Niles and Buchanan will be well represented during Lake Michigan College’s 65th annual Commencement exercise Sunday at the LMC Mendel Center in Benton Township.

Diane Curry

Diane Curry, principal and special education director at Southside School in Niles, will receive LMC’s Alumni Service Award, which is given to alumni who have made important contributions personally or professionally to the community or LMC.

Samantha Gerard, of Buchanan, has been chosen as one of two student speakers for the commencement exercise. At 18 years old, Gerard will graduate with an associate’s degree in arts from LMC with honors, and, in June, will graduate with honors from Buchanan High School.

Samantha Gerard

LMC’s commencement exercise will also feature:

• Michelle Williams, a native of Brazil, as the other student speaker

• Stephanie Henderson, of Kalamazoo, receiving the Alumni Achievement Award

• Richard Schinkel, of Berrien Springs; and James F.A. Turner, of San Antonio, Texas, receiving the Clarence Beckwith Distinguished Alumni Award

• Barbara Lane, of Benton Harbor, receiving the Alumni Service Award