CLC celebrates 2022 graduates

Graduation day is one of the biggest moments in many people's lives, including Carmen Munoz-Aboytes, a first-generation graduate and one of nearly 300 to participate in College of Lake County's 2022 graduation ceremony. More than 3,000 CLC students graduated with a degree or certificate.

"I was really excited because I'm the first one in my family to graduate from college," Munoz-Aboytes said. "It was an emotional day for my parents and me."

Munoz-Aboytes graduated with an associate in applied science in medical imaging, and she plans on continuing her education.

CLC graduates and their family and friends parked their cars in rows, drive-in movie theater style, to watch speeches by college administrators, faculty, staff and fellow graduates on a big screen for the second year in a row. The celebration continued to the gym, where students walked the stage and received their diplomas.

"Commencement is one of the most important days we celebrate as an educational institution," CLC President Dr. Lori Suddick said to the graduates.

"We not only recognize your academic achievements and your personal victories, we also recognize the resilience, flexibility and grace you displayed in order to reach your academic goals."

Kimberly Williams, who graduated with a legal studies degree, said, "CLC held an amazing graduation. Everyone at the college was really engaged and very proud of the students. It made me excited to continue my education."