May 06, 2023 | Student Success , Inspiring Success , Featured

Columbia State Celebrates Graduates at Spring 2023 Commencement

Columbia State Spring 2023 Commencement

Columbia State Community College celebrated 307 degree and certificate candidates as they crossed the stage during the spring commencement ceremonies in the Webster Athletic Center on Saturday, May 6.

Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president, opened the ceremony by welcoming degree and certificate candidates, faculty, staff and guests.

“Today is a special day for several reasons,” Smith said. “First and foremost, it is a day of celebration of accomplishments. It is a day of recognition that these soon to be graduates set a goal and accomplished it.”

Smith introduced graduates Jaeden Kennedy, Annaleisa Matzirakis and Makayla Ogilvie as the guest speakers for the spring commencement ceremonies. Kennedy and Matzirakis delivered the commencement address for the first ceremony while Ogilvie delivered the address for the second ceremony.

For his address, Kennedy chose to focus on servant leadership. He implored his fellow graduates to use their skills and knowledge to make a difference through leadership. He also detailed that leadership extends beyond the workplace, into their communities and daily lives.

“I genuinely believe that our generation of scholars is marked to be different,” Kennedy said. “We are destined to make a drastic impact on this earth, and we do that by serving others before ourselves. So, graduates, I challenge you. Be bold, stand out and don't conform to the standards of this world. Live authentically and be great leaders.”

Columbia State graduate Jaeden Kennedy delivers the commencement address at the first ceremony.
Columbia State graduate Jaeden Kennedy delivers the commencement address at the first ceremony.

 

For her address, Matzirakis chose to focus on memories from her time at Columbia State, such as her first day of class as an eager dual enrollment student. She described how she was greeted with kindness from faculty and her peers, and how as a collective group they adapted to the pressures of the pandemic. She described Columbia State as having an “unrivaled sense of community and belonging.”

“I think it is safe to say that we have all learned so much more at Columbia State than only what was detailed in our course syllabi,” Matzirakis said. “Moreover, we are all so blessed and lucky to have made both personal and professional connections here that will last a lifetime. We are also lucky to have each other, because whether we realize it or not, all of our paths have somehow crossed and intertwined to put us in this very moment together.”

Columbia State graduate Annaleisa Matzirakis delivers the commencement address at the first ceremony.
Columbia State graduate Annaleisa Matzirakis delivers the commencement address at the first ceremony.

 

For the second ceremony’s address, Ogilvie chose to connect with students through similar experiences. She congratulated her fellow graduates for persevering through any challenges they might have faced, and advised them to learn to handle failure with grace.

“You have the power to change the game,” Ogilvie said. “Don't count yourself out based on the cards you have in your hand. It's not about what or how much you have, but instead about how you are able to appreciate and utilize what you've been given. You have greatness inside of you. Go out and do something that has never been done before, disrupt the normal pattern, and try something new.”

Columbia State graduate Makayla Ogilvie delivers the commencement address at the second ceremony.
Columbia State graduate Makayla Ogilvie delivers the commencement address at the second ceremony.

 

Closing the ceremony, the alumni induction of new graduates at the first ceremony was presented by Tracey Hines, Columbia State assistant professor of biology and Columbia State alum, and Miranda Hart, spring 2023 graduate and member of the President’s Leadership Society and the Student Government Association. At the second ceremony, the alumni induction was presented by Shelly McMullan, Columbia State technician for veterinary technology and Columbia State alum, and Elizabeth Kay Beasley, spring 2023 graduate.

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President’s Leadership Society graduates were also honored with a medallion at the commencement ceremony.

“The establishment of this society was based on the belief that leadership is inherent to our lives and that we all have leadership roles,” Smith said. “The President’s Leadership Society is open to all students at Columbia State and requires only their commitment to involvement for learning, participation, and helping others.” 

Formed in spring 2011, PLS is a free leadership training program focused on developing a student’s unique leadership skills from their first semester through graduation. The program focuses on participation in college-sponsored programs that promote educational attainment, career choices, volunteerism and civic responsibility.

During the course of the program, students will attend a leadership retreat, enjoy exposure to the arts, participate in workshops and campus life, develop civic understanding and give back to the community through volunteerism.

