At Lawson State, graduation is rarely the end of the story. More often, the unique roads that students take to complete college are proof that persistence pays.
Nearly 300 graduates will walk across the stage at Lawson State’s Spring Commencement, Friday, May 8, at 10 a.m. on the college’s Birmingham campus. Among them are countless stories of early starts, late bloomers, second chances, and generational firsts.
Stories of Success and Perseverance
A few stories are sure to resonate with your audience. The Lawson PR office can arrange for pre-ceremony interview access as needed. Strong local angles offer timely relevance to workforce development and career mobility:
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Belen Cardenas (Computer Science): This Bessemer native was born with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, a rare condition that leaves joints stiff. As a child, she learned to write with her feet, then her mouth, and eventually by hand. After not walking until first grade, she is now crossing the stage with multiple transfer scholarships and plans to attend UAB.
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Tameika Ragland (Accounting): A 50-year-old serial entrepreneur and former college dropout, Tameika is earning her third Lawson State degree. She is graduating alongside her 35-year-old daughter, a criminal justice major, illustrating how families use community colleges to reskill and redefine their careers.
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JaMya Jackson (STEM/Biology): An American Heart Association Fellow and aspiring doctor, JaMya has secured two internship offers for the summer and will transfer to UAB in the fall.
Lawson’s Class of 2026 by the Numbers
The Class of 2026 represents real transformation with graduates ranging from 17 to 71 years old:
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295 graduates earning 352 total credentials
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175 first-generation college students
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21 student-athletes and 9 military veterans
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3 dual enrollment students receiving associate degrees before their high school diplomas
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5 dual enrollment students earning certificates in supply chain logistics
About Lawson State Community College
With campuses in Bessemer and Birmingham, Lawson State serves more than 3,500 students annually. Led by President Dr. Cynthia T. Anthony, the college is comprised of two main divisions—academic and career/technical—preparing students for employment through college transfer, workforce development, and adult education.
Learn more at www.lawsonstate.edu.
