McHenry County College (MCC) recognized 714 graduates at its Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 13 in the College’s gymnasium, 8900 US Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake.
Of this group of graduates, 205 earned honors or high honors with a GPA of 3.50 or greater. The students represented 65 different programs, with Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, AAS in Registered Nursing, Emergency Medical Technician, and Basic Nursing Assistant producing the most graduates.
Due to a record number of graduates wishing to attend the 2023 Spring Commencement, the College held two ceremonies. The first ceremony, held at 9 a.m., was for those earning transfer degrees (Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Engineering Science, or Associate of Fine Arts). The second ceremony, held at 11:30 a.m., was for those earning an Associate in Applied Science, Associate in General Studies, and/or a certificate (including High School Equivalency).
The College also recognized 35 students (14 from Harvard CUSD50 and 21 from Woodstock D200) who were the first to graduate from the Dual Degree program, meaning they earned both a high school diploma and an associate degree at the same time.
“We were thrilled to welcome such a large graduating class this year. That means there are even more talented individuals ready to go out into our community and make it a better place,” said MCC President Dr. Clint Gabbard. “These students all took risks and made sacrifices to be walking across this stage today. With their accomplishments, they’ve proven they can be the change, the innovation, and the humanity that our society needs. We’re proud to call them graduates of MCC.”
The ceremonies included an academic procession of graduates, remarks from Dr. Gabbard, a student presentation by Muskaan Jadeja (9 a.m.) and Rodney Katushabe (11:30 a.m.), alumni presentation by Andy Goll (’94), an overview of honors designations, and presentation of degrees and certificates.
“We sometimes forget how far we’ve come and just how incredible that makes us,” said Katushabe said to students in his commencement address. “For many of you, against all odds, you have accomplished something phenomenal. You've found ways to pay for tuition. You've worked a job and gone to school at the same time. Against all odds, you're raising children and taking care of parents at the same time you are striving to complete your degree. Today we celebrate how far we have all come and look forward to where we must go.”
Jadeja also reflected fondly on her time at MCC during her speech, saying, “Some of us started our time at MCC with very clear goals. Some of us didn’t. Community college is a stepping stone that leads to so many different roads for all of us. We didn’t have to decide exactly where we were headed when we started at MCC. We got the chance to figure out what we wanted from our education here, and where our future careers could take us. We may be going in different directions, but many of us found our direction here.”
In the week leading up to the commencement ceremony, all soon-to-be MCC graduates were encouraged to participate in a variety of activities including e-portfolio assistance, Alumni Association signups, and fun photo sessions in the Graduation Hub.