Poplar Bluff, Missouri - Three Rivers College filled the Black River Coliseum to celebrate the institution’s newest graduating class on Friday, May 20. Over 570 students in Three Rivers’ degree and certificate programs were eligible to walk across the stage during Friday’s ceremony.
Erick Kirkman, a Three Rivers alumnus, Poplar Bluff resident, and successful entrepreneur, gave the commencement speech to the Class of 2016. In his speech, Kirkman encouraged graduates to seek success and follow their dreams, even if those dreams seem difficult to achieve. He also told graduates to hold themselves to a high standard, even if it was hard.
“I would say to worry about your character, and not your reputation,” said Kirkman. “Those seem like the same thing, but they’re very different. Your reputation is who people think you are; your character is who you are when no one is watching.”
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Three Rivers, the college Choir, directed by Cindy White, Professor of Music, performed an arrangement of “The Sound of Silence,” which was the music performed at Three Rivers’ first commencement.
“It is gratifying to me to see so many graduates heading off into a better life with a degree from Three Rivers,” said Williams. “It’s my pleasure to greet you all not only as new graduates, but as fellow alumni of Three Rivers.”
The college honored several outstanding graduates at the ceremony, and recognized its many first-generation, non-traditional, veteran, international, and multi-generation graduates. Among the individual graduates spotlighted were:
· Justas Furmanavicius, an international student from Lithuania, who came to the United States after being recruited to play for the Raiders Basketball team.
· Ann Mati, an international student whose Three Rivers journey started with a full day of classes after a 24-hour trip from her home in Kenya, and who received a Student Excellence Award for her work in the Honors Program.
· Jennifer Beck, a first-generation student who came to Three Rivers after entering the workforce as an LPN. She graduated alongside her daughter, who helped encourage her to start classes at Three Rivers.
· Dorothy Rose, a non-traditional student who began her college career after marrying and raising five boys. She graduated with an Associate of Arts with an emphasis in General Education and plans to substitute teach at Twin Rivers.
· Gabby and Michaela Mays, twin sisters who came to Three Rivers under the A+ program and served as Resident Assistants in housing at the Poplar Bluff Campus.
· James Norman, a student veteran who served in the Navy as an Aviation Electronics Technician. He has served in leadership positions within the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and the student art club. He plans to transfer to Southeast Missouri State University to complete his art degree.
This year marks the 48th anniversary of the college’s first commencement ceremony since Three Rivers was founded in 1966. Since then, Three Rivers has served over 100,000 students from its degree, transfer, and career-technical programs. Registration is currently open for Fall classes at Three Rivers. To learn more about registering for classes at Three Rivers, call the Welcome Center at 573-840-9605 or visit trcc.edu.
Three Rivers College is committed to contributing to the quality of life in Southeast Missouri with quality, affordable higher education opportunities and community services that support and encourage the economic, civic, and cultural vitality of the region. For more information about college and workforce programs and upcoming events, visit trcc.edu.
Shown in the photo is James Norman, a student veteran and member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, stands to be recognized by Three Rivers College President Dr. Wesley Payne during Three Rivers’ 2016 Commencement Ceremony at the Black River Coliseum on May 20.
Dexter, Missouri - Three Rivers College recognized over 50 of its highest-performing students at its Annual Student Excellence Awards ceremony on May 13. Winners were chosen to represent each academic department and career education program, the Three Rivers external locations, honor society students, and major student organizations. MacKenzie Young, Alexa Ash, and Stephani Fulford are from Dexter.
“The Student Excellence Awards are a celebration not only of academic success but of the hard work and commitment of our student body,” said Dr. Wesley Payne, President of Three Rivers College. “The success they’ve achieved is not only an indication of natural ability and talent, but their dedication to putting in the time and doing the work that makes them the standouts of Three Rivers.”
To be eligible to receive an Academic Excellence Award, a student must have completed at least 15 credit hours and have a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Winners from academic and career programs are chosen by that program’s leadership based upon recommendations from individual faculty members. The leadership of each organization selects student organization, external location, and honor society award recipients.
Three Rivers College is committed to contributing to the quality of life in Southeast Missouri with quality, affordable higher education opportunities and community services that support and encourage the economic, civic, and cultural vitality of the region. For more information about college and workforce programs and upcoming events, visit trcc.edu.
Shown in the photo above are from left to right: MacKenzie Young, Alexa Ash, and Stephani Fulford from Dexter, Missouri.
“We’re proud to honor Erick Kirkman for his unwavering support for Three Rivers and our community,” said Dr. Wesley Payne, President of Three Rivers College. “Because of the time and effort put in by people like Erick, Three Rivers can continue to educate our community and help it grow.”
Kirkman, who graduated from Three Rivers in 1994, was selected for the award by a committee of Three Rivers faculty, staff, and community members. Kirkman, who is co-owner and co-founder of Kissinger & Kirkman Investment Centre, LLC, serves on the college’s Business Management Advisory Committee, is frequently a guest speaker for Three Rivers’ business classes, and is a major supporter of the Patrons of the Arts Society.
“We had several outstanding nominations this year, but Erick’s stood out due to his achievements in his profession and the community,” said Michelle Reynolds, Director of Development for Three Rivers. “He’s given back to the college in so many ways, and we’re honored to have him as a true partner in the Poplar Bluff community.”
In addition to receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award, Kirkman has been selected as the Keynote Speaker at Three Rivers’ 2016 Commencement ceremony on May 20 at the Black River Coliseum.
Along with his degree from Three Rivers, Kirkman holds a B.S. in Finance from Arkansas State University. He is a Certified Financial Planner and is Dave Ramsey’s Endorsed Local Provider for Southeast Missouri. He resides in Poplar Bluff with his wife, Dr. Martha Kirkman, and their twin daughters.
Those wishing to attend the May 9 recognition reception should RSVP with Michelle Reynolds at michellereynolds@trcc.edu or 573-840-9077. Kirkman has designated enhancements to the lobby of the Westover Building for any gifts made in his honor.
“We’re proud to honor these teachers, these educators who prepare the leaders of our community,” said Steve Halter, President of the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce. “We believe it’s important that education and business work together to train the future workers for our businesses.”
The chamber traditionally honors seven teachers at the banquet: a full-time faculty member and an adjunct instructor from Three Rivers, three Poplar Bluff R-1 district and grade level teachers, and two teachers from local parochial schools.
Music professor William “Buddy” White was named Teacher of the Year for Three Rivers. White has been teaching at Three Rivers for 25 years, alongside his wife Cindy, who is Chair of the Three Rivers Music Department. White specializes in instrumental music education, and leads the Three Rivers College Symphonic and Jazz Bands.
“I’m proud of the work we’ve done over the years to build up the Music Department at Three Rivers, and make it a place where local musicians can come and hone their craft,” said White. “In addition to our Three Rivers students, we’ve also been fortunate enough to host music festivals and events that helped educate and inspire thousands of local high school musicians throughout the last two decades.”
Mathematics adjunct Harvey French received the Adjunct Teacher of the Year award for Three Rivers. French has 47 years of experience teaching mathematics, six of which he has spent at Three Rivers. In addition to his work at Three Rivers, French has taught at high schools across the region, including Doniphan, Corning, and Naylor.
“I enjoy teaching mathematics in general, and teaching at Three Rivers in particular. My coworkers are a pleasure, and the students are remarkably hard-working,” said French. “I believe teaching math is important because you’re teaching more than just equations—you’re teaching how to think analytically. It helps people learn to make good decisions in life, not just in the classroom.”
“We’re extremely proud of the work that Buddy White and Harvey French have done in our classrooms,” said Dr. Wesley Payne, President of Three Rivers College. “They’re just one example of the excellence all of our instructors display, and the kind of high quality education that our students receive.”
Three Rivers College is committed to contributing to the quality of life in Southeast Missouri with quality, affordable higher education opportunities and community services that support and encourage the economic, civic, and cultural vitality of the region. For more information about college and workforce programs and upcoming events, visit trcc.edu.
Shown in the photo are the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the Year award recipients for 2016 are (from left), Fawn Luecke, Jan Gray, Buddy White, Harvey French, Amy Byrne, Gretchen Pendley, and Michael Berry.
Poplar Bluff, Missouri - Three Rivers College closed its “Changing Lives, Building Futures” fundraising campaign with a “Victory Celebration” held at the college’s Poplar Bluff campus on April 1. The multi-year campaign was focused on raising donations for the college’s major building projects in Sikeston and Poplar Bluff.
“This isn’t a victory just for one person, but for everyone who has worked hard to support the college and make this campaign a success,” said Dr. Wesley Payne, President of Three Rivers College. “And while we are closing the capital campaign, we’re going to continue to move the college forward.”
Over the course of the “Changing Lives, Building Futures” campaign, Three Rivers raised approx. $7.5 million through over 400 private donations. The funds raised supported three major capital projects for the college: the construction of a major instructional facility in Sikeston; the Robert W. Plaster Center for Free Enterprise on the Poplar Bluff campus; and the Libla Family Sports Complex, also on the Poplar Bluff campus.
“Because of this campaign, where six years ago there was just a corn field, today there is one of the most modern education facilities in Missouri,” said Scott Matthews, a major donor to the Three Rivers – Sikeston project. “Three Rivers, at all of its locations, embodies the dreams of the area, and is truly changing lives and building futures.”
Construction on Three Rivers – Sikeston completed in 2014, while the Robert W. Plaster Center for Free Enterprise opened for classes in 2015. The final project supported by the “Changing Lives, Building Futures” campaign, the Libla Family Sports Complex, began construction in 2016, with an official groundbreaking on April 1 prior to the Victory Celebration.
In addition to financial donations, the campaign also generated numerous donations of property and equipment. Major property contributions included a 68-acre donation of land from the Matthews family, which made possible the Three Rivers – Sikeston building; and a significant land donation from Dr. Richard Camp, which was used to complete the college’s Main Entrance project.
While Three Rivers has completed the “Changing Lives, Building Futures” campaign, the college is still seeking donations for multiple initiatives, including one-time and endowed scholarships, the college’s “Excellence Fund,” and continuing support of Three Rivers’ capital projects. For more information on how you can make a difference at Three Rivers, or to make a donation, contact Director of Development Michelle Reynolds at 573-840-9077, or michellereynolds@trcc.edu.
Three Rivers College is committed to contributing to the quality of life in Southeast Missouri with quality, affordable higher education opportunities and community services that support and encourage the economic, civic, and cultural vitality of the region. For more information about college and workforce programs and upcoming events, visit trcc.edu
Shown in the photo is Scott Matthews, a Sikeston resident and major donor to the “Changing Lives, Building Futures” campaign at Three Rivers College, speaks at a Victory Celebration held April 1 to commemorate the completion of that campaign.
