McHenry County College (MCC) recognized 528 graduates at its Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, December 13 in the College’s gymnasium, 8900 US Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake.
Of this group of graduates, 86 earned honors or high honors with a GPA of 3.50 or greater. The students represented 73 different programs, with Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Basic Nursing Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician, and Occupational Therapy Assistant AAS producing the most graduates.
“This is an extraordinary day for our students,” said MCC President Dr. Clint Gabbard. “They trusted us to walk with them on this part of their journey, but they’re the ones who showed up, stayed curious, pushed through setbacks, and kept learning. Their resilience will make them powerful contributors and leaders in our community. On behalf of the entire college, thank you for choosing MCC. We are truly better off because you were here.”
The ceremony included an academic procession of graduates, remarks from Dr. Gabbard, a distinguished alumnus presentation by Kristina Whitmore, M.S.N. (’98); a student presentation by Nicole Allard (’25), an overview of honors designations, and presentation of degrees and certificates.
In her speech, Allard encouraged graduates to “start with one,” inspired by both a phrase her mother said growing up and a message she recently saw on an MCC billboard.
“Every world-changing moment began the same way—with a person who decided to start, even when it seemed too small to matter. Those small steps ripple outward. They connect the moments in your life and change your trajectory,” she said. “If you’re sitting here today, wearing that cap and gown, surrounded by the people who helped you get here—that means you’ve already started. At some point, you made the choice to take that first step. Maybe it was filling out an application, signing up for a class, or walking into a building where you didn’t know a single person. Look at where that one small step led you. You’ve challenged yourself in ways you never thought possible. You’ve met people you never expected to grow so close to. And you’ve accomplished things you might not have believed you could. All of it—every hour, every paper, every effort, every friendship—started from a single decision to begin.”