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SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN — Local community college graduates must forego a traditional commencement ceremony this year to protect themselves and their families from COVID-19 but they are still finding ways to safely celebrate graduation.

Both Lake Michigan College and Southwestern Michigan College have planned virtual ceremonies for their 2020 graduations. LMC’s will take place June 5, while SMC’s will take place June 13.

To mark the LMC’s 73rd annual commencement, LMC has planned three opportunities for 2020 graduates.

A pre-recorded virtual ceremony featuring Chair of LMC’s Board of Trustees, Debra Johnson; LMC President, Trevor Kubatzke; Provost; student speaker and nursing major, Nicole Crenshaw; Vice President of Academic Affairs, Leslie Kellogg; Board of Trustees Treasurer, John Grover; and several faculty members will be published June 5 at lakemichigancollege.edu/2020grads.

The graduates of 2020 will receive degrees from 31 areas of study, 12 certificate programs, totaling 413 associate degrees, one bachelor’s degree, and 27 certificates.

One hundred thirty-eight students are graduating with honors, 58 with high honors and 17 with highest honors.

The ceremony includes students who graduated in summer 2019, fall 2019 and spring 2020 semesters.

On Nov. 14, LMC has scheduled an open house reception for the Class of 2020 in the Mendel Center’s Grand Upton Hall. LMC also is extending an invitation for 2020 grads to participate in the 2021 Commencement Ceremony on May 2, 2021.

SMC has also planned a virtual commencement for 11 a.m. June 13.

According to SMC officials, virtual commencement will feature many of the same elements as a traditional ceremony: music by performing arts students and faculty, an address by the president and the conferring of degrees.

The link to join the ceremony will be posted to SMC’s website. No RSVP is needed. For those