COLUMBIA — Columbia State Community College celebrated 478 degree and certificate candidates at fall commencement ceremonies on December 13, with 162 graduates crossing the stage at the Webster Athletic Center. The ceremony honored students who set educational goals and achieved them despite multiple personal and professional obligations.
Robert Rogers, a Columbia native and dealer principal for Parks Motor Sales, delivered the commencement address. Rogers is a former Columbia State student who transferred to Middle Tennessee State University and graduated cum laude in 2003 with a degree in business administration. He continues the family legacy at Parks Motor Sales, a dealership that has served Columbia for seven decades, and serves on the Columbia State Foundation Board.
Rogers shared three messages with graduates: embrace adventure and opportunity ("go do a little skylarking"), choose to support others rather than chase achievement alone, and make every moment count. "You're not promised tomorrow," Rogers told the graduates. "Don't waste a minute." His address reflected the values of service, stewardship, and intentional living that define the Maury County business and faith communities from which he comes.