SCC GRADUATES GIVEN FOUR PRINCIPLES FOR SUCCESS610 Receive Community College Degrees and Certificates

Sacrifice, diversity, self-development, and passion – those were the four principles conveyed to graduates during the May 16 commencement ceremony at St. Charles Community College. The 21st annual commencement celebrated the accomplishments of more than 610 graduates of the class of 2009.
 
In his keynote address, Ray Bernick, vice president and chief operating officer of the Missouri District of UPS, advised graduates of the four principles that have guided him in his business and personal relationships. In talking about self-development, the third of his four principles, Bernick shared the story of Abraham Lincoln and his humble beginnings. “Raised a poor farm boy, he walked five miles to borrow books to read by candle light,” he said. “Lincoln rose above his circumstances to become arguably the greatest of American leaders.”   
 
Bernick congratulated students on their commitment, energy, and perseverance and talked about the many opportunities that lie ahead. He encouraged students to reach for the top of their professions and take full advantage of opportunities.
 
Also addressing a crowd of nearly 1,500 graduates, faculty, relatives, and friends was student representative Letha Ivie, who received an associate of arts degree. She thanked the SCC administration, faculty, and staff for their devotion, and also thanked families, friends, and mentors for their support and sacrifice.
 
Ivie is a returning learner who is studying psychology. She graduated with highest honors, is a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society, and plans to transfer to a four-year institution. In her address, she told graduates that all the time spent cramming for exams and writing term papers was worth it. “These lessons have taught us perseverance, patience, and tenacity that we will use for the rest of our lives,” she said.
 
Also during the commencement ceremony, the Distinguished Alumni Award was presented to Jennifer White, eighth grade assistant principal at DuBray Middle School in the Fort Zumwalt School District. Julie Bartch, president of the SCC Foundation Board, presented the award.
 
White attended SCC from 1994-1996, and then transferred to the University of Missouri-St. Louis to finish her Bachelor of Science degree in education. She received her master’s degree in 2003 from Lindenwood University, and went on to complete her Doctorate of Education degree at Lindenwood in 2008.
 
White became involved in the Fort Zumwalt School District Positive Peer Influence program to help students develop leadership skills and characteristics. She also has served as member of the school district’s Bullying Task Force to ensure safety and help with the prevention of bullying in schools. She is the task force lead for her building. Additionally, White is the facilitator of the district-wide “Teaching New Teachers” program, which keeps first year teachers engaged by providing a resource for new techniques.
 
Presiding over the commencement ceremony was John McGuire, president of the college, with Jean Ehlmann, president of the SCC Board of Trustees, and Michael Banks, vice-president for academic and student affairs assisting with the conferring of degrees and certificates. Music was provided by the SCC Concert Band, directed by John Walker, and the SCC Singers and Show Choir, directed by Gene Ditch. The Commencement Marshal was Callie Daniels, professor of mathematics. Ushers included cadets from the Eastern Missouri Law Enforcement Training Academy and from student organizations and college staff.

St. Charles Community College is a public, comprehensive two-year community college with associate degrees and certificate programs in the arts, business, sciences, and career-technical fields. SCC provides workforce training and community-based personal and professional development as well as cultural, recreational, and entertainment opportunities. For more information, visit www.stchas.edu.

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