40th Annual SCC Commencement May 14th

Shawnee Community College conferred 500 degrees Friday night during its 40th annual commencement ceremony. Graduates include all students who completed their degree during the 2009-2010 school year. As family and friends of graduates gathered in the Edward M. Smith Gymnasium, the soon-to-be-Shawnee Community College alumni began saying goodbye to fellow classmates, faculty, and staff. Then, as signaled by the SCC band under the direction of John Windings, the processional began.

As the echo of Nathan Betts’ national anthem faded, Dr. Larry Peterson took the podium welcoming the graduates, along with their friends and families, and recognizing SCC board members, faculty, and staff. Special acknowledgment was given to the Illinois Community College Board Faculty Member of the Year, Roberta Christie and Alumnus of the Year, Michael Simelton.

Simelton had crossed that very stage in 2003 as a graduate and returned this evening to deliver the 40th Shawnee Community College commencement address. Speaking to the graduates, Simelton shared this thought, "You can take any small idea to the moon, but the decision is yours. The possibilities of small beginnings are infinite. Are you ready to go above and beyond your expectations and soar? After the event," he said, "It really meant a lot to me to be able to share my life experiences at the commencement. I feel the class of 2010 needs to know that despite how small their beginning maybe, they can excel to whatever level they desire, Sky is the limit! Just be determined and never give up, and lastly, always give back!"

Simelton is currently authoring several books centered on youth development, personal financial management as well as designing tools to help with preparation for life. In addition to his associate degree from SCC, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southeast Missouri State University and a Master degree in Manufacturing Systems from S.I.U.C. He co-founded Struggling Youth Equals Successful Adults project, and is currently a Senior Analyst for Exelon Corporation, which serves as the largest owner/operator of nuclear power plants in the United States.

Vice President of Instructional Services Dr. Tim Bellamey offered the certification of the degree and certificate candidates, followed by the acceptance of graduates by SCC board chairperson Maxine Russell, and the conferring of the degrees by the secretary of the SCC board Cathy Belcher.