FREE ACCESS: The Class of 2024 graduates from Three Rivers College

Graduates get showered in confetti to commemorate their accomplishment at the Libla Family Sports Complex on Friday.

DAR/Joe McGraw

A mother-daughter pair, first-generation degree-holders, and military veterans were among 535 graduates at Three Rivers College’s 56th commencement ceremony Friday at the Libla Family Sports Complex. TRC conveyed a total of 839 degrees and certificates for the class of 2024.

The school’s choir performed the song “Wonderful Life” from the movie Smallfooot to kick off proceedings.

“We in the education business believe this is the best day of the year,” Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees Dr. Tim Hager said. “Three Rivers is yours for life.”

Dr. Sonya DiCiro, TRC’s 2024 distinguished alumnus, was the ceremony’s speaker.

“Eventually, your hard work pays off,” she told the graduates.

DiCiro emphasized the importance of perseverance and optimism when taking non-traditional paths.

Dr. Wesley Payne, president of the college, detailed diverse stories from a wide spectrum of students.

Morgan Angel and her daughter Mackenzie graduated together with associate degrees in health sciences. Morgan owns a consignment shop and is the first in her family to graduate from college. Mackenzie participated in TRC’s cheer team and was selected as an alternate for the nursing program.

“The Angel family has appreciated that TRC offered them an affordable way to achieve their goals while staying close to home,” Payne said.

He highlighted the accomplishments of Kenzie Ogden, who began taking classes at TRC while still a sophomore in high school. Balancing work, varsity sports and volunteering at the Morehouse Public Library, she earned her associate degree concurrently with graduating high school.

Ogden intends to study marine biology at Eckard College in Florida.

First-generation graduate Chastie Slavings earned her general education certificate, a pre-nursing certificate and an associate of science degree.

Payne described, “Even though she had to push through severe health struggles and catastrophic family circumstances, she overcame them all in her determination to succeed.”

He highlighted the achievement of Japeth Logsdon, a recent immigrant from the Philippines.

“While juggling multiple jobs, caring for her family, and overcoming all the obstacles life threw at her, she continued to work hard in her classes,” Payne affirmed.

He applauded Ashley Louis for pursuing education regardless of a non-traditional path. Having dropped out of high school, her brother persuaded her to join Goodwill’s Excel Center to earn her high school diploma in her late twenties.

“Soon after enrolling, her brother passed away, and Ashley could so easily have let her grief keep her from moving forward. Instead, she earned her diploma in his honor and continued her academic journey by studying social work at Three Rivers, working full-time, and taking care of her three sons,” Payne recounted.

Lastly, he featured Marine Corps veteran Rudy Berry. Injured while in the service, Berry pursued a mix of careers from deputy sheriff to commercial truck driver after being discharged. Later, an individual at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center encouraged him to transition to a career that could accommodate his injuries.

After a journey fraught with obstacles, he earned an associate of applied sciences in medical laboratory technology.

“Above all, Rudy thanks God for directing his path and putting the necessary people in his life at the right time to help him along this journey,” Payne relayed.

The graduates walked across the stage to the repeated applause of friends, family members and colleagues.

Mike and Tina Goebel met their daughter, Ariel, outside after the ceremony. The parents expressed their pride in her achievement.

“I feel great,” Tina remarked.

Goebel earned her associate of applied science in nursing and intends to continue her education at Southeast Missouri State University.

At the end of the evening, the pavilion surrounding Libla became saturated with recently minted alumni, proud families and bright futures.