Three Rivers College conferred more than 930 degrees and certificates to nearly 585 students at its 58th annual Commencement Ceremony on May 8 at the Libla Family Sports Complex.
Each year, Three Rivers takes a moment during graduation to highlight the achievements of some of its students. In this, the College’s 60th anniversary, it spotlighted the achievements of graduates Misty Pryor, Samantha Pankey, Natalie Akers, Cletus Ray, Johann Pautsch, and McKinley West.
“The Completion of a college degree is a great achievement for every graduate,” Three Rivers President Dr. Wesley Payne said during Commencement. “For those who are the first to complete their college degree, it is even more momentous.”
Misty Pryor – First Generation College Graduate
Pryor, a first-generation college graduate, had a dream 30 years ago of becoming a registered nurse. However, as a child with learning disabilities, she believed that the goal was out of reach.
Despite those doubts, she found inspiration in her parents, who never attended college. Her father earned his GED, but the closest he came to college was teaching small engine classes at Three Rivers College. Misty says that her parents’ love of learning and strong work ethic gave her the foundation to persevere.
With that foundation, she pressed forward, worked full-time, raised a family, and took classes one or two at a time. When she felt discouraged, she would walk the halls and look at the photos of nursing graduates, telling herself that one day she would be on that wall.
In 2018, her determination paid off. She completed the Practical Nursing program, made the Dean’s List, received an Academic Excellence Award, and served as a class representative. She then went on to work and travel as a nurse, knowing her journey was not complete.
“Three Rivers made the goal of becoming a registered nurse feel possible when I once believed it was out of reach,” Pryor said in her Commencement address. “My confidence grew in ways I never expected. I realized that I could succeed in college and in nursing. The encouragement and support I received gave me hope and helped me see that I could achieve goals I once thought were unattainable.”
Pryor graduated from the Registered Nursing program and served as a class representative, a member of the Student Nurses Association, and Alpha Delta Nu Honor Society. All while working full-time.
Samantha Pankey – Non-Traditional Student
“A significant number of our graduates are people we call non-traditional…students who did not come straight to college after graduating high school,” Payne said. “These students are all examples of the fact that if you are truly motivated, it is never too late to follow your dreams.”
Pankey enrolled at Three Rivers in 2015, nearly 10 years after graduating high school. She then had a child and took time off from school to focus on motherhood. During the past 10 years, she’s had two children, been married, moved to a new state, and worked several jobs before finally finding her passion and deciding to pursue it. During her college career, Pankey has been a full-time student and worked full-time, and is already enrolled full-time at Arkansas State University, where she plans to earn her bachelor’s degree in agriculture.
“Three Rivers has fantastic staff that are always readily available to help when needed,” Pankey said in her Commencement address. “My advisors and instructors were fantastic. I cannot thank my agriculture advisor and instructor, Kathryn Clark, who has been so helpful in guiding my path at Three Rivers and extending an offer to help even after graduation.”
Natalie Akers – Family Affair
“At almost every Three Rivers Commencement, there are examples of the way the College serves entire families,” Payne said. “Natalie graduated with her AAS in Nursing and continued a proud family tradition at Three Rivers College.”
Akers’ mother, Donna, is a 1991 graduate of the Nursing Program, and her father, Jim, attended Three Rivers in 1992, and her connection to TRC extends even further. Her brother participated in Dual Credit courses while in high school, and her sister, Nicole, is set to begin her first semester at Three Rivers in August.
In her address, Natalie said that through life’s highs and lows—including the loss of family, a new marriage, and many other challenges—the Three Rivers faculty and staff have remained a constant source of support.
“Her accomplishment is not only a testament to her resilience and dedication, but also a continuation of her family’s legacy in healthcare,” Payne said.
Cletus Ray – Graduates with Military Service
“Cletus, like many of our graduates, chose to serve his country before pursuing his college education and embodies the spirit of selfless service and resilience,” Payne said.
Ray serves as the Quartermaster for the VFW and has gone far beyond the administrative requirements of his role. He has served as a dedicated advocate and a hands-on helper for countless veterans. Whether navigating complex logistics or stepping in to assist with personal projects that fellow veterans couldn’t complete alone.
He has navigated many sleepless nights and high-stress periods, balancing his professional responsibilities with an intense commitment to community service and in pursuit of his education. His ability to push through barriers, whether financial, physical, or emotional, shows his grit and character.
In his address, Ray wrote that with the support of staff like Alysia Musser to help reduce the stress of dealing with the VA, the encouragement of Mr. (Chris) Adams that he wasn’t too old, and discussions with his instructor Gregory Watts about the growing field of Automation Manufacturing and the need to learn more, he has been able to complete his current academic mission.
Johann Pautsch – International Graduates
“Each year, Three Rivers is proud to have students from around the world come to us to chase their dreams and pursue their goals,” Payne said. “Johann is from Düsseldorf, Germany, and has been an incredible addition to Three Rivers over the past two years. Originally coming to Three Rivers on a men’s basketball scholarship to pursue his dream of playing at the next level, Johann has grown both on and off the court.”
Pautsch’s instructors and advisors stated that his work ethic in the classroom, commitment to his sport, and positive presence on campus have set him apart. Pautsch graduated with near-perfect attendance, is active in class discussions, and encourages and assists other students. He is often seen on campus interacting with different groups of students and always has a positive attitude. He graduated with a GPA that is close to perfect.
In his address, Pautsch said Three Rivers has helped him reach his goals both athletically and academically by allowing him to continue pursuing his dreams while earning a quality education. He has fully embraced his American educational experience and has continued shaping himself into the person he strives to become.
Also in the ceremony, newly elected Board of Trustees Secretary and former Three Rivers men’s basketball coach Brian Bess helped open the ceremony by leading the invocation.
The Three Rivers Swingsations, directed by Professor Cindy White, performed “I Lived” with words and music by Ryan Tedder and Noel Zancanella.
