̨ʹٷվ Heroes are chosen because they represent the college well, provide exceptional customer service to all its customers and consistently promote the ̨ʹٷվ mission of service. Heroes selected receive a lapel pin, a token of appreciation and one free day off work.
Honors Scholars carry 12 or more honors hours and must maintain an overall GPA of 3.25 or better, take two Honors Forum classes and have at least 10 hours of community service.
“I feel honored and grateful – emotional and happy – to have been selected for this special award. Of course, I do recognize that I am no worthier of this distinction than hundreds of other ̨ʹٷվ employees; however, that anyone believes me deserving is rewarding beyond measure.”
̨ʹٷվ Community Relations won 15 awards in the annual College Public Relations Association of Mississippi contest, including eight first place awards.
“We attended college during a pandemic. Many of us may have also had other struggles outside of the pandemic or struggles that the pandemic made even worse. Yet, we did not let those obstacles hold us back, so, again, well done.”
“She is the most courageous person I know. She has never let any of her hurdles stop her or slow her down. She continues to push through life and continue to accomplish everything that she feels she should,” Hudson said.
The Jackson native and 1963 Lanier High School graduate had returned to school about five years ago to work on a college degree he’d long thought about, but just hadn’t finished.
“It’s been crazy getting here,” he said. “But after 31 years in the making, it’s special.”
“Every graduation ceremony is special to the college, as we celebrate the success of each student. It is important that we truly celebrate what our graduates have achieved – they have overcome a series of unusual circumstances over the last several months,” said ̨ʹٷվ President Dr. Stephen Vacik.
“̨ʹٷվ has been absolutely incredible to my journey, more than I could have ever imagined. I had been home-schooled and came to ̨ʹٷվ five years after I had finished high school. I was unsure how I would do, but I was able to thrive here because of the instructors and small class sizes.”