June 21, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 21, 2014
For additional information,
Contact: Natalie Lester
Moxley Carmichael
(865) 599-4051
South College graduates, joined by family and friends at the historic Tennessee Theatre, listened to U.S. Rep. John J. Duncan Jr. deliver the keynote address Saturday at the commencement ceremony.
“It was an honor to have Congressman Jimmy Duncan speak to our great group of graduates,” South College President Steve South said. “We strive to make this occasion special, a day that honors all the hard work and dedication our students have put into their education. Duncan’s leadership and words of wisdom helped make it a day they will long remember.”
During the ceremony, South College presented 168 graduates with master’s, bachelor’s and associate degrees and certificates in some of today’s high-demand fields. A diverse mix of traditional and nontraditional adult college students, the graduates will pursue careers in fields such as business administration, accounting, criminal justice, legal and paralegal studies, nursing, health science, medical assisting, physical therapist assistant, radiography, nuclear medicine and elementary education.
Several students were honored at the ceremony with Outstanding Student awards, including:
- Leyanet Gonzalez for Imaging Sciences
- Brandi Buck for Physical Therapy Assistant
- Jeremiah Greene for Nursing
- Delaney McCann for Nursing
- Cynthia Hope Bullion for Business Administration
- Jeffrey Wallace for Criminal Justice
Elizabeth Talbott received the highest student award with the Presidential Award for outstanding service, attitude and performance.
Several faculty members were also honored. Robert Halliburton and Renee Harold received the Distinguished Teaching Award for Outstanding Classroom Effectiveness, Professionalism and Dedication. Shiv Dhar received the Distinguished Service Award for Outstanding Institutional, Professional and Community Service.
Duncan, after graduating from the University of Tennessee in 1969, attended the George Washington University National Law Center in Washington, D.C., where he earned a law degree in 1973. He also served in the U.S. Army National Guard and the Army Reserve. He entered as an enlisted man in 1973 and rose to the rank of captain before completing his service in 1987.
In 1973, Duncan established a private law practice in Knoxville with Zane Daniel. He was appointed as a state trial judge by Gov. Lamar Alexander in 1981 and served in that capacity until 1988, when he was elected to Congress. Duncan currently serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
In addition to his Washington office, Duncan maintains offices in Knoxville and Maryville. He has established a reputation for providing extensive constituent services and staying in touch with residents of the Second District by attending numerous public events and holding countless constituent meetings. Although Duncan spends considerable time in East Tennessee, he still maintains one of the best attendance records in Congress.
About South College
South College is a private institution accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to offer programs at the doctorate, masters, baccalaureate, and associate levels. To learn more about South College, visit http://www.southcollegetn.edu.
