Macomb awards more than 1,100 associate degrees and 140 certificates

Macomb Community College held its 114^th commencement on Friday, May 8, with 485 students participating in the ceremony. The college awarded more than 1,100 associate degrees and 140 certificates for the winter semester.  

Three graduating students shared their own Macomb success stories during the ceremony.

Dylan Strohbeck, 18, of New Haven, attended Macomb as a dual enrolled student and graduated from Macomb with an Associate of General Studies degree three weeks before graduating from high school. The degree will act as a head start on his goal of studying network engineering.

“This fall, on my 18^th birthday, I was accepted into Michigan Tech University,” he shared. “Even better, they accepted all the classes I took here at Macomb as transfer credits. Taking that first Principles of Networking class during my freshman year opened the door to opportunities I probably wouldn’t have discovered if I had only taken traditional high school classes.”

Felicia Comeaux, 38, Chesterfield Township, a first-generation college student, is an Army veteran who served for nine years. After overcoming homelessness and three previous attempts at college, she bet on herself at Macomb and landed a spot on the Dean’s list and in Phi Theta Kappa honor society and earned an Associate of Business Administration. Comeaux is continuing her education to complete bachelor’s degree at Walsh College this fall.

“At Macomb, I didn’t just learn business, I learned confidence,” Comeaux said. “I learned how to communicate, how to grow and how to take control of my future. I became healthier, happier and more present, not just for myself but for my three kids who depend on me every single day.”

Aya Kahlil, 25, of Macomb Township, graduated with an Associate of Science and is headed to pharmacy school. She came to the United States from Iraq in 2017 without knowing much English while also having to overcome significant health issues. Every step she took was not only to open doors for herself but for her younger siblings, setting an example for them in education.

“Through my work in Student Life and Leadership (at Macomb) and becoming an officer of Phi Theta Kappa, I felt completely seen for the first time in a long time,” said Kahlil. “I felt understood. I felt like I belonged. And today I am proud to say I’ve been accepted into the William Carey University School of Pharmacy where I can pursue my passion to study pharmacy, which combines science, solving problems and ultimately helping others and being there for patients who may feel unheard.”

“The Macomb students we are celebrating tonight range widely in age, come from all walks of life and represent a remarkable breadth of aspirations - their reasons for attending college vary greatly,” said Macomb Community College President James O. Sawyer IV, Ed.D.

“No matter the circumstances that brought them here, tonight’s graduates have demonstrated courage. It takes courage to move beyond what you know, to open yourself to new experiences, to pursue your passion and embrace building the future you want. Above all, tonight’s graduates had the courage to keep going until they achieved their goal of earning an associate degree. As a result, from here, tonight’s graduates are prepared to go almost anywhere and do almost anything.”

Commencement was held at the Sports and Expo Center on Macomb’s South Campus in Warren.

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: Rachel LePoudre, APR, lepoudrer417@macomb.edu, 586.445.7271