Sunday, May 19, marked the beginning of a new journey for more than 100 graduates as the South Suburban College (SSC) Class of 2024 accepted their diplomas at the university’s 96th commencement ceremony.
A crowd packed with family, friends, and faculty watched on as the graduates were celebrated, with many of them graduating with honors for their exceptional academic achievements. SSC President Dr. Lynette D. Stokes opened the ceremony with a speech that was both a recognition of the graduates’ accomplishments and a challenge for them to push even further.
“Despite any obstacles you may have encountered along the way, you’ve demonstrated great fortitude,” Stokes said. “It’s that determination that has brought you to this significant milestone today. Your resilience and unwavering pursuit of success are truly commendable. Let us carry this spirit of fortitude with us as we embark on the next chapter of our lives, knowing that with perseverance and resilience, anything is possible.”
The ceremony also honored two educators whose service at SSC has impacted thousands of students. Lakesha Jefferson was named Faculty of the Year, while Valencia Burney was recognized as Adjunct Faculty of the Year. Rather than take the opportunity to revel in the honors, both educators offered words of advice and encouragement to the cohort of graduates.
“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one, and I mean no one, can take what you’ve learned away from you,” Jefferson said. “I keep this sign outside of my office. It says 30 years from now it won’t matter what shoes you wore, how your hair looks, or the jeans you bought – what will matter is what you learned and how you use it. The hard, difficult days along your journey will determine who you are. You will be defined not just by what you’ve achieved, but by how you’ve survived.”
The pair’s fiery speeches led to the introduction of the commencement speaker: Monica Gordon, Cook County Commissioner, 5th District. Gordon, newly elected, has resided in the South Suburbs for nearly 20 years. Leaning on a background filled with diverse experiences across media, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals, Gordon is using her position as commissioner to fight for affordable healthcare solutions, the creation of jobs, infrastructure improvements, and more.
Her speech emphasized the importance of community – encouraging graduates to trust others, and take advantage of the network of people and resources their hard work at SSC earned them access to.
“As we celebrate individual accomplishments, let us acknowledge the strength of our community,” she said. “South Suburban College has served as a beacon of opportunity and provided a nurturing environment for students of diverse backgrounds to come together, learn, grow, and thrive. It is in these halls that friendships were forged, and where futures were shaped. As you go forth from this place, carry the values it instilled in you – integrity, compassion, and commitment to lifelong learning.”
To learn more about South Suburban College, visit ssc.edu.
