University of Mount Olive graduates 230
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on August 26, 2018 3:05 AM
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News-Argus/PHYLLIS MOORE
Students turn their tassels at the end of the 65th commencement for the University of Mount Olive Saturday.
The University of Mount Olive held its 65th commencement exercises on Saturday in the George and Annie Dail Kornegay Arena on campus.
It was the first ceremony for newly minted president David Poole, who conferred degrees on the 230 candidates receiving associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees from the institution's seven sources -- online and at satellite campuses in Mount Olive, Jacksonville, New Bern, Research Triangle Park, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Smithfield at Johnston Community College, Washington and Wilmington.
Nicole Rhooms from Fayetteville adorned her cap with two gold crosses and the words, "She Believed She Could So She Did."
"I went to Michaels (craft shop)," she said, explaining the foolproof decoration plan was accomplished through "self-adhesive" letters and stencils.
It took her a little over a year to earn her master's degree in education, specifically early childhood education, while juggling a job as a special education teacher and her family. She and her husband, Robert, have two children.
Daughter NiDaria was clearly proud of her mother's big day.
"She's great," the 17-year-old said.
A high school senior, she will head off to college next year, she said, with plans to double major in biology and chemistry.
Reflecting on the road to graduation, Nicole called it "amazing."
"I feel accomplished," she said. "I feel like I have done something for my children to look forward to ... an example for what I want them to be.
"I'm super proud of myself."
William Sessions was very excited to put on the green cap and gown that represented an especially long road.
"After 15 years of drug abuse, being homeless and so many obstacles, it seemed like every time I would get to the second or third semester since high school, I'd relapse," he said.
The 49-year-old Mount Olive man received his associate in science degree but doesn't plan to stop there. He said he intends to continue his education at UMO and ultimately earn a degree in criminal justice and minor in religion.
This weekend's milestone was important to him as well as his family, he said.
"It means a lot to me because, No. 1, it's proof positive that with hard work and determination, you can accomplish anything and that it's possible to begin again," he said. "Not only that, but it leaves somewhat of a legacy to my son and grandson."
Two words adorned Jennifer Combs' graduation cap -- criminal justice. They were the focus for the Autryville woman for the past "four years and one semester," she said.
In addition to pursuing a bachelor's degree, she juggled a full-time job at the Department of Social Services in Sampson County along with the roles of being a wife and a mother to three girls.
"I also went through surgery and lost my father," she added.
The experience of attending college at UMO was a most positive one, she said.
"I'm more than pleased," she said. "I told professors, this has been the hardest journey of my life -- I put more than blood, sweat and tears into this.
"It's like a dream. You always want to go to college after high school, but things happen like life."
She credited her parents with encouraging her to stick with it and says she is grateful that it all paid off.
Standing outside the arena, Natalie Daniels Gibble reflected on a previous ceremony when she formerly lived in Goldsboro.
"My high school graduation was here 23 years ago," the Southern Wayne High School alumna said.
This weekend the Beaufort resident, who earned her degree from UMO at New Bern, received an associate degree in general studies.
"And I start Monday at UMO in New Bern," she said, with plans to work on a bachelor's degree in business.
Her husband, Rex, attends UMO and daughter, Lexie Clevenger, is working on her master's degree in clinical counseling at East Carolina University.
Craig and Pam Daniels of New Bern were on hand to watch daughter Natalie receive her diploma.
"I have preached to these children, education, education, education -- the more education, the more doors are going to open," Craig said.
Jushanna Goree of Bladenboro earned her master's of science in nursing.
Her online studies took 18 months, done while also working full time as a consultant nurse in Wilmington.
Next up is the dream of becoming a nursing instructor.
"I'm trying to get those applications out," she said.
Reaching the finish line may have been "slow and steady," but it was well worth it, she said.