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Students give advice before graduating

As the spring semester comes to an end, some Kirkwood Community College students are experiencing their final few weeks as Eagles. Graduation will take place May 11, 2024, at the Alliant Energy Powerhouse at 10 a.m. 

 The order of events includes opening music by the Kirkwood Concert Band, followed by the platform guests processional, faculty processional, student processional and performance of the National Anthem by the Kirkwood Concert Band. 

The welcome will be provided by James Mollenhauer, chair of Kirkwood Board of Trustees. Dr. Julia Rabe, president of the Kirkwood Faculty Association; Carson Brincks, Student Leadership Council; and Dr. Kristie Fisher, Kirkwood president, will provide remarks to the graduates.

Dr. Jennifer Bradley, vice president of Academic Affairs, will recommend graduation candidates. Associate Professor Dr. Julia Rabe and Professor Jacki Brucher Moore will conduct the presentation of graduates for conferring of awards.

The ceremony will end with a recessional of graduates.  

Some students had words of advice for those who will be on campus for the first time next fall. 

Caitlin Montgomery, marketing, said, “Do not be afraid to talk to your professors. They are there to help you. I recommend studying hard.” 

Max Locher, digital arts, said it can be hard to stay on top of schoolwork with everything else going on around you. “I recommend staying on top of things when you have the chance, it’s easy to fall behind.” Locher added, “I really like the Digital Arts program. All the professors are good at what they are doing.” 

While schoolwork is one of the most crucial parts of college, Tess Dameier, dental lab technology, gave her advice on the social scene at Kirkwood. “Try to make connections with people and try to have fun. Part of the experience is seeing the community around you, and making friends,” she said. 

Liberal Arts student Ryan Hutchinson, also shared his experience and advice for getting involved in the Kirkwood community. “My advice would be don’t be afraid to socialize but I know that’s easier said than done. When I was in high school, I was bullied, so when I came to Kirkwood, I was scared to talk to people and make friends. I’ve made a lot of friends here and I really regret not coming out of my shell when I first started,” he said. 

Hutchinson also applauded Kirkwood’s additional learning resources available to students. “It’s important to utilize Kirkwood’s resources like counseling, the Writing Center and tutors. I thought I could do it all on my own but once I got over my pride and took advantage of these opportunities, I really started improving,” he said.  

These graduates will soon join the Kirkwood alumni and carry this experience into their futures. Incoming students will pick up where graduates left off.

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