Kishwaukee College held its Fall 2024 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 14, in the gymnasium, with 103 students attending to commemorate their achievements.
The ceremony recognized graduates who earned associate degrees, certificates of completion, Fast-Track program credentials, and Illinois High School Diploma credentials. Overall, 250 students completed a program or certificate requirement for the Fall 2024 semester.
Destiny McKinnie, who graduated with an Associate in Arts degree, served as the Student Speaker during the ceremony. McKinnie reminded her fellow graduates of the importance of resilience as they move on from Kishwaukee College.
“I encourage each of you to remember this — challenges will come. Life will test you in unexpected ways. But allow every setback to become a step up. Every obstacle a stepping stone. Success is not about the accomplishments. It is about the perseverance that brought us there,” McKinnie said.
In addition to McKinnie, students heard remarks from Dr. Laurie Borowicz, President of Kishwaukee College; Bob Johnson, Kishwaukee College Board of Trustees Chair; Barbara Leach, Vice President of Instruction; and Nicole Rempfer, Assistant Professor of Mathematics, serving as the faculty speaker. Rempfer celebrated the graduates’ accomplishments while reminding them to stay true to their values.
“Your path in life doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. What matters is that it aligns with who you are and what you stand for. As you leave here today, remember that challenges will come, but your values will guide you,” Rempfer said.
The ceremony was livestreamed on Kish’s social media channels and website. View the ceremony at kish.edu/commencement.