McHenry County College (MCC) recognized 913 graduates at its Spring 2026 Commencement on Saturday, May 16 in the College’s gymnasium, 8900 US Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake.
Of the Spring 2026 graduates, 208 earned honors or high honors with a GPA of 3.50 or greater. The students represented 109 different programs, with Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, AAS in Registered Nursing, Basic Nursing Assistant Certificate, Emergency Medical Technician Certificate, Firefighter Basic Certificate, and Associate in Engineering Science producing the most graduates. Several new programs also graduated their first cohorts of students, including iOS Development Certificate with Integrated AI, Android with Integrated AI Certificate, Introduction to Graphic Design Certificate, and Python Certificate.
MCC also recognized 79 high school students (20 students from Huntley High School, 23 from Woodstock North High School, 17 from Woodstock High School, and 19 from Harvard High School) graduating from the Dual Degree program, meaning they earned both a high school diploma and an associate’s degree at the same time.
On Friday evening, May 15, more than 30 Nursing graduates were also recognized at a Nursing pinning ceremony where they were symbolically welcomed into the profession by nurse faculty.
Due to a record number of graduates participating in Commencement, the College held two ceremonies. The first ceremony, held at 9 a.m., was for those earning an Associate in Applied Science, Associate in General Studies, and/or a certificate. The second ceremony, held at 11 a.m., was for those earning a transfer degree (Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Engineering Science, or Associate of Fine Arts).
“We have the privilege of witnessing so many inspiring stories of transformation,” said MCC President Dr. Clint Gabbard. “Our graduates have demonstrated extraordinary perseverance. Many balanced work, family responsibilities, or financial challenges; some pursued one career path before needing to switch to another—so many people starting, stopping, and finding a way to start again. In choosing to complete this journey, they’ve proven to themselves how capable they are, and they leave MCC better prepared to make a difference in their communities and careers."
The ceremonies included an academic procession of graduates, remarks from Dr. Gabbard, a student presentation by Kevin Riley (9 a.m.) and Molly Stockwell (11 a.m.), an overview of honors designations, and presentation of degrees and certificates.
“When you get an opportunity, take it, make it work for you, and run as far as you can with it,” Riley said to graduates during his commencement address. “Just being willing opens doors in life. Even when the world is a hard place, we carry everything we need to face it.”
Stockwell reflected on the personal growth students experienced at MCC during her speech, saying, “Here, you are writing your own story and making your own direction. There are people here who guide you along the way, but ultimately you are the director. As we walk across this stage today and receive our degrees, we’re not just closing a chapter; we’re stepping into the next act with the confidence to write whatever comes next.”
