Special to the
Opelika Observer

Southern Union State Community College (SUSCC) celebrated its 96th Commencement on May 9.
Originally chartered by the Southern Christian Convention of Congregational Christian Churches, SUSCC was established in 1922 and welcomed its first class of 51 students in 1923.
The college’s 2019 enrollment is 4,800 students, and 203 students participated in this year’s graduation ceremony.
“Graduation is the most important day on our annual calendar because we recognize our students for their commitment and hard work in reaching their goals,” said SUSCC President Todd Shackett.
“We are honored that these students chose to be a part of the Southern Union family and wish them all the best in the future.”
Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy Baker served as the ceremony keynote speaker.
Alexis Jackson of Opelika and Katie Hill of Woodland each received the award for the Most Outstanding Students in the academic division. Hunter Bowling of Beulah was named Most Outstanding Student in the technical division and Wendy Weimer of Auburn was named the Most Outstanding Student in the health sciences division.
With campuses in Wadley, Opelika and Valley, Southern Union is the second oldest two-year college in the state of Alabama.
Pictured with SUSCC President Todd Shackett (far left) and ACCS Chancellor Jimmy Baker (far right) are the 2019 most outstanding students Weiner, Jackson, Bowling and Hill.