Macomb Community College to celebrate 113th commencement Dec. 13

Macomb Community College will hold its 113^th commencement ceremonies at the Macomb Center for Performing Arts on Macomb’s Center Campus in Clinton Township on Saturday, Dec. 13, 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Approximately 300 graduating students are expected to participate between the two ceremonies. The college will be awarding more than 2,100 degrees for the spring/summer and fall semesters, along with granting over 200 certificates.

“There is nothing more rewarding than seeing our students successfully achieve their academic goals and advance to the next stage of their life journey,” said James O. Sawyer IV, president, Macomb Community College. “Whether they came to Macomb to start their career, to transfer toward a bachelor’s degree or to reinvent themselves, they have built a foundation that will open new doors throughout their lives. We are honored to have been part of their journey.”

Three of the graduating students will share their Macomb success stories during the ceremonies.

Andrew Whited, 21, Monroe, overcame early struggles in school and the loss of both of his parents at a young age. He says the support of teachers throughout his life helped to fuel his purpose with a desire to accomplish his dreams.

“I stand here today with pride because I accomplished this on my own. No one told me I had to go to college and with the little support I had I accomplished my dreams,” said Whited. “I became the first person in my family to graduate high school. I became the first person in my family to graduate college. I will be the first person I know that will make a difference in this world.” 

Whited is graduating with an Associate of General Studies and plans to work in criminal justice. He hopes to make a difference using the skills he has learned while serving as a police cadet with the Chesterfield Police Department, where he has learned first response skills such as CPR, Narcan administration, techniques to assist choking victims, assessing individual mental and physical well-being, and de-escalating intense situations.

About two years ago, Jason Boyd, 47, St. Clair Shores, an Army Ranger veteran and a former owner and operator of a roofing and construction company for more than 20 years, decided it was time for a change in his life.

“I chose to take advantage of my veterans benefits and pivot into a new mission: cybersecurity,” said Boyd, who is graduating with an Associate of Applied Science in cybersecurity. “I went from climbing roofs to designing and building secure networks, from managing crews to managing Linux processes. And let me tell you, starting over at 45 years old wasn’t easy. But it was worth it.”

Annette Jackson, 37, Detroit, battled through chronic illness and mental health setbacks. She notes that overcoming her fears and embracing the unknown opened her up for success. She credits Macomb for being a nurturing environment and Michigan Reconnect,  a program for state residents 25 and older that offers in-district community college tuition free,  for helping to make this achievement possible for her.

“Thank you to Macomb Community College for providing a place where I can grow, learn and find hope,” said Jackson. “I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Michigan Reconnect program for opening the door for this dream, for believing in students like me and for making this achievement possible.”

Jackson is graduating with an Associate of Business Administration in general business and plans to continue her education at Walsh College, where she will be pursuing a bachelors’ degree in operational management.

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: Katlyn Holtvluwer, holtvluwerk281@macomb.edu, 586.349.8737