The 61st annual commencement ceremony was hosted at Lorain County Community College, 1005 N Abbe Rd. in Elyria, May 17.
The class of 2025 included 2,040 graduates earning 3,159 degrees and credentials from both LCCC and the University Partnership, said Dr. Marcia Ballinger, president of LCCC, during the ceremony.
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Among the class were the first graduates of the institution’s new bachelor of applied science degree in Smart Industrial Automated Systems Engineering Technology, as well as students who are veterans, active military members, first-generation students, employees and parents, she said.
“Today, we celebrate more than a milestone; we celebrate you, your determination, your journey, and the belief that carried you to this moment,” said Ballinger.
“Our theme, Believe, reflects the conviction that guided you through every late night, every challenge and every decision to keep moving forward.”
The commencement ceremony featured keynote speaker Dr. Daniel Smith, who attended LCCC for two years before transferring to the University of Toledo in 1978 where he earned two bachelor’s degrees and an MBA, Ballinger said.
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Smith is currently a professor of marketing and dean emeritus of the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, and president and CEO emeritus of the Indiana University Foundation, she said.
“Everybody had different reasons for coming to LCCC, and, of course, you really need a great education,” said Smith.
“Fundamentally, you are here writing a chapter in your one and only life story.”
Smith reflected on personal experiences which shaped his journey post high school, including being discouraged from going to college by a school counselor and first learning “how to learn” upon first attending LCCC.
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Key takeaways from the speech, including “talk like an owner,” encouraged all guests and graduates to be mindful of how success depends on their knowledge, how they think and what they believe they are capable of achieving.
“What will distinguish you is, what do you believe you are capable of actually doing with your life?” Smith said.
“If you have people around you who don’t share your vision of you and what you want to be, you may have to put them on a third tier.”
Ballinger and LCCC Provost and VP for Academic Affairs and Student Services Dr. Denise Douglas assisted in presenting Smith with an associate of technical studies degree, as he had completed necessary classes before transferring to University of Toledo and was never officially awarded.
Ballinger recognized 161 high school students who earned degrees while simultaneously earning their high school diplomas from 21 local high schools.
The dual enrollment programs, including College Credit Plus and Lorain County Early College High School, are available at no cost to students and their families, helping to save more than $1.8 million in tuition, she said.
“Graduates, to reach this moment you have overcome challenges, balanced responsibilities and shown resilience at every turn,” said Ballinger.
“Now, as you sit on the edge of this remarkable achievement, remember, this ceremony marks more than the closing of a chapter; it’s the beginning of a new story.”
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