Muskegon Community College hosted its annual commencement ceremony Wednesday at the Trinity Health Arena in downtown Muskegon. This year’s event marked a significant return to pre-pandemic participation levels, with nearly 300 graduates actively taking part in the celebration.
Dr. John Selmon, President of Muskegon Community College, commended the graduates on their achievements while underscoring the institution’s commitment to supporting students throughout their educational pursuits.
“Graduates, MCC is so proud of you and to be a part of your extraordinary journey. I speak for our entire MCC Family in saying that it is truly an honor to serve and celebrate all our students every single day,” Selmon said during his commencement speech. Quoting former President Barack Obama, Dr. Selmon encouraged students to aspire to greatness. “Don’t just get involved. Fight for your seat at the table. Better yet, fight for a seat at the head of the table.”
In total, Muskegon Community College conferred degrees and certificates upon 702 graduates from 63 programs during this academic year. Notable achievements include 322 graduates from Applied Science programs, 318 with ASA transferable degrees, 185 in the Health Field (including 150 Nursing students), 91 in Engineering and Technology, 70 in Business, and 62 recipients of certificates.
“The value MCC delivers is exceptional,” Selmon said. “Community colleges are leading the way and are at the “center stage” of the economic recovery in America.”
One of MCC’s key functions is to prepare its students to transfer to senior colleges and universities. According to the US Dept. of Education, Muskegon Community College outranked all other colleges in Michigan for the rate of students who received federal financial aid and then transferred to continue their education at a four-year institution. The college’s 34% transfer-out rate was the highest in Michigan, 7 percentage points above the state average, and outpaced the average transfer rate across the nation.