Students received the President’s Leadership Society medallion for completing all requirements of the leadership training program prior to graduation. Throughout the program, students attend a leadership retreat, enjoy exposure to the arts, participate in workshops and campus life, develop civic understanding and give back to the community through service. Pictured (left to right): Jaeden Kennedy; Annaleisa Matzirakis; Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president; Lydia Knobloch; Rodney Bakken; and Tia Miller, Columbia State student development coordinator and President’s Leadership Society advisor.
Students received the President’s Leadership Society medallion for completing all requirements of the leadership training program prior to graduation. Throughout the program, students attend a leadership retreat, enjoy exposure to the arts, participate in workshops and campus life, develop civic understanding and give back to the community through service.
Pictured (left to right): Jaeden Kennedy; Annaleisa Matzirakis; Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president; Lydia Knobloch; Rodney Bakken; and Tia Miller, Columbia State student development coordinator and President’s Leadership Society advisor.

 

Franklin resident Annaleisa Matzirakis graduated Summa Cum Laude as a dual enrollment student with an Associate of Science degree in biology. She has served as president and vice president of the Student Government Association, the vice president of service for Phi Theta Kappa honor society and as a member of Sigma Kappa Delta honor society. She is the recipient of the College Board National Hispanic Scholar Merit Award, the Biology Research Academic Excellence Award, Chemistry Academic Discipline Award, the Academic Excellence Award and the Carolyn Allred/Lewis Moore Outstanding Student Award. She has also been nominated the All-USA Academic Team and received first place at the Columbia State Academic and Research Fair. Next, Matzirakis plans to attend Auburn University on a full-ride scholarship and as part of the Honors College to major in applied biotechnology. She hopes to eventually work in pharmaceutical and experimental research for drug discovery. “My favorite thing about Columbia State is the unrivaled support from faculty and staff,” she said. “Throughout my entire time here, I have not once had a professor who has wanted and supported anything other than my success and the success of other students. Whether I needed a letter of recommendation, assistance in finding external opportunities such as internships or employment, extra help and support in class, or even just needing an ear to listen and/or offer some advice, all of the faculty and staff at Columbia State have made themselves more than available, and I am forever grateful for that.”

Franklin resident Annaleisa Matzirakis graduated Summa Cum Laude as a dual enrollment student with an Associate of Science degree in biology. She has served as president and vice president of the Student Government Association, the vice president of service for Phi Theta Kappa honor society and as a member of Sigma Kappa Delta honor society. She is the recipient of the College Board National Hispanic Scholar Merit Award, the Biology Research Academic Excellence Award, Chemistry Academic Discipline Award, the Academic Excellence Award and the Carolyn Allred/Lewis Moore Outstanding Student Award. She has also been nominated the All-USA Academic Team and received first place at the Columbia State Academic and Research Fair. Next, Matzirakis plans to attend Auburn University on a full-ride scholarship and as part of the Honors College to major in applied biotechnology. She hopes to eventually work in pharmaceutical and experimental research for drug discovery. “My favorite thing about Columbia State is the unrivaled support from faculty and staff,” she said. “Throughout my entire time here, I have not once had a professor who has wanted and supported anything other than my success and the success of other students. Whether I needed a letter of recommendation, assistance in finding external opportunities such as internships or employment, extra help and support in class, or even just needing an ear to listen and/or offer some advice, all of the faculty and staff at Columbia State have made themselves more than available, and I am forever grateful for that.”

 

