NATCHEZ — Copiah-Lincoln Community College’s Natchez campus celebrated its 40th year with a rousing graduation ceremony in the Natchez Convention Center Friday night.

“Tonight, we give thanks to those who have helped us along the way; we assure them that their efforts did not go unnoticed, and we move forward to the next chapter,” said Faith O’Brien in her commencement address.

“My time at Co-Lin was well spent,” O’Brien said. “I will not leave here afraid of what is to come. I will move forward, welcoming new challenges as they arise, knowing that I possess all the skills necessary to achieve my dream.”

The invocation was given by Cicely White-Lee, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance by student Peter Bland, a veteran. Campus Vice President Teresa Busby welcomed students, officials and guests.

Dr. Jane Hulon, vice president of instruction, introduced the graduates. Dr. Ronnie Nettles, Co-Lin president, along with Eugene Bates, chairman of the Board of Trustees, presented the graduates with their degrees and certificates.

Graduate Joshua Werst welcomed guests to the ceremony.

“I would also like to welcome the members of Board of Trustees, along with the city and county officials who are present. Your continued support of our college has always been, and will always be, greatly appreciated,” Werst said. “And to our distinguished faculty and staff: Your unrelenting commitment to the success of your students along with the standards of excellence that you set for us — and for yourselves — have been crucial to all of our many achievements. I would also like to extend a special thank you to the family and friends of our graduates that are here tonight. Without your love and encouragement, many of us — myself included — would not have made it this far. It is because of all of you that we stand before you tonight, with pride in ourselves, with gratitude in our hearts and with the keys to success in our hands. It is because of you that we will leave here tonight fully prepared for the next chapter of our lives. And to my fellow graduates, congratulations!”