Macomb Community College celebrates 112th commencement May 2

Two graduates share their personal Macomb experiences during the ceremony

Macomb Community College will hold its 112^th commencement ceremony at the Sports and Expo Center on Macomb’s South Campus in Warren, Friday, May 2, 7 p.m. Nearly 630 graduating students are expected to participate in the ceremony. The college will be awarding more than 1,200 degrees and 150 certificates for the fall and winter semesters.

“It’s a great day for the college,” said James O. Sawyer IV, president, Macomb Community College, during his remarks. “Macomb Community College’s purpose is supporting the members of our community in tapping the transformative power of education. There is nothing more rewarding that seeing our students successfully achieve their academic goals and advance to the next stage of their life journey.”

Two graduating students will share their personal Macomb success stories during the ceremony.

Vinisia Eilo, 20, of Clinton Township, didn’t know what to expect from college. Taking college-level courses at Macomb while still in high school opened her eyes to what was possible through higher education, including charting her own future.

“Whether we are continuing our education, entering the workforce or pursuing new dreams, we stand here today knowing that we have the foundation to succeed,” said Eilo. “Macomb has shown us that success is not determined by where we start but by how we embrace the opportunities before us.”

Eilo is graduating with an Associate of Arts. She will be enrolling at University of Michigan-Dearborn to complete a bachelor’s degree to prepare for a career in criminal justice.

Ryan Bates, 34, of Shelby Township, previously earned an associate degree from Macomb in 2019 and is graduating with an additional three associate degrees this commencement.

“Enjoy the journey, enjoy the destination, but in my experience, I’ve come to understand that it’s what you take away from the journey and who supports you along the way that makes the real difference. So, I want to express my sincerest gratitude to those who supported me,” said Bates.

Bates understands that degrees open doors and took time after his first degree to decide which career path to follow.  After his education, he started a heating and cooling business with his father. Bates is graduating with an Associate of Arts, an Associate of Science and an Associate of Applied Science in maintenance technologies.

About Macomb Community College

Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is about transforming lives and communities through the power of education, enrichment and economic development. Macomb grants the largest number of associate degrees in Michigan and is the largest community college in the state. The college provides programming for youth through seniors, including early college for high school students, university transfer and career preparation programs, workforce education, continuing education and certification, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities encompassing arts, culture and lifelong learning.

Media contact: Sean M. Patrick, 586.445.7271, patricks28@macomb.edu