McHenry County College (MCC) recognized 709 graduates at its Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 11 in the College’s gymnasium, 8900 US Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake.
Of this group of graduates, 194 earned honors or high honors with a GPA of 3.50 or greater. The students represented 78 different programs, with Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, AAS in Registered Nursing, Basic Nursing Assistant, and Emergency Medical Technician producing the most graduates.
“These students have proven to themselves that they’re able to persevere when times get tough. They’re able to set a goal and achieve it,” said MCC President Dr. Clint Gabbard. “We’re confident in their ability to take what they’ve learned here and go out into the community to make it a better place.”
The ceremony included an academic procession of graduates, remarks from Dr. Gabbard, a student presentation by Gianna Barger (’24), an alumni presentation by Dana Gliniecki (’10), an overview of honors designations, and presentation of degrees and certificates.
“Today is proof you can achieve difficult things,” Barger said to students in her commencement address. “You can’t let the first ‘bad review’ keep you from moving forward. Some of us are moving into the workplace, others are continuing their education, but no matter what, you can do it. You owe it to yourself to keep pushing.”
MCC also celebrated several graduates who will be part of the first class to continue their education through the University Center at MCC next fall. The University Center, located in downtown Woodstock, allows students to earn bachelor’s or advanced degrees close to home through partnerships with four-year universities.
“A year ago, I was worried about how I could pursue my bachelor’s degree after completing my associate degree. Being a mother of four made it difficult for me to physically attend classes far from my home,” said Hafsa Ghafoor, who graduated Saturday with her AAS in graphic arts. Ghafoor also currently works in Adult Education at MCC and will be pursuing her bachelor’s degree in graphic design through the University Center at MCC in the fall. “The University Center appealed to me due to the incredible convenience and cost savings of being able to complete a top-tier, four-year degree right here in my local community,” she added.
Another student, Maureen Lewis, graduated with her AAS in paralegal studies. Lewis completed an internship at a local law firm last fall and will continue working there throughout the summer. “It really helped me gain a better understanding of what I was learning in class,” she said of the experience. Lewis will be continuing her education at the University of Illinois – Springfield in the fall to pursue her bachelor’s degree.
The College also recognized 54 high school students (9 from Harvard High School, 11 from Woodstock High School, 16 from Woodstock North High School, and 18 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. This was the first Dual Degree graduating class from Huntley High School and the second from Woodstock D200 and Harvard CUSD50.
One of Woodstock North’s graduating students, Josue Figueroa, will continue his education at Washington University in St. Louis to study neuroscience in the fall.
“I feel very accomplished and relieved having completed high school with my diploma and an associate degree,” Figueroa said of his time in the Dual Degree program. “As a first-generation student, my parents played a huge role in encouraging me to participate in and stick with the program. This certificate serves as a recognition to not only my hard work, but to their support and sacrifices.”
Another Dual Degree student, Renee Schleutermann from Woodstock High School, will be attending the University of Louisville in the fall to major in political science and history with a minor in Spanish on the pre-law track.
“I'm excited that I was able to be a part of such a unique program,” she said. “It’s such an accomplishment to graduate high school with a college degree. Not many people are given that opportunity. I’m very grateful and excited to use the experience at my four-year university.”
Prior to Saturday’s commencement ceremony, 27 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).
Saturday’s graduates were all encouraged to go out in the community to make a difference and continue to do great things, as emphasized during the ceremony by Gabbard.
“We know that you may face both exciting opportunities and challenges to come,” he said. “We are so grateful for the knowledge, strength, and resilience that have grown in you while at MCC—all of which will make you powerful members of our community, and eventually, our leaders.”