Kaskaskia College graduates were congratulated Friday night for making their way to graduation despite the pitfalls of COVID-19.
A total of 594 students earned degrees or certificates during the spring and summer semester, including 221 who participated in graduation ceremonies. It was held outside on the soccer field to allow anyone who wished to attend to do so and still follow COVID-19 protocols.
Board of Trustees President Bill Hawley welcomed those in attendance.
In his welcome speech, Hawley said, “You’ve completed your college education under some of the most difficult circumstances anyone has faced in many years. But you’ve done just that, and I commend you for your efforts. I know that your rewards are just beginning.”
College President George Evans said it was a day to be thankful and told students the faculty and staff truly moved mountains for you to allow education to continue. He encouraged the students to live inspired lives.
Evans told the students, “We celebrate you, our amazing students, for your accomplishments and your completion of your academic journey during these truly unprecedented times. You have made it through this time of great sacrifice, national unrest, and uncertainty with your heads high. No-one in this world is better positioned for the task of returning our society to normalcy than you.”
Evans asked students to remember their beginnings started at Kaskaskia College. He noted they are the backbone of the institution and as a community college graduate are three times more likely to succeed at the college level.
Outgoing Student Congress President Chase Ibendahl provided the message from the student body, noting how he has grown during his time at KC and encouraged the other graduates to complete a similar reflection.
Ibendahl remarked, “This school has been our stepping stone towards a successful future. Through these difficult times, I am personally grateful I attended community college. During a pandemic, this was the perfect place to be.”
Ibendahl told fellow graduates to remember where they came from and who helped them get there including family, professors, friends, and most of all themselves.
