Paris Junior College celebrated the 96th spring Commencement with a modified in-person ceremony that included a Teaching Excellence Award. More than 250 students, including current graduates as well as those who had virtual ceremonies in 2020, participated in the graduation at Noyes Stadium on May 7, 2021.
“This has not been easy year for anyone,” said PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin. “It has been a year where we have navigated our way through an environment we have not known in our lifetimes. We have worked together to make sure our campus was safe for employees and students. We have seen our students struggle through adversity to complete college classes. We have struggled at times with the situations we have faced. We have persevered.
“We celebrate the completion of another school year and the students who have been resilient and finished certificates or associate degrees during a pandemic. They are crossing the finish line after overcoming every obstacle that got in their way this past year. Thank you to all PJC faculty and staff for the work you have done to help these graduates cross that finish line.”
PJC Watchmaking Instructor Stan McMahan was announced as the 2021 Teaching Excellence Award. The award includes a $1,000 honorarium, a medallion and a plaque.
According to his nomination letter, McMahan exhibits extraordinary passion for students, faculty, staff, and PJC. He inspires students as well as faculty members due to his upbeat personality and love of teaching. Despite wearing a face mask, those he meets can always tell that McMahan is smiling.
“He is constantly reading and researching new ways of improving his teaching style, engaging the students, and making the program the best possible,” said nominators. “He is willing to adapt to any changes necessary for the good of PJC; reaches out to any student that may need assistance with coursework or personal matters to ensure student retention is maintained; grades fairly and consistently with all students; and is always concerned with the welfare of everyone around him, not only students but faculty and staff as well.”
“We have been blessed in many ways tonight,” said Dr. Anglin as she closed the ceremony. “We have been able to have an in-person graduation ceremony. We have finished the year and kept people safe on campus. We can look forward to a new fall semester without the magnitude of challenges we faced this year.
To the faculty and staff, thank you again for making this year the best we could make it under the circumstances.”
Graduate photos are on the PJC Facebook page here.
A pdf of the graduation program may be downloaded here.
The event was also livestreamed and may be viewed on the PJC YouTube channel here.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
