More than 20 Lakeland College December graduates brought family members and friends to the 1862 Lounge on Friday night for a special celebration of their achievement.
Hors d’oeuvres were served, and after a welcome by President Dan Eck, December graduates Demonta Hall (communication) and Lynn Pipke (criminal justice) gave passionate speeches about their love for Lakeland and how meaningful their time at the college was. Then, framed certificates were presented to each of the 22 graduates who attended. Eric Blacknall, Lakeland’s associate vice president for student success and dean of students, led a champagne toast for the degree-earning students.
This was the second year that December graduates were honored with a celebration, orchestrated by the Lakeland College Student Success and Engagement Office. Following are the Lakeland College students who were honored during this special event, which was attended by Lakeland staff and faculty members:
Brooke Aiazzi, Kendrick Burks, Shaina Carlson, Kaitlin Deschane, Dayle Gerber, Emily Gonyo, Demonta Hall, Ashley Jennings, Tyler Kulow, Brandon Lee, Hanna Leisgang, Peri Luedke, Jamie Meixensperger, Lynn Pipke, Vanessa Popp, Hongtao Qu, Alexandrya Smaglik, Leah Ulatowski, Marissa Volling, Grace Vos, Christopher Young and Joseph Van Oss.
“We were really pleased with the turnout,” said Lisa Stephan, Lakeland College student success and engagement coach. “We almost tripled the attendance from the first year, and the atmosphere was really special. We feel like this is a very nice event that brings family and friends together to celebrate the great accomplishment of our remarkable December grads.”