Kishwaukee College held its Fall 2022 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 17, in the gymnasium, with 74 students attending to commemorate their achievements.
The ceremony recognized graduates who earned Associate Degrees, Certificates of Completion, Short-Term Training credentials, and Illinois High School Diploma credentials. Overall, approximately 200 students completed a program or certificate requirement for the Fall 2022 semester.
Ethan Rutten, who graduated with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Marketing & Management, served as the Student Speaker during the ceremony. Rutten shared a story of how he was inspired by a woman who earned her bachelor’s degree at 93 years old. Rutten emphasized there is no time limit for accomplishing life goals.
“Kishwaukee College has afforded me so many opportunities and experiences over the years and has allowed me to balance both life and accomplishing my dreams,” Rutten said. “So, graduates, let us go from here today and always remember that it is never too late to accomplish our dreams or make the world a better place. I know that we can, and I know that we will.”
Along with Rutten, students heard remarks from Dr. Laurie Borowicz, President of Kishwaukee College; Bob Johnson, Kishwaukee College Board of Trustees Chair; and Tammy Tiggelaar, Associate Professor of Business, Marketing & Management. Tiggelaar highlighted the challenges the class overcame in earning a degree during a pandemic and encouraged the students to carry on that resolve as they take their next steps.
“Your college degree is a starting point. You need to continue to set goals and dream it, dedicate yourself to achieving those goals, and just do it,” Tiggelaar said. “Become a lifelong learner. You’ve proved that you can be successful at it.”
The ceremony was livestreamed on Kish’s social media channels and website. To view the ceremony, visit www.kish.edu/commencement.