POPLAR BLUFF, MO. – Three Rivers Community College celebrated its 40th Spring Commencement in ceremonies on Thursday, May 22.
 
         The commencement was held in the Herschel and Arrieta Bess Activity Center on the Three Rivers campus with the college’s faculty and staff participating in the traditional Academic Procession. More than 320 students from more than 20 Missouri counties, four states and three foreign countries took part in the 40th anniversary commencement. Guest speaker was Missouri Speaker of the House Rod Jetton of Marble Hill. 
 
         “This ceremony is the culmination of hard work, sacrifice and the pursuit of dreams. Dreams do come true here at Three Rivers Community College, and the evidence of dreams becoming reality are the graduates and their families honored at this Commencement Ceremony,” said Three Rivers President Dr. John F. Cooper.
 
            Welcoming graduates and guests to the college was Steve Cookson, chairman of the college Board of Trustees. Cookson also greeted the new graduates on behalf of the TRCC Alumni Association. Cookson is a graduate of Three Rivers.
 
            Also participating in the Commencement Ceremony were Dr. Larry Kimbrow, Executive Vice President and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Three Rivers, and the Rev. Byron Beck of the Fellowship Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff who delivered the invocation. The Three Rivers Symphonic Band under the direction of William White performed for the academic processions.
 
            Speaker for the evening was Missouri Speaker of the House Rod Jetton (R-Marble Hill). In his remarks to the graduates, Jetton highlighted three things in life he said will lead to success: a belief in God, hard work and discipline, and service to others.
 
            "I can't tell you how to make millions of dollars or be important in the next few years. But I can tell you that if you follow the teachings of the Bible, work hard at an honorable occupation, and make service to others your goal, then in 25 years you will have the respect and admiration of your fellow man," Jetton said.
 
            Jetton recalled how his grandmother would often repeat an old saying: "Good, better, best, never let it rest until your good is better and your better is best."
 
            "Whatever you do in life, make your good better and your better best, and this will make you successful. You will probably make money, but more importantly, you will change lives," Jetton said.