News

Elgin Community College celebrates awarding 980+ degrees

Posted May 29, 2022 6:00 am

Submitted by Elgin Community College

Graduates greet the audience as they enter the event center for Elgin Community College's spring commencement ceremonies. Courtesy of Elgin Community College

Elgin Community College held its first in-person commencement ceremonies since 2019 on Friday, May 20, and Saturday, May 21. The spring graduation class consisted of more than 980-degree candidates, with more than 500 participating in the weekend ceremonies.

Student Trustee Allison McVey of South Elgin congratulates a graduate. Courtesy of Elgin Community College

Beginning on Friday, 50 graduates were recognized for earning their High School Equivalency certificates. Student speakers included Sheila Aragon (Streamwood) and Francisco Chagoya (Elgin).

Saturday's celebrations began with the University Transfer ceremony at 10 a.m. More than 320 graduates attended. Degrees awarded included associate in arts, associate in science, associate in fine arts-visual art emphasis, associate in fine arts-music performance emphasis, associate in engineering science, and associate in liberal studies. Dual credit participant and now graduate Dylan Mejdrich (Hampshire - Associate of Arts) delivered the students' address. Also, this year, an honorary degree was presented to Jeffery Meyers, JD, a former member of the Elgin Community College District 509 board of trustees.

ECC University Transfer graduates acknowledge family and friends at commencement. Courtesy of Elgin Community College

The Career and Technical programs ceremony followed at 2 p.m. on Saturday for those earning associate of applied science degrees, vocational specialist certificates, and basic vocational specialist certificates. Nearly 200 graduates were in attendance. Evelin Gonzalez Tapia (Elgin - Associate of Applied Science) delivered the students' address.

Students are assigned to the graduation ceremony based on the credential(s) earned. All ceremonies were streamed live and recorded for viewing at youtube.com/ElginSpartans.

Some ECC graduates decorated their caps with personal messages. Courtesy of Elgin Community College

ECC President Dr. David Sam delivered the commencement address for both ceremonies. Chair of the board of trustees, Jennifer Rakow, also provided remarks during the ceremonies. John Karnatz, communications unit adjunct faculty, and 2022 Orrin G. Thompson Teaching Excellence part-time faculty recipient, provided faculty remarks.

Dylan Mejdrich of Hampshire delivers the student address at the University Transfer ceremony. "We all have our stories and experiences that have shaped who we are today," he said. "Yet we have the rest of our lives to create new stories and write new chapters. Don't forget where you came from and what you have been through, but most importantly, celebrate what is to come." Courtesy of Elgin Community College

For information, visit elgin.edu/celebrate.

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.