News

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

MCC plans July 11 drive-thru commencement

 

Montcalm Community College’s 53rd annual commencement will not be traditional, but it will be memorable.

MCC will hold a drive-thru commencement ceremony on Saturday, July 11, at 10 a.m. on the college’s Sidney campus.

“We are very excited to celebrate this enormous accomplishment with our gradates,” said MCC President Stacy H. Young, Ph.D. “While we are sad that we cannot hold our traditional ceremony with all of our graduates and their families in our gymnasium due to COVID-19, we want to show our support for our graduates who have persevered the past few months to complete their college degree.”

The procession will include a drive-thru ceremony where graduates will be announced and presented their diploma cover by Dr. Young and Rob Spohr, Vice President for Academic Affairs at a stop in front of the Donald C. Burns Administration/Library Building. Nursing students will be routed to another stop where they will receive their nursing pin. All students will receive an MCC swag bag and have the opportunity to stop and take photos in front of commemorative backdrops set up in parking lots across campus.

Other details include:

  • All buildings will be closed to the public during the drive-thru ceremony.
  • Spectators will not be allowed, but graduates may have family follow them through the processional in separate vehicles.
  • Students bringing guests in additional vehicles must assemble prior to arrival at MCC’s Sidney campus. No staging location will be available.
  • All vehicles must arrive together and drive through together.
  • All participants must stay in vehicles except at designated photo stops.
  • Pre-registration is required. For more information, email dalexander@montcalm.edu.

In addition, Social Science Instructor Ken DeLong will be present and all attendees are encouraged to honk their horns to congratulate him on his 43-year career at MCC. DeLong will retire July 31.

Commencement speakers Senator Rick Outman, 33rd District, and student speaker Andrea Dowland will share messages via video presentation, along with Dr. Young. A keepsake video will be available on the college’s website at www.montcalm.edu/commencement at a later date.