Friday, May 11, 2012

Tomorrow-Important Day For 655 Individuals

WHAT:          MCC Spring 2012 Commencement

WHERE:       MCC Gym/Multi-purpose Room (Building A)

WHEN:          Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 10 a.m.

Description:   More than 655 students will graduate from McHenry County College this spring, with 250 who have applied for degrees and 405 who have applied for certificates.

Jesica Carbajal of Hebron has been selected as the student speaker for the commencement ceremony. She will graduate with an Associate in Arts degree.

Carbajal, who is the first person in her family to graduate from college, has overcome personal obstacles and plans to transfer to Roosevelt University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in political science. She also plans to attend law school so she can become a lawyer. She is most interested in immigration law.

She currently works part time as a front desk receptionist in the MCC Student Life Office where she greets visitors, answers phones and works on special projects.

This year’s commencement ceremony includes the College’s first two graduates of the new Associate in Applied Sciences for Culinary Management degree: Jamie J. Goddeyne of Crystal Lake and Elizabeth Ann Krol of Union.

Also new to this spring’s commencement is the addition of the Americana Cord for students who have served in the military. They will wear a red, white and blue cord in recognition for their service to our country and community. The Americana Cord recipients are: John H. Kessler of Crystal Lake, Joshua Ray Soderburg of Crystal Lake, Mark A. Andrews of McCollum Lake and Taylor H. Matousek of Crystal Lake.

This year’s commencement ceremony is reflective of the truly diverse and impressive group of students attending MCC. The following are notable students:

Tim Carol, graduates with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Digital Media
He plans to return to MCC in the fall to complete the College’s new AAS in Graphic Design and transfer to DePaul University in Chicago to pursue a bachelor’s degree in graphic design. Carol, who has muscular dystrophy, uses a wheelchair. “He has not let that slow him down. He is one of the best students I’ve ever had,” said Meri Winchester. Carol said, “The Special Needs Department helped keep me informed on the services available, such as note taking, which I have used,” he said.

Danny Delgado, president of XGI Student Veterans Organization
He will receive an Associate in General Education (AGE) on May 12 and plans to attend DePaul University to major in business. “Danny has done an exemplary job as president of XGI. This past year, we have provided over 400 paperbacks to deployed army units in Afghanistan. Also, over $500 was raised for Honor Flights, where WWII veterans are given free flights to see the WWII Memorial in Washington D.C.” – Don Curfman, faculty advisor, Student Veterans Organization (XGI).

Jamie Goddeyne, one of two students to receive MCC’s first Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Culinary Management. “Jamie is a great asset to our program and he works especially hard in the culinary environment and he already was hired at an area country club and then was part of hiring another student as kitchen manager.” – Thomas Kaltenecker, instructor of Culinary Management/Executive Chef

Tim Kopinski, receiving an AAS in Manufacturing Management
“Tim is planning to transfer to Southern Illinois University in Grayslake after completing his AAS degree. Tim has performed outstanding academic work and continues to advance in his career. He is the engineering manager at Plaspros in McHenry. In class, Tim strives to fully comprehend the most difficult concepts and excels at applying technology and math concepts to real manufacturing and engineering challenges.” – Heather Zaccagnini, Dept. Chair for Applied Technologies

Dan Puckett, receiving an AAS in Manufacturing Management
“Dan is a leader both in and out of the classroom and serves as a mentor to many of his peers. He works at Chicago Cutting Tool as a manager and has received promotions while working toward his AAS in Manufacturing Management. He has been accepted at Southern Illinois University in Grayslake to continue his education.” – Heather Zaccagnini, Dept. Chair for Applied Technologies

Also speaking will be MCC president Vicky Smith, Ed.D. In addition, Julie Freelove, instructor of Administrative Office Management, will give a final charge to all graduates as they move forward on their educational journey. Freelove is being awarded the Illinois Community College Trustee Association (ICCTA) 2012 Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year Award.


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