Kalamazoo Valley Community College - May 3, 2026 Commencement Ceremony

Updated 4 days ago

KVCC's President Dr. Washington leads a joyful ceremony recognizing the achievements of the graduating class. The event included speeches, recognitions, and the conferring of degrees, highlighting the perseverance and accomplishments of the students. Graduates are encouraged to continue learning, growing, and thriving as they embark on new journeys. The commencement is a celebration of hard work, dedication, and the support of family and friends.

Chapters

Safety Instructions (00:00:00)
Safety instructions are provided, including the prohibition of certain devices and emergency procedures.

The program begins with a set of safety announcements, informing the audience about prohibited devices, emergency alarms, strobe lights, and the importance of knowing the nearest exit in case of an emergency.
National Anthem (00:07:30)
The audience is invited to stand and participate in singing the national anthem.

The program proceeds with the commencement of the ceremony where guests, graduates, and faculty are asked to rise for the national anthem. Gentlemen are specifically requested to remove their caps during this solemn occasion.
Opening Address by Dr. Washington (00:09:18)
Dr. Al Marshall Washington welcomes the attendees and emphasizes the significance of the graduation ceremony.

Dr. Al Marshall Washington, the president of Kalamazoo Valley Community College, delivers an opening address. He welcomes graduates, their families, the faculty, and other distinguished guests to the ceremony, highlighting the importance of this milestone for the graduates.
Recognition of Board of Trustees (00:10:33)
Dr. Washington introduces the Board of Trustees and acknowledges their leadership and guidance.

Dr. Washington takes a moment to introduce the members of the Board of Trustees, each of whom stands as their name is called. He emphasizes the wisdom and direction they provide to the college, recognizing them collectively for their contributions.
Recognition of Faculty and Administrators (00:11:33)
The faculty and administrators are recognized for their dedication to teaching and supporting students.

Dr. Washington acknowledges the distinguished faculty and administrators of Kalamazoo Valley Community College. He praises their dedication to student success, encouraging faculty members to stand and receive thanks for their efforts in providing quality education.
Acknowledgment of Graduates' Families and Friends (00:13:00)
Graduates express gratitude to their families and friends for support during their educational journey.

Dr. Washington invites graduates to express their appreciation to their family and friends for their support. Graduates are encouraged to stand and make noise to recognize the individuals in the audience who helped them reach this milestone.
Introduction of Graduating Class (00:13:30)
Graduates are asked to stand based on different categories, showcasing their diverse backgrounds.

The ceremony continues with an interactive segment where graduates stand in recognition of various categories, such as recent high school graduates, parents, and veterans. This showcases the diverse backgrounds and achievements of the graduating class.
Commencement Speeches (00:18:29)
Speakers share inspirational messages and advice for graduates embarking on their next chapter.

Several speakers, including Lucinda M Stinson and Robert Veo, deliver speeches filled with inspirational messages and advice. They emphasize the importance of learning, growth, and thriving in the next chapter of the graduates' lives.
Presentation of Graduates (00:36:19)
Dr. Washington officially confers degrees and certificates to the graduates.

Dr. Washington, with authority vested by the Board of Trustees, officially confers degrees and certificates of completion to the graduates. The audience is invited to join in a resounding applause for the accomplishments of the graduates.
Awarding of Diplomas (00:38:04)
Graduates are called to the platform to receive their diplomas as their names are announced.

The ceremony continues with the formal awarding of diplomas. Graduates are called row by row to the platform to receive their diplomas, with their names and fields of study announced to the audience.
Introduction of Graduates (00:59:27)
The ceremony begins with the introduction of graduates from various disciplines, showcasing their fields of study.

The graduation ceremony starts with the announcement of graduates. Each student is introduced by their name and field of study, ranging from engineering technology to liberal arts, culinary arts, nursing, and more. This section highlights the diversity of disciplines represented in the graduating class.
Stand for Recognition (01:20:29)
Graduates are asked to stand for recognition, marking a significant moment of achievement.

As the introduction of graduates concludes, all graduates are requested to stand. This moment is a formal recognition of their hard work and academic achievements, symbolizing their readiness to transition from students to alumni.
Congratulations and Tassel Ceremony (01:21:03)
Graduates are congratulated, and the tassel ceremony marks their transition to alumni.

The speaker congratulates the graduates and instructs them to move the tassel on their caps from right to left. This symbolic gesture signifies their official transition from students to alumni of Kalamazoo Valley Community College, marking the culmination of their academic journey.
Alumnus and Community Contribution (01:21:28)
Graduates are encouraged to contribute to the community as alumni, fostering a spirit of giving back and making a positive impact.

The speaker emphasizes the role of graduates as alumni, highlighting the opportunities they have to give back to the community. Graduates are encouraged to play important roles in helping others and contributing positively to society, embodying the values of the institution.
Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements (01:21:48)
The ceremony concludes with closing remarks, acknowledgements, and a request for the audience to remain seated.

The speaker delivers closing remarks, thanking everyone involved in the ceremony and acknowledging the hard work that made the commencement exercise a success. The audience is requested to remain seated until the recession is completed, ensuring a respectful conclusion to the event.

Special Presentations (18 Episodes)

Updated 4 days ago

Community-focused programs like events, concerts, talk shows, stories and more