Blue caps and gowns entered a packed gym at the Lamar Community College Wellness Center on Saturday, May 6, for the college’s 78th Annual Commencement ceremony. In just a short time, those students would become LCC alumni.
Dr. Linda Lujan, LCC President, opened the commencement with a brief welcoming address.
“I’m excited to be participated in my first commencement ceremony at Lamar Community College and because of that, the Class of 2017 will always have a very special place in my heart,” said Dr. Lujan. “We are so proud of you.”
After the Invocation given by Pastor Rory Gillespie and National Anthem sung by graduate Mya Yordin, Dr. Annessa C. Stagner, Dean of Academic Services, welcomed the two student speakers to the stage. Rebecca Henderson and Jeremy Minnick were chosen by LCC faculty to represent the student body at commencement.
Henderson, who was graduating Summa Cum Laude with an Associate of Science degree, is a current Lamar High School student, graduating with her college degree two weeks before receiving her high school diploma.
She spoke of her time taking classes at Lamar Community College, making lasting friendships and spending time studying with her twin sister Shelby.
She congratulated her fellow students on their accomplishments, stating, “We all came here for different reasons, but with the same goal in mind: we set out to better ourselves, to grow as individuals, and that is exactly what we have done. Who you are today is not who you were when you first set foot on campus.”
She also wished her fellow classmates the best in their future endeavors.
“I hope that all of you go on and make the most of the opportunities that are presented, and that no matter what you do, you are successful.”
Jeremy Minnick came to Lamar Community College from Westminster, Colorado, as a member of the LCC golf team. He was receiving his Associate of Arts degree, which he will transfer to the University of California – San Bernardino where he will continue his collegiate golf career.
Minnick praised his time at LCC, remarking on the relationships he has been able to foster here and the individual growth he has seen in both himself and his fellow graduates during their time in Lamar.
“I never thought I would just off a 100 foot cliff… by choice,” said Minnick. “I never thought that I would play as much pool as I did… with a police officer for that matter. I never thought I would gain the strength to let people go and bring more people in. I never thought that some of my best friends would be from all around the world from places like, Argentina, Arizona, Australia, or even just a few cities away from my house.”
He specifically thanked his teammates and friends on the golf team for helping him grow as individuals, but each in their own way. He also thank his family, LCC faculty and staff, and even Lamar residents for being so welcoming and willing to help.
He finished his address by saying, “Thank you for teaching me that the sky is the limit, and that no matter what stands in my way, all things are possible.”
Dr. Lujan then introduced Pres Askew, member of the State Board of Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE) and the chosen keynote speaker.
Askew, who is a long-time supporter of LCC, has a long and successful career history including working for many years for the Windsor Financial Group including serving as President of the company, while also being heavily involved in various organizations like the Denver Athletic Club, the Tony Grampsas Youth Services Board, and the Colorado Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs.
Askew kept his address short and sweet.
He praised the students as well as the quality of the degrees and certificates they would receive shortly after his address.
“You’re ready – this faculty and staff understand what you need to be successful and they what it takes to prepare you for the next level of your higher education,” said Askew. “With this certificate or diploma, that’s all you need to know you’re ready for that next step.”
He also spoke of members of the Denver-area LCC Booster Club who highly praised their time at Lamar Community College, specifically how well prepared they were for the next step in their higher education.
Dr. David Frankel, current President of LCC Faculty Senate, then certified the graduating class while Askew granted authority to confer certificates and degrees.
Prior to the 2017 graduates crossing the stage, Dr. Lujan took a moment to present one degree in particular. Robert (Bob) Gourley, who had been selected as one of the LCC Outstanding Alumni of the Year, was presented with an honorary degree. He received an Associate of Science in Agricultural Business.
More than 241 individuals received their certificate or degree from Lamar Community College that morning.
After closing remarks by Dr. Lujan, graduates and their families and friends were invited to a reception held on the lawn outside the Wellness Center.
Congratulations to all 2017 graduates of Lamar Community College!