First RISE Graduates walk the stage at University of Southern Mississippi

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WXXV)- The University of Southern Miss is sharing their first Rise graduates are participating in commencement ceremonies.

Taylor Carly and Dan Lewis are part of a program for people with intellectual and other development disabilities

RISE is a four-year, eight semester non-degree certificate, one of only two programs in the state.

The program launched in 2023, with the executive coordinator saying that celebrating the first graduates is a meaningful experience.