McHenry County College (MCC) recognized 792 graduates at its Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 17 in the College’s gymnasium, 8900 US Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake.
Of this group of graduates, 206 earned honors or high honors with a GPA of 3.50 or greater. The students represented 70 different programs, with Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, AAS in Registered Nursing, Basic Nursing Assistant, and Emergency Medical Technician producing the most graduates.
“This is an incredible moment for our graduates,” said MCC President Dr. Clint Gabbard. “Each of them arrived here with a different story, different challenges—and they trusted us to walk alongside them on this journey. Today, we celebrate not just the degrees and certificates they’ve earned, but their courage, resilience, and follow-through. They finished what they started, and that is no small thing.”
The ceremony included an academic procession of graduates, remarks from Dr. Gabbard, a student presentation by Ramona Henderson (’25), an overview of honors designations, and presentation of degrees and certificates.
“Over the semesters, we have learned how to focus on our studies, celebrate our successes, overcome struggles, juggle our family lives with our commitments and our jobs, all in the pursuit of education,” Henderson said to graduates in her speech. “But most of all, we have grown and learned wonderful insights about ourselves, broadened our understanding of the world, and obtained valuable knowledge at MCC that we will carry with us wherever we go.”
The College also recognized 62 high school students (8 from Harvard High School, 12 from Woodstock High School, 22 from Woodstock North High School, and 20 from Huntley High School) who graduated from the Dual Degree program, meaning they earned both a high school diploma and an associate degree at the same time.
Prior to Saturday’s commencement ceremony, 29 Nursing graduates were also recognized at a Nursing pinning ceremony where they were symbolically welcomed into the profession by nurse faculty. The newly graduated nurses will soon be taking their exam for licensure, NCLEX-RN, and then go on to work as Registered Nurses (RNs).
“Wherever you go next—into a job, a new school, or a new chapter—go boldly,” Gabbard encouraged graduates. “Imagine a future not only where you thrive, but where you help someone else do the same. Dream big for yourself—but also dream of the difference you can make. You’ve proven that you can do hard things. Now you get to decide how to use that strength to shape your life, your community, and your world.”