Lawson State Celebrates the Class of 2025 with Inspiration and a Call to Lead
Just before the newest class of Lawson State graduates turned their tassels during
commencement, they were informed that they had more homework.
"Understand the assignment," President Dr. Cynthia T. Anthony said to 193 graduates
participating in the ceremony. "Our future depends on how effective we are in inspiring
and helping others to embrace their vision, unleash their talent and to create a better
world."
"You must serve as positive role models, mentors, educators, moral compass influencers,
and servant leaders," she said. "To bring about the change that you want to see, you
must indeed understand your assignment."
That was just part of what Dr. Anthony shared with the newest group of Lawson alumni.
The graduates included students from dozens of academic, college transfer, and career
technical programs. There were also two dual enrollment teenagers who earned their
associate degrees before their high school graduation, and a 73-year-old grandmother of 10 who returned to finish college. In addition, at least one pair
of siblings graduated together, as well as an uncle and his niece.
The Journey Continues
"As we embark on the next chapter of our journey, remember this," said Kaila Bouyer,
SGA president and a member of the Alabama All-Academic Team, said to her peers. "You
are special. Your journey will not look the same as the person next to you and that
is okay. What's meant for you will happen, and if things do not go as planned, do
not take that as a disappointment. Trust in where God is leading you." Bouyer is headed
to the University of Alabama-Birmingham on a full scholarship in the fall.
Graduating student Owen Griffice, who transferred from Shelton State to Lawson State
in 2024 to play baseball and also earned a spot on the 2025 All-Academic Team, offered
additional inspiration.
"Lawson State has given me time to grow and figure out what I really want and to do
it in a supportive environment in a place with smaller classes where professors know
my name," said Owen, who will attend the University of Alabama on a full scholarship.
"There's more than one path to success," he said. "Regardless of what career you choose,
wherever you decide to continue your studies, or where your path may lead, we can
all say we started that journey here, together, at Lawson State Community College."
The ceremony was the final event in a week filled with opportunities to honor the
graduates. Students completing nursing, medical radiologic technology, and dental
assisting programs were pinned. Those completing their associate degree with credentials
through GM ASEP automotive training program were recognized, too.
One more Assignment: Inspire and Lead
Commencement marks more than the end of their community college studies, said Dr.
Anthony, who hosted a
special reception for the graduates earlier in the week, Rather, the occasion signals the beginning of the next part
of their "assignment."
"Be the very best version of you that you can possibly be," she said. "Believe in
yourself and others will believe in you, too. When you believe in yourself, the hard
days become easier, and the good days become amazingly memorable. Take that 'I-can-do-this,' 'This-is-possible,' 'I've got this' attitude everywhere you go, but don't just wish for it, work for it."
