Columbia College congratulates the December 2017 graduates

As the year comes to a close, Columbia College congratulates the December 2017 graduates as they walked across the stage during commencement on Saturday, December 17th. The two ceremonies (undergraduate and graduate) took place at College Place United Methodist Church. There were 163 undergraduates and 12 graduates.

Kara P. Simmons, a Communication and Leadership Studies Professor at the College, was chosen as this year’s commencement speaker. A native of North Charleston, South Carolina, Simmons received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies from Columbia College and a Masters of Arts in Management & Leadership. Simmons has an extensive portfolio in strategic planning, brand development, consulting, project management, and volunteer recruitment for businesses and non-profit organizations. “It is not easy to break the perception that speakers are just a part of formality in a commencement ceremony,” Simmons said. “I want to speak openly and honestly to the undergraduates about what they can expect in the coming months. As for the graduate class, I want to commend them for extending their portfolio to expand their knowledge and career opportunities.”

During her speech, she addressed the common reality that there may be a host of employers that do not call back. There will be times when you feel perfect for a position, but that seven years of experience requirement repeatedly shows up in the job descriptions – branding you for lack of experience. “Regardless, it is important to live intentionally knowing that everything is predestined,” Simmons said. “Great opportunities will begin to flourish by way of consistency, hard work, and determination to achieve their desired goals.”

These words of wisdom rang true for the graduate class as well. Those obtaining their Masters can relate to the reality of what many people face when entering into their career fields – a reflection that further heightens their accomplishments thus far as they continue progressing forward. “It’s important to always remember that you are good enough,” said Simmons. “Everything happens for a reason.”

Callie Goodwin, a Child and Family Studies major, benefited from the Liberal Arts program, as she’s been diligently working as an intern with the marketing department at Columbia College. Born out of a project initially done for her major, she was offered a paid internship last year after constructing and posting an attention-grabbing drone shot during the College’s SpearsFest. Goodwin will transition into a full-time position, serving as the new CC Social Media Strategist. “It’s easy to market something that I love,” said Goodwin.

December graduate, Dung (Kristine) Golden, is a chemistry major who will continue to work at her internship with Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation in West Columbia after graduation as she applies to graduate schools across the United States. “Coming from a different country, being here at Columbia College has given me a lot of experience that I honestly didn’t expect,” said Golden.

Columbia College

Columbia College, founded in 1854, is a liberal arts institution with an undergraduate women’s college and The Communiversity- coeducational offerings online, evening and graduate programs.