May 20, 2015 (Jackson, Miss.) - Families and friends gathered to celebrate the Class of 2015 at the Belhaven Commencement Ceremony on May 9, 2015. This celebration marked the graduation of 850 Belhaven students throughout the year.
Two ceremonies honored the accomplishments of undergraduate, graduate, adult and online students at Thalia Mara Hall in Downtown Jackson, Miss.
Mrs. Robbie Hughes was the commencement speaker for both ceremonies. Mrs. Hughes grew up inDallas, Texasand went to Texas State College for Women.She worked for Delta Airlines and H.L. Hunt Oil & Gas Co.She started teaching Sunday school when she was 19 and taught for over 40 years.After she and her husband, Dudley, moved toJackson, she was the host of a TV talk show on WJTV.Mrs. Hughes was a delegate to the National Republican Convention and she served on their Platform Committee. She then served as a National Elector for the National Republican Convention.She is a former member of the National Conservative Political Action Committee (NCPAC) and the House Majority Trust.In 2009, the Hughes were recognized as Philanthropists of the Year by the Mississippi Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Dr. Roger Parrott, Belhaven University President, awarded Mrs. Hughes an honorary Doctor of Business during the ceremony. Senior Vice President and Provost Dr. Dan Fredericks also awarded Mrs. Janie Smith the Faculty Emeritus Award for her 29 years of service as Associate Professor of Mathematics.
Watch both graduation ceremonies below.