photo by Hannah Reel

Alcorn State University graduate Katie Gilmore helps Doreen Adusei adjust her robe prior to the commencement ceremony at the school Saturday morning.

Alcorn graduates look to the future

By Cain Madden (Contact) | The Natchez Democrat

Published Sunday, May 9, 2010

LORMAN — Alcorn State University celebrated its 2010 graduating class Saturday morning, but a few students weren’t quite done learning.

As ASU’s 139th class was honored, Faye Barnes of Natchez, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in childhood development, couldn’t help but think about the fall semester.

“There is no need to stop now,” said Barnes, a non-traditional student. “I have to keep going.”

Barnes said her interest in early childhood development stems from her work as an assistant teacher at Holy Family Catholic School for 18 years.

“I’m working to be a positive role model,” Barnes said. “Alcorn has prepared me to move forward in educating children in the classroom and helping those who need my help out in the community.”

When she does graduate for the final time, Barnes said she’d like to continue working at Holy Family, only higher up the ladder.

“I’m just going it one day at a time, but there is hope that I will teach at Holy Family,” she said.

Ivan Evans, a teacher at Natchez High School, received his bachelor’s degree at the University of Southern Mississippi in 2004. After a four-year break, he came to Alcorn to earn his master’s in secondary education and graduated Saturday.

“Next, I’m going to find a doctorate program and enroll in it,” Evans said. “You can never stop learning — it is definitely something you have to keep going.”

Evans said after he earns his doctorate, he plans to keep his career options flexible.

“It just depends on whatever life throws at me,” he said.

After working in the Franklin County School District, Loretta Stander decided Alcorn was the right place to earn her bachelor’s.

“I saw where (my students) needed more advanced knowledge,” Stander said. “I wanted to get the knowledge to help make their futures brighter.”

Stander said she plans to return to the college grounds in the fall, and she hopes to work with the Head Start program when she finishes her degree.

“I love smaller children, and that is where they start,” Stander said. “I feel the earlier they start learning, the better their future.”

The class of 2010 was Alcorn’s largest graduating class, with 746 graduates.