Kaskaskia College celebrated graduation Friday night for a class that faced many changes due to COVID-19.
College President George Evans noted the extra care taken by students, faculty, and staff to allow students to continue their course of studies. He then offered some advice.
“Graduates following your dreams can both be fearful and can be exciting as it should be, but be sure to remember true courage is facing your fear and the fear of failure holds most people back. but graduates I’m here to tell you, you are not most people. Believe in yourself, believe in your future, and you’ll find your way.”
About 250 graduates from the fall and spring semesters walked across the outdoor stage at the soccer field to get their diplomas and certificates. The college reports in all, 566 students graduated during the two terms earning a total of 740 certificates and diplomas.
Kristin Bailey delivered the address for the student body noting this was the first normal graduation for many of them due to COVID. She also asked them to be thankful.
“I do not think I am alone in saying that I came to Kaskaskia College with the uncertainty of what I was going to do in the future or even if college was even right for me. However, my experiences here have shaped the course of my life forever.”
The college presented honorary degrees to two students who lost their lives before being able to complete their degrees. They are Michael Jacob Brown and Jacob ‘Jake’ Moseley.
Kristin Bailey delivers the message from the students as KC President George Evans looks on.
Nearly 250 of the college’s 566 graduates took part in Friday night’s graduation ceremony.
