LCC Commencement Slated for May 8 with Romanoff Giving Keynote Speech

LAMAR - Lamar Community College will host its 71st annual Commencement on May 8 at the LCC Wellness Center and feature former Colorado House Speaker Andrew Romanoff as the keynote speaker. 

Degrees and/or certificates will be conferred 153 students, while 41 students will graduate with GED’s. The numbers include LCC’s fall 2009 graduates as well. The ceremony will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. No tickets will be required for admittance to commencement. 

Student Government has selected “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail” by Ralph Waldo Emerson as this graduation year quote.

The College has invited former Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives Andrew Romanoff as its keynote speaker. Elected to four terms in the Colorado State Legislature, Romanoff became the speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives in 2005. Romanoff’s colleagues twice elected him to the speakership, a post he held until he was term-limited out of the House in 2009. During his terms, he received numerous awards including “2008 Public Official” from Governing magazine and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Economic Development Council of Colorado. In 2006, he was honored as one of the most outstanding lawmakers in America. The Council of State Governments, the National Conference of State Legislatures, and the State Legislative Leaders Foundation presented him with the William Bulger Award, honoring a “legislative leader whose career embodies the highest principles of leadership – integrity, compassion, vision and courage.” He is the award’s youngest recipient. Romanoff was first elected to the State House in 2000 and reelected in 2002, 2004 and 2006.

As customary, students will have a significant role in Commencement activities. Phi Theta Kappa All-Colorado Team member and Presidential Scholarship recipient Janae England of Lamar will give the invocation. Fellow Presidential Scholarship recipient and LCC Rodeo standout Chelsie Willhoite of McClave will be the student speaker.

The Lamar High School Concert Band will perform at the event.

To reduce congestion, family members are encouraged to take photos from their seats. Additionally, graduates’ families may choose to take photos with their graduates before entering the building or after the ceremonies have concluded. 

Family members may choose to view Commencement via live web streaming. A link will be available from the LCC homepage at www.lamarcc.edu.

Additionally, the College will also host its annual Nursing Pinning at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 8 at the LCC Wellness Center. 31 graduates from the Level I (Practical Nursing) and Level II (Associate Degree in Nursing/Registered Nurse) programs will be recognized.

Receptions for graduates and families will follow both events.