Graduates shine at the Parnall Correctional Facility Commencement Ceremony
August 15, 2023
Commencement can be a special occasion for college graduates and their families including at the Parnall Correctional Facility.
Family members came together to watch a group of 18 incarcerated individuals be recognized for earning their degrees from Jackson College.
Transformation through a unique program
It was made possible through the Corrections Education Program.
The commencement celebration at the Parnall Correctional Facility is just the latest in a series of such ceremonies as part of Jackson College’s Correction Education Program, with nearly 100 incarcerated students achieving their educational goal. The leadership of Michigan Department of Corrections Director Heidi Washington and her staff, as well as the support from Parnall’s Warden, Noah Nagy, provide a grand vision for this unique program, allowing these men to leave the prison with a solid higher education experience – debt free,” President Daniel Phelan said.
The combined GPA of the graduating class from Parnall Correctional Facility is 3.87. Twelve students graduated with High Honors. No small accomplishment according to MDOC Director Heidi Washington.
“You have made that commitment and it’s paid off,” Washington said to the crowd. “You had the motivation and drive to no longer be defined by the worst action in your life. You are working to make yourself better. Making this positive change in yourself can lead to positive changes in your family, in the environment here at the facility and eventually positive changes in your community.”
Overcoming adversity
A recent graduate, Troy, recanted his life in his speech. He has served 17 years in the facility. Now, he is the first person in his family to have a degree.
“Things haven’t been easy for us,” Troy said. “We all had to deal with COVID. We didn’t have the luxury of laptops or the Internet access to the library to get references and sources. We were able to write long papers and reading long chapters with no help. We have made mistakes. Those mistakes won’t ruin our lives. We can recuperate from our mistakes and move forward and achieve something to better our lives.”
He graduated with two associate degrees after four years.
“The stories told by the two graduates continue to highlight the life-changing impact of a college degree, and, we know from research, that a college degree leads to significantly reduced recidivism. In all, it was a great day and I look forward to these gentlemen returning to society soon,” Phelan said.
Building a brighter future
Family members were in attendance, including Steven who witnessed his stepfather graduate.
“I think it’s an amazing opportunity for these people to get to reinvent themselves in a way and I think it’s great that you are giving them the opportunity to let them do that,” he said.
Jackson College offers five associate degrees through the Correctional Education Program – general studies, arts, science (at select facilities), applied science business administration , arts in business administration along with a certificate in public administration and management.
To qualify for the program, prospective students must have completed their GED, earned their high school diploma, and/or have had prior college credit, have six months of clear conduct, financial support to cover tuition and fees and be within 30 to 96 months of their earliest release date depending on programming requirements.
To learn more about the program, click here.