Graduation announcement 2019

About 450 people will graduate at the 50th annual Kankakee Community College commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 11 in the George H. Ryan Gymnasium in the college's Activities Building. 

A number of students, faculty and alumni accomplishments will be recognized. The speaker will be the college’s president, Dr. John Avendano. He is a community college graduate and has more than 30 years of experience working for community colleges in Illinois. 

“Over the years, as both a student and later as an employee of the community college system in Illinois, I came to fully realize the impact our two-year institutions have on the lives of those we serve,” Avendano said. “As a result, I have dedicated my entire career to the mission and purpose of community colleges.” 

After serving for 10 years as KCC’s president, Avendano will retire at the end of June this year. 

Two students will be honored as members of the All-Illinois Academic Team, a special recognition based on outstanding academic performance and service to the college and community. One honoree is Sarah Doris of Kankakee. She will receive an Associate in Science transfer degree and transfer to Southern Illinois University at Carbondale to pursue a pre-veterinary bachelor’s degree. The other All-Academic Team member, Joseph Sikma of Bourbonnais, will receive an Associate in Science transfer degree. Next, he will attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. 

Amy Porter (at right), professor in the Humanities and Social Sciences Division; and Claire Henneike (at left), adjunct professor in the Humanities and Social Sciences Division, will receive the KCC Outstanding Faculty Member Awards for 2019.

The ceremony will stream live on the KCC website, www.kcc.edu. Social media users can use #KCCgrad2019 to congratulate graduates.

The ceremony will last about 90 minutes. Wristbands given to graduates will be required for admission to the gymnasium. Seating will be available for guests without wristbands in nearby rooms where there will be a live videocast.

For guests needing assistance or special accommodations, entry will begin at 8:45 a.m. General seating begins at 9 a.m. Guests are asked not to bring balloons and other large items that could obstruct the view of others. 

KCC is located south of downtown Kankakee near River Road, off U.S. 45-52, or take Interstate 57 to Exit 308 and follow the signs. Directions are at www.kcc.edu/directions.