Columbia State Community College is pleased to announce student graduates Paula Mendoza and Sasha Erickson will deliver the commencement addresses to the graduating class during the Spring 2024 Commencement ceremonies on May 4 at 9 a.m. and 12 p.m., respectively.

A Columbia native, Erickson is a Spring 2024 Columbia State graduate, earning an Associate of Science degree in computer science. Next, she plans to continue her undergraduate education majoring in mechanical engineering, with an end goal of working towards her Ph.D. in the future. During her time at Columbia State, she served as the president of the Student Government Association for the 2023-2024 academic year, where she relayed student input along with organizing many campus events. She also served as secretary for the Student Government President's Council for the Tennessee Board of Regents, and is a member of the President’s Leadership Society. Along with her leadership roles at Columbia State, she works full-time as an assistant manager at Savory Spice Shop in downtown Franklin.

Mendoza is a 2021 Marshall County High School graduate, who is earning an Associate of Applied Science in veterinary technology. During her time at Columbia State, she served as senator for the Student Government Association. She has also been a member of the Phi Theta Kappa and Sigma Kappa Delta Honor Societies. Mendoza was also selected as one of the Merck Animal Health Scholars. Next, she plans to obtain her veterinary license and become specialized.

The commencement ceremony will take place in the Webster Athletic Center on the Columbia Campus.

The commencement ceremony will be streamed live for remote viewing. The ceremony can be found at www.ColumbiaState.edu/Graduation.

For the safety of students, faculty, staff and guests, security personnel will conduct a speedy inspection of all bags, purses and containers. The following items will not be allowed inside or outside during the commencement ceremonies: weapons, strollers, alcohol, laser pointers, lawn chairs, drones, glass containers or any other items deemed unacceptable by Columbia State security or staff.

For a full list of prohibited items, parking, special seating information or further details regarding commencement, please visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Graduation.

Guests should plan to arrive early as seating is limited. Overflow seating will be available in the Ledbetter Auditorium in the Frank G. Clement Building. The Webster Athletic Center is on the Columbia Campus, located at 1665 Hampshire Pike.