For Immediate Release
The following is an editorial from Lake Land College President Josh Bullock:
As the spring semester draws to a close, it will soon be time to celebrate the achievements of our newest graduates with our annual commencement ceremony. Each year, hundreds of students reach the culmination of their Lake Land journeys as they receive their diplomas and triumphantly cross the Field House stage. If a single moment could encapsulate everything we are as a college, surely it must be this.
The graduates who gather in the Field House and take that walk across the stage all have unique stories. Their backgrounds, choices and experiences have shaped them into the people they are and have led them to this moment. It’s an honor to be there during it to congratulate them. As I shake their hands and hand them their diplomas, I see in their smiling faces silent yet powerful stories of strength, resilience and hope for what’s to come. I also see it in the faces of the family, friends and loved ones who join us in celebration and take tremendous pride in the achievements of their graduates.
But just as there is no one road to reach this moment of graduation, there is also no single destination beyond it. Our privilege as a college is to take this collection of individuals and help blossom their talents, interests and skills that will allow each of them to make a unique imprint on the world. As our graduates step off the stage and into bright futures, there is truly no limit to where the power of education will take them.
Many of our graduates will use their skills and knowledge to immediately make a difference in the local workforce. Our graduates are woven throughout our local economy, serving as the foundation of our communities as farmers, welders, construction workers, nurses, paramedics, office workers, business leaders and so much more. By earning a credential, these students have chosen powerful social mobility in careers they’re passionate about. In fact, many of them will have secured lucrative, high-demand positions before they even cross the graduation stage.
Many Lake Land graduates will also continue their education to complete bachelor’s degrees and beyond. Entering a new college as a junior can seem like a daunting task, but overwhelmingly our transfer alumni share that they found themselves to be well prepared for this next chapter. In fact, many even express that they are actually ahead of their peers in university classes, and they continue to excel at every level of education. For example, recent Environmental Science graduate Jackie Beck is currently working toward a doctoral degree from The Ohio State University and has presented incredible research across the country.
We truly have no shortage of remarkable alumni who are proving each and every day that there is no limit to where Lake Land College can take you. If you’re a fan of the reality competition show “The Voice,” you may have seen singer and Lake Land alumna Allie Keck take the stage. If you attend the Illinois State Fair, you’re enjoying the passionate work of Broadcast Communication alumna Rebecca Clark. And if you ever watch a San Francisco Giants game, you might catch former Laker Hayden Birdsong striking out major league batters.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my position is to see examples just like these of alumni success and hear former students share how Lake Land helped transform their futures. In my 12 years as the President of Lake Land College, I have never seen a class of graduates that isn’t exceptionally prepared for the next steps, and I know the class of 2025 will be the same. Thank you, to the class of 2025, for choosing Lake Land College and allowing us the privilege of being a part of your journey. I look forward to hearing from you in the future as you excel in your careers and in your lives.
As you can see, we have much to celebrate at Lake Land College as we reach the end of another successful year. I look forward to discussing with you how Lake Land College is preparing students to make a difference in their communities and across the world.
For more of my thoughts about a range of innovative topics that impact higher education, our communities and our future, be sure to check out the Laker Advantage Podcast: Insights and Sidebars with Dr. B on Spotify.
