Organizers pull off flawless 100th graduation ceremony

Our 100th commencement was extraordinary last night. It is difficult to realize the amount of time, energy and effort expended in creating a flawless evening for all. Dr. Tina Butcher and an exceptional team orchestrated a magical night that included thousands and thousands of family and friends celebrating the academic accomplishments of so very many. Recognizing the long-term generosity of Sally Foley and family and the great Capitol Hill advocacy of Congressman Bishop contributed to the special evening. Except for the fact that all of our graduates will have to return to the Lumpkin Center to pet the cougar, I would change not a thing. The greatness of Columbus State is our ability to serve such a diverse student population in baccalaureate and graduate programs, days and nights, weekdays and weekends. This, coupled with extraordinary faculty delivering exceptional courses, supported by a gracious community, spells greatness. The Chairman of our Trustees, Jimmy Yancey, represented this august group, and last night was the 40th anniversary of the graduation of Trustee Lamar Powers. All-in-all, a truly wonderful evening.