DOWAGIAC — Southwestern Michigan College hosted an Outstanding Graduate Reception April 19 at the Dale A. Lyons Building on SMC’s Dowagiac campus. There, students got some words of advice from college leaders.

Trustee Beth Cripe was among those who spoke.

“As a reminder learning is a lifelong activity, I share rules I gave my own children growing up,” Cripe said. “Have a good attitude and MOVE! … When you add that special ingredient, action, you can’t be stopped.”

The mother of two and a trustee since 2011 has worked in development for Dowagiac’s Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital since 2007. She earned a master’s degree in business administration from Loyola University, a bachelor’s degree in economics from Albion College and serves on the CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) board, championing children in foster care.

“Always give a focused, concentrated effort,” Cripe said. “Many people think they’re good at multi-tasking. They are not fooling anyone except themselves. Do one thing well at a time, then go on to the next project.

During his opening remarks, President Dr. David Mathews reminded the audience of SMC’s roots.

“In 1964, the place we’re sitting was a cornfield. A group of community citizens thought the way to help our region advance socially and economically was to add a college to provide affordable access to high-quality education,” Mathews said.

Gail Shirey, communications, 2017 fulltime faculty member of the year, and Donna Courtney, science, adjunct faculty member of the year, read honor graduates’ names.

The 100 students graduating with honors at SMC’s 51st Commencement May 5 were recognized for earning cumulative grade-point averages of 3.5 or higher: Tyler Adams, Nathanial Barton, Tonya Bell, Tyler Benyi, Lila Blough, Kaine Boal, Damien Boyer, David Brogan, Kristi Buzalski, Daniel Callendar, Kaylee Chambers, Costas Christodoulides, Steven Claybaugh, Michael Cloud, Chasity Cole, Madeline Collins, Lauren Cook, Kenneth Creameans, Kayla Cromer, Juliana DeVisser, Alyssa Dohm, Laura Drake, Valerie Emerson, Brooke Essig, Jenna File, Rebekah Folino, Andrea Frazee, Jeremy Freed, Jamie Furey, Tyler Gendron, Ileona Geroux, Rachelle Gollnick, Jacob Gray and Hailee Green.

Also: Shawnee Gunnett, Sydney Harmon, Lauren-Kate Harner, Monica Harpole, Michael Heinisch, Alexander Horning, Brandon Hoyt, Daniel Huspen, Sydney Johnson, Jordan Karsten, Mikayla King, Victoria Knight, Destiny Kujawa, Ashton Kwieran, Anna Lancaster, Alexander Lefor, Michaella Lei-Sam, Allison Lillo, Alyssa Lindemulder, Brandon Lingle, Jessica Lopez, Mary Lorance, Lauren Mackey, Alise Markel, Ashley Matz, Alisa Mazumder, Carlyn McClelland, Alexis Meahl, Jada Meahl, Thomas Melcher, Brandon Metheny, Sierra Millword, Kelsey Mosier and Sarah Nelson.

And: Gabrielle Nicely, Abigail Papke, Anita Pawelski, Ethan Pawelski, Madison Phelps, Chance Rayhill, Lekesha Reed, Kayla Reeves, Matthew Reeves, Allison Richcreek, Michael Roberts, Karly Root, Valerie Rowan, Moitry Roy, Ali Schrubba, Constance Scott, Joseph Seidler, John Slawinski, Morgan Smith, Sarah Sossoman, Karisa Steffens, Pamela Stevens, Melissa Swanson, Rochelle Walker, Richard Ward, Annabelle Weeden, Keely Williamson, Hannah Wilson, Lindsey Winans, Kaitlynn Wood, Michelle Wright and Marshall Zerbe.

“We couldn’t be more proud of you,” Cripe said. “You are an example of how we hope all students perform. We are eager to see advancements you will make in the future because you are part of the legacy of Southwestern Michigan College. We look upon you as would any proud parents.”

At the end of the ceremony, Dr. David Fleming, vice president of instruction, announced part-time faculty finalists as Valerie Beekmans, nursing; Michele Harlow, physical education; Peg Myers, nursing; Bonnie Roberts, mathematics; and Melinda Wall, mathematics. Fulltime faculty finalists are Rona Goodrich, nursing; Barbara Karwacinski, sociology; Jane Mitchell, business; Ria Thomas, mathematics; and Christy Tidd, psychology. This year’s winners will be announced at April 27’s Employee Recognition Breakfast.

SMC Select Voices, conducted by Director of Choral Activities David Carew, provided entertainment for the evening.

Southwestern Michigan College is a public, residential and commuter community college founded in 1964. The college delivers above-average graduation/transfer rates compared to other community colleges nationally and student college-level course success that is consistently in the top 25 percent of two-year colleges nationally. SMC strives to be the college of first choice, to provide the programs and services that meet the needs of students and to serve our community. The college is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and is a member of the American Association of Community Colleges.