A Chapel Hill resident, Jaeden Kennedy graduated Magna Cum Laude as the first student from the reinstated Honors Program with an Associate of Science degree in business administration. He has served as president of the Student Government Association and as the chair for the Student Government President’s Council for the Tennessee Board of Regents. He has also served in Phi Theta Kappa and Sigma Kappa Delta honor societies as an officer. Kennedy is the recipient of the Columbia Campus Leadership Award and the 2022 SGA President’s Award, the 2022 Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature Outstanding Senator Award, was a Carolyn Allred/Lewis Moore Outstanding Student nominee and has been nominated for the All-USA Academic Team. His sister, Faith Kennedy, is also a Columbia State alumna. Next, he plans to attend Lipscomb University on a full-ride scholarship to major in business entrepreneurship. Kennedy is also the owner of Jaeden Kennedy Films, a production company that specializes in creating high-quality videos for churches and non-profit organizations to communicate their message effectively through visual storytelling. “Columbia State has helped me build relationships, learn to communicate efficiently and helped grow my leadership skills,” he said.
A Chapel Hill resident, Jaeden Kennedy graduated Magna Cum Laude as the first student from the reinstated Honors Program with an Associate of Science degree in business administration. He has served as president of the Student Government Association and as the chair for the Student Government President’s Council for the Tennessee Board of Regents. He has also served in Phi Theta Kappa and Sigma Kappa Delta honor societies as an officer. Kennedy is the recipient of the Columbia Campus Leadership Award and the 2022 SGA President’s Award, the 2022 Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature Outstanding Senator Award, was a Carolyn Allred/Lewis Moore Outstanding Student nominee and has been nominated for the All-USA Academic Team. His sister, Faith Kennedy, is also a Columbia State alumna. Next, he plans to attend Lipscomb University on a full-ride scholarship to major in business entrepreneurship. Kennedy is also the owner of Jaeden Kennedy Films, a production company that specializes in creating high-quality videos for churches and non-profit organizations to communicate their message effectively through visual storytelling. “Columbia State has helped me build relationships, learn to communicate efficiently and helped grow my leadership skills,” he said.

 

A Columbia resident, Makayla Ogilvie hails from a long line of Columbia State alum, being the fourth member of her immediate family to graduate from the college. Ogilvie graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing. During her time at Columbia State, she has been part of the Student Nurses’ Association, as well as submitted poetry to the college publication, “Perceptions.” As a future registered nurse, she dreams of helping provide care and resources to underprivileged communities. “For me, these past couple of years have been full of highs and lows, failures, and successes,” she said. “It's an honor to celebrate this milestone and to be your commencement speaker this morning!”
A Columbia resident, Makayla Ogilvie hails from a long line of Columbia State alum, being the fourth member of her immediate family to graduate from the college. Ogilvie graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing. During her time at Columbia State, she has been part of the Student Nurses’ Association, as well as submitted poetry to the college publication, “Perceptions.” As a future registered nurse, she dreams of helping provide care and resources to underprivileged communities. “For me, these past couple of years have been full of highs and lows, failures, and successes,” she said. “It's an honor to celebrate this milestone and to be your commencement speaker this morning!”

 

Franklin native Miranda Hart graduated Summa Cum Laude with an Associate of Arts degree in communication studies. A member of the President’s Leadership Society, she served as public relations secretary for Phi Theta Kappa and as the Williamson Campus senator for the Student Government Association. Hart is a HOPE scholarship recipient and a Tennessee Promise student who is also recognized with an Academic Excellence Award, the Spring 2022 President’s List, the 2023 SGA Outstanding Senator of the Year and has received the Williamson Campus Leadership Award. Her sister, Mikayla Hart, is also a Columbia State alumna. She plans to transfer to a four-year university to complete her bachelor’s degree, and hopes to eventually have a career in event planning. “I am most proud of making an effort to be involved because it transformed my college experience in a beneficial way,” she said.
Franklin native Miranda Hart graduated Summa Cum Laude with an Associate of Arts degree in communication studies. A member of the President’s Leadership Society, she served as public relations secretary for Phi Theta Kappa and as the Williamson Campus senator for the Student Government Association. Hart is a HOPE scholarship recipient and a Tennessee Promise student who is also recognized with an Academic Excellence Award, the Spring 2022 President’s List, the 2023 SGA Outstanding Senator of the Year and has received the Williamson Campus Leadership Award. Her sister, Mikayla Hart, is also a Columbia State alumna. She plans to transfer to a four-year university to complete her bachelor’s degree, and hopes to eventually have a career in event planning. “I am most proud of making an effort to be involved because it transformed my college experience in a beneficial way,” she said.

 

Washington native Lydia Knobloch graduated Magna Cum Laude with an Associate of Science degree in political science. A Tennessee Promise recipient, she began her time at Columbia State as a dual-enrolled student. Knobloch served as Madam-Chair and as an At-Large Representative for the Student Government Association, as well as Phi Theta Kappa honor society president. She also is a member of the President’s Leadership Society, participated in the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature and is the recipient of the 2023 SGA President’s Award. Next, she plans to attend Lipscomb University on a full-ride scholarship and eventually become a lawyer and politician. “The clubs I was part of during my time at Columbia State taught me leadership skills and provided immersive experiences in the career field I want to pursue.”
Washington native Lydia Knobloch graduated Magna Cum Laude with an Associate of Science degree in political science. A Tennessee Promise recipient, she began her time at Columbia State as a dual-enrolled student. Knobloch served as Madam-Chair and as an At-Large Representative for the Student Government Association, as well as Phi Theta Kappa honor society president. She also is a member of the President’s Leadership Society, participated in the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature and is the recipient of the 2023 SGA President’s Award. Next, she plans to attend Lipscomb University on a full-ride scholarship and eventually become a lawyer and politician. “The clubs I was part of during my time at Columbia State taught me leadership skills and provided immersive experiences in the career field I want to pursue.”

 

Smyrna resident Rodney Bakken graduated with an Associate of Science degree in business administration. He is a member of Revive Club and the President’s Leadership Society. During his time at Columbia State, he served in the Student Government Association House of Representatives for the Williamson Campus and participated in the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature. In addition, he is the recipient of the 2023 SGA Outstanding House of Representatives Award. His sister, Elise Bakken, is also a Columbia State alumna. Next, he plans to transfer to Middle Tennessee State University and eventually start his own business. His favorite part of his experience were his professors, stating, “They were exceptional. They made the classes and experience really good overall.”
Smyrna resident Rodney Bakken graduated with an Associate of Science degree in business administration. He is a member of Revive Club and the President’s Leadership Society. During his time at Columbia State, he served in the Student Government Association House of Representatives for the Williamson Campus and participated in the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature. In addition, he is the recipient of the 2023 SGA Outstanding House of Representatives Award. His sister, Elise Bakken, is also a Columbia State alumna. Next, he plans to transfer to Middle Tennessee State University and eventually start his own business. His favorite part of his experience were his professors, stating, “They were exceptional. They made the classes and experience really good overall.”

 

Summertown resident Delaney Smith graduated Summa Cum Laude with a university parallel (general transfer) Associate of Science degree. A Tennessee Promise student, she served as a student worker in the IT Department, which gave her a unique opportunity to learn through working. Both her mother, Terra Smith, and sister, Addisen Smith, are also Columbia State alum. She is already enrolled at Middle Tennessee State University to complete a bachelor’s degree in graphic design. “Columbia State was a great place to begin my post-secondary education,” she said. “While completing my general education courses, I also had the opportunity to explore career options and take introductory courses in my field of study. It was a perfect steppingstone to my future education goals.”
Summertown resident Delaney Smith graduated Summa Cum Laude with a university parallel (general transfer) Associate of Science degree. A Tennessee Promise student, she served as a student worker in the IT Department, which gave her a unique opportunity to learn through working. Both her mother, Terra Smith, and sister, Addisen Smith, are also Columbia State alum. She is already enrolled at Middle Tennessee State University to complete a bachelor’s degree in graphic design. “Columbia State was a great place to begin my post-secondary education,” she said. “While completing my general education courses, I also had the opportunity to explore career options and take introductory courses in my field of study. It was a perfect steppingstone to my future education goals.”

 

Franklin resident Brooklyn Harris graduated Magna Cum Laude with an Associate of Arts degree in Art (Studio). A Tennessee Promise student, she is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and Sigma Kappa Delta honor societies. She also served as a student worker for the Pryor Art Gallery, where she assisted with exhibits, office work, the First Farmers Performance Series and more. Next, she plans to transfer to Middle Tennessee State University to complete a bachelor’s degree in visual arts and hopes to eventually become an art teacher. “Columbia State has opened new doors for me to job opportunities that I didn’t even think of,” she said. “The college is very supportive and caring for students allowing new, affordable experiences and activities. You can tell everyone is passionate about the community they’re in.”
Franklin resident Brooklyn Harris graduated Magna Cum Laude with an Associate of Arts degree in Art (Studio). A Tennessee Promise student, she is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and Sigma Kappa Delta honor societies. She also served as a student worker for the Pryor Art Gallery, where she assisted with exhibits, office work, the First Farmers Performance Series and more. Next, she plans to transfer to Middle Tennessee State University to complete a bachelor’s degree in visual arts and hopes to eventually become an art teacher. “Columbia State has opened new doors for me to job opportunities that I didn’t even think of,” she said. “The college is very supportive and caring for students allowing new, affordable experiences and activities. You can tell everyone is passionate about the community they’re in.”