Kishwaukee College held its Spring 2023 Commencement on Saturday, May 20, in the gymnasium, with 245 students attending ceremonies to commemorate their achievements.
Kish held a 9 am ceremony for 136 students graduating with Associate in Applied Science degrees, Certificates of Completion, Short-Term Training or Illinois High School Diploma credentials, followed by an 11 am ceremony for 109 students graduating with Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Engineering Science, or Associate in General Studies degrees. Overall, 483 students applied to graduate and were eligible to participate in the Spring 2023 Commencement ceremonies.
Ashley Villalpando, who graduated with an Associate in Science degree with an emphasis in biological and physical sciences, served as the Student Speaker for both ceremonies. Villalpando emphasized the importance of pursuing life goals and encouraged her fellow graduates to continue to make a difference.
“Your journey is just beginning, and I hope that wherever you go, you find comfort and safety in the people around you. Don’t be a bystander to your own life. Pursue your life’s greatest passions. Don’t let doubt stop you, and give yourself room to learn and grow,” Villalpando said.
Along with Villalpando, students heard remarks from Dr. Laurie Borowicz, President of Kishwaukee College; Bob Johnson, Kishwaukee College Board of Trustees Chair; and Sherry Haley, Assistant Professor of Nursing. Haley offered inspiration in overcoming life’s challenges.
“Remember, only you decide how the rest of the pages of your story will be written — through the chances you take, the choices you make, and the responses to the challenges you face,” Haley said. “Go live your story.”
Both ceremonies were livestreamed on Kish’s social media channels and website. To view the ceremonies, visit www.kish.edu/commencement.