46.4 F
Oxford

Hickman Encourages UM Graduates to Say ‘Yes’ to Difficult Things

By Erin Garrett

UM communications

University of Mississippi alumna Stephanie Hickman speaks to thousands of graduates and family members Saturday morning (May 13) during the university’s 170th Commencement ceremonies in the Grove. Hickman, who earned a law degree from Ole Miss, is the CEO of Trice Construction Co. in Chicago. Photo by Kevin Bain/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services

Smiling faces, warm embraces and a few happy tears were seen in the Grove Saturday (May 13) as thousands of graduates came together on a breezy, sunny morning to celebrate the conclusion of their academic journey during the University of Mississippi’s 170th Commencement.

UM Chancellor Glenn Boyce welcomed approximately 6,000 students, family, friends and faculty to the Grove before speaking to the drive and character of the Class of 2023, a class that experienced an unprecedented disruption of their studies due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He praised their resiliency and congratulated them on a job well done in the face of adversity.

“We are here because of your grit, your determination, your perseverance,” Boyce said. “You inspired us every single day.

“This is going to be the next great generation of leaders.”

University of Mississippi Chancellor Glenn Boyce speaks Saturday morning (May 13) during the university’s 170th Commencement ceremonies in the Grove. More than 5,000 graduates received degrees this weekend. Photo by Kevin Bain/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services

Stephanie Hickman, president and CEO of Trice Construction Co., delivered the Convocation address, in which she told the soon-to-be graduates to prepare themselves for additional challenges that will come their way.

“Never forget that you can do the hard things, no matter how daunting they seem,” Hickman said. “That is what will mold you into a leader.”

Hickman, a Chicago native who grew up in the Lee County town of Shannon, enrolled at Ole Miss in 1979. Although she transferred and completed her bachelor’s degree at Eastern New Mexico University, she returned five years later to enroll in the School of Law.

“It feels like yesterday when I first drove up University Avenue to arrive on this campus and entered the Grove,” she said. “These trees were just a little smaller then because it was actually 44 years ago. And it was 32 years ago that I walked across the stage in Fulton Chapel to receive my law degree.

“So trust me when I say that right about now is the moment when time starts speeding up in your life, so I encourage you to look around, take a deep breath and just be here in this moment before it’s gone.”

Hickman began her career working for the National Labor Relations Board and later worked as a utility executive before transforming Trice Construction into an awarding-winning contractor serving Fortune 500 corporations and major public entities.

“The more you pivot in life, the more flexible you become,” she told the graduates. “Embrace uncertainty and be prepared to pivot.

“That is what will make you an innovator.”

Austin Clayton is receiving a bachelor’s degree in integrated marketing communications. He said he was inspired by Hickman’s speech.

“It was incredible to hear not only the story of her family and how she made pathways from that, but also her ability to learn at the university and apply what she learned to her life in ways that she didn’t even expect,” said Clayton, who is originally from Dallas. “We don’t know what the future holds, but we know that the university prepares us for it.”

Saturday’s ceremony acknowledged faculty and staff members who were awarded for their work in research, creative achievement, teaching and service. Among the awards announced were the Frist awards for student service, the Distinguished Research and Creative Achievement AwardElsie Hood Outstanding Teacher Award and St. Amand Outstanding Teacher Award for nontenured faculty.

University of Mississippi graduates celebrate with a rousing ‘Hotty Toddy’ during Convocation on Saturday (May 13) in the Grove. More than 5,000 members of the Class of 2023 received degrees during the university’s 170th Commencement. Photo by Kevin Bain/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services

Morgan Whited, a biochemistry degree candidate from Marion, Arkansas, addressed her fellow graduates as senior class president. She announced the senior class gift, which was made possible by the second-annual “Mr. University” competition, which raised more than $2,500 in ticket sales.

 “We decided to honor one of our own,” Whited said. “The senior class gift will benefit the Thomas Hayes Mayo Lab foundation.

“Class of 2023, we’re leaving it better than we found it, and we’re better for it.”

Commencement ceremonies began Wednesday (May 10) with a commissioning for graduates at the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. On Thursday at The Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss, the schools of Law and Pharmacy conducted their respective ceremonies and recipients of doctoral degrees were honored at a hooding ceremony.

Degrees were presented to graduates from their respective schools throughout the day on Friday and Saturday, and ceremonies will continue Sunday.

“It’s really exciting – this is my last of four graduations between the Honors College, our CME (Center for Manufacturing Excellence) and engineering,” said Maren McSparin, an Evansville, Illinois, native receiving her bachelor’s in chemical engineering. “So, it’s exciting to be done and have it all culminate into one final ceremony.”

D.J. Russell, from Corinth, is receiving a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and moving to Miami.

“It’s surreal to be done,” Russell said. “I’m going to remember all the times in the Grove, the football games, winning the national championship – I can’t believe it’s over.”

Boyce told the graduates that he hopes their next chapter brings them purpose, passion, joy and success.

“As you go forward in life, I know you will be outstanding and passionate ambassadors for Ole Miss through your example, continuing your trajectory of accomplishment and fulfilling your dreams in the process,” he said.

“And remember – and this is very, very important, graduates – that we are always here cheering on your successes, and eager to welcome you whenever you return to the spot that ever calls.”

To read stories of students from the Class of 2023, visit the university’s Journey to Commencement website.


Most Popular

Recent Comments

scamasdscamith on News Watch Ole Miss
Frances Phillips on A Bigger, Better Student Union
Grace Hudditon on A Bigger, Better Student Union
Millie Johnston on A Bigger, Better Student Union
Binary options + Bitcoin = $ 1643 per week: https://8000-usd-per-day.blogspot.com.tr?b=46 on Beta Upsilon Chi: A Christian Brotherhood
Jay Mitchell on Reflections: The Square
Terry Wilcox SFCV USA RET on Oxford's Five Guys Announces Opening Date
Stephanie on Throwback Summer
organized religion is mans downfall on VP of Palmer Home Devotes Life to Finding Homes for Children
Paige Williams on Boyer: Best 10 Books of 2018
Keith mansel on Cleveland On Medgar Evans
Debbie Nader McManus on Cofield on Oxford — Lest We Forget
Bettye H. Galloway on Galloway: The Last of His Kind
Richard Burns on A William Faulkner Sighting
Bettye H. Galloway on Galloway: Faulkner's Small World
Bettye H Galloway on Galloway: Faulkner's Small World
Bettye H Galloway on Galloway: Faulkner's Small World
Bettye H. Galloway on Galloway: Faulkner's Small World
Ruby Begonia on Family Catching Rebel Fever
Greg Millar on The Hoka
Greg Millar on The Hoka
Greg Millar on The Hoka
Greg Millar on The Hoka
jeff the busy eater on Cooking With Kimme: Baked Brie
Travis Yarborough on Reflections: The Square
BAD TASTE IN MY MOUTH on Oxford is About to Receive a Sweet Treat
baby travel systems australia on Heaton: 8 Southern Ways to Heckle in SEC Baseball
Rajka Radenkovich on Eating Oxford: Restaurant Watch
Richard Burns on Reflections: The Square
Guillermo Perez Arguello on Mississippi Quote Of The Day
A Friend with a Heavy Heart on Remembering Dr. Stacy Davidson
Harold M. "Hal" Frost, Ph.D. on UM Physical Acoustics Research Center Turns 30
Educated Citizen on Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving
Debbie Crenshaw on Trump’s Tough Road Ahead
Treadway Strickland on Wicker Looks Ahead to New Congress
Tony Ryals on parking
Heather Lee Hitchcock on ‘Pray for Oxford’ by Shane Brown
Heather Lee Hitchcock on ‘Pray for Oxford’ by Shane Brown
Dr Donald and Priscilla Powell on Deadly Plane Crash Leaves Eleven Children Behind
Dr Donald and Priscilla Powell on Deadly Plane Crash Leaves Eleven Children Behind
C. Scott Fischer on I Stand With Coach Hugh Freeze
Sylvia Williams on I Stand With Coach Hugh Freeze
Will Patterson on I Stand With Coach Hugh Freeze
Rick Henderson on I Stand With Coach Hugh Freeze
George L Price on I Stand With Coach Hugh Freeze
on
Morgan Shands on Cleveland: On Ed Reed
Richard McGraw on Cleveland: On Cissye Gallagher
Branan Southerland on Gameday RV Parking at HottyToddy.com
Tom and Randa Baddley on Vassallo: Ole Miss Alum Finds His Niche
26 years and continuously learning on Ole Miss Puts History In Context With Plaque
a Paterson on Beyond Barton v. Barnett
Phil Higginbotham on ‘Unpublished’ by Shane Brown
Bettina Willie@www.yahoo.com.102Martinez St.Batesville,Ms.38606 on Bomb Threat: South Panola High School Evacuated This Morning
Anita M Fellenz, (Emilly Hoffman's CA grandmother on Ole Miss Spirit Groups Rank High in National Finals
Marilyn Moore Hughes on Vassallo: Ole Miss Alum Finds His Niche
Jaqundacotten@gmail williams on HottyToddy Hometown: Hollandale, Mississippi
Finney moore on Can Ole Miss Grow Too Big?
diane faulkner cawlley on Oxford’s Olden Days: Miss Annie’s Yard
Phil Higginbotham on ‘November 24’ by Shane Brown
Maralyn Bullion on Neely-Dorsey: Hog Killing Time
Beth Carr on A Letter To Mom
Becky on A Letter To Mom
Marilyn Tinnnin on A Letter To Mom
Roger ulmer on UM Takes Down State Flag
Chris Pool on UM Takes Down State Flag
TampaRebel on UM Takes Down State Flag
david smith on UM Takes Down State Flag
Boyd Harris on UM Takes Down State Flag
Jim (Herc @ UM) on Cleveland: Fall Vacations
Robert Hollingsworth on Rebels on the Road: Memphis Eateries
David McCullough on Shepard Leaves Ole Miss Football
Gayle G. Henry on Meet Your 2015 Miss Ole Miss
Guillermo F. Perez-Argüello on Neely-Dorsey: Elvis Presley’s Big Homecoming
Jennifer Mooneyham on ESPN: Ole Miss No. 1 in Nation
Wes McIngvale on Ole Miss Defeats Alabama
BARRY MCCAMMON on Ole Miss Defeats Alabama
Laughing out Loud on ESPN: Ole Miss No. 1 in Nation
Dr.Bill Priester on Cleveland: On Bob Priester
A woman who has no WHITE PRIVILEGE on Oxford Removes Mississippi Flag from City Property
A woman who has no WHITE PRIVILEGE on Oxford Removes Mississippi Flag from City Property
paulette holmes langbecker on Cofield on Oxford – Rising Ole Miss Rookie
Ruth Shipp Yarbrough on Cofield on Oxford — Lest We Forget
Karllen Smith on ‘Rilee’ by Shane Brown
Jean Baker Pinion on ‘The Cool Pad’ by Shane Brown
Janet Hollingsworth (Cavanaugh) on John Cofield on Oxford: A Beacon
Proud Mississippi Voter on Gunn Calls for Change in Mississippi Flag
Deloris Brown-Thompson on Bebe’s Letters: A WWII Love Story
Sue Ellen Parker Stubbs on Bebe’s Letters: A WWII Love Story
Tim Heaton on Heaton: Who is Southern?
Tim Heaton on Heaton: Who is Southern?
Karen fowler on Heaton: Who is Southern?
Don't Go to Law School on Four Legal Rebels Rising in the Real World
bernadette on Feeding the Blues
bernadette on Feeding the Blues
Joanne and Mark Wilkinson on Ron Vernon: a Fellowship of Music
Mary Ellen (Dring) Gamble on Ron Vernon: a Fellowship of Music
Cyndy Carroll on Filming it Up in Mississippi
Dottie Dewberry on Top 10 Secret Southern Sayings
Brother Everett Childers on ‘The Shack’ by Shane Brown
Mark McElreath on ‘The Shack’ by Shane Brown
Bill Wilkes, UM '57, '58, '63 on A Letter from Chancellor Dan Jones
Sandra Caffey Neal on Mississippi Has Proud Irish Heritage
Teresa Enyeart, and Terry Enyeat on Death of Ole Miss Grad, U.S. Vet Stuns Rebel Nation
P. D. Fyke on Wells: Steelhead Run
Johnny Neumann on Freeze Staying with Rebels
Maralyn Bullion on On Cooking Southern: Chess Pie
Kaye Bryant on Henry: E. for Congress
charles Eichorn on Hotty Tamales, Gosh Almighty
Jack of All Trades on Roll Over Bear Bryant
w nadler on Roll Over Bear Bryant
Stacey Berryhill on Oxford Man Dies in Crash
John Appleton on Grovin' Gameday Memories
Charlotte Lamb on Grovin' Gameday Memories
Guillermo F. Perez-Argüello on Two True Mississippi Icons
Morgan Williamson on A College Education is a MUST
Morgan Williamson on A College Education is a MUST
Jeanette Berryhill Wells on HottyToddy Hometown: Senatobia, Mississippi
Tire of the same ole news on 3 "Must Eat" Breakfast Spots in Oxford
gonna be a rebelution on Walking Rebel Fans Back Off the Ledge
Nora Jaccaud on Rickshaws in Oxford
Martha Marshall on Educating the Delta — Or Not
Nita McVeigh on 'I'm So Oxford' Goes Viral
Guillermo F. Perez-Argüello on How a Visit to the Magnolia State Can Inspire You
Charlie Fowler Jr. on Prawns? In the Mississippi Delta?
Martha Marshall on A Salute to 37 Years of Sparky
Sylvia Hartness Williams on Oxford Approves Diversity Resolution
Jerry Greenfield on Wine Tip: Problem Corks
Cheryl Obrentz on I Won the Lottery! Now What?
Bnogas on Food for the Soul
Barbeque Memphis on History of Tennessee Barbecue
Josephine Bass on The Delta and the Civil War
Nicolas Morrison on The Walking Man
Pete Williams on Blog: MPACT’s Future
Laurie Triplette on On Cooking Southern: Fall Veggies
Harvey Faust on The Kream Kup of the Krop
StarReb on The Hoka
Scott Whodatty Keetereaux Keet on Hip Hop — Yo or No, What’s Your Call
Johnathan Doeman on Oxford Man Dies in Crash
Andy McWilliams on The Warden & The Chief
Kathryn McElroy on Think Like A Writer
Claire Duff Sullivan on Alert Dogs Give Diabetics Peace of Mind
Jesse Yancy on The Hoka
Jennifer Thompson Walker on Ole Miss, Gameday From The Eyes of a Freshman
HottyToddy.com