May 16

Hinds Community College had five graduation ceremonies spanning May 10, 11 and 13. Over the five ceremonies, Hinds awarded 1,839 degrees and certificates to 1,319 people, with some people receiving multiple credentials in academic, career or technical programs. This is the largest number of credentials Hinds has ever awarded for one graduation season.

Among those who graduated was Sheena Caldwell of Yazoo City.

Over the academic year including summer 2017 and fall 2017 ceremonies, the college will have awarded more than 3,900 credentials, a 12 percent increase over last year and an 85 percent increase over five years ago.

Of the 1,319 spring graduates, 265 achieved cum laude, 3.2 to 3.59 grade point average; 204 achieved magna cum laude, 3.6 to 3.99 GPA and 137 achieved summa cum laude, 4.0 grade point average.

Hinds Community College President Dr. Clyde Muse reminded graduates that they are part of a long tradition that began when the college was founded in 1917 as an agricultural high school.

"The power of education is that it drives our vision for a better life. And, while the graduates today represent a diverse set of circumstances, they are connected by their belief that a community college education is a step up to a broader opportunity to build a better life and to contribute to the communities we live in," Muse said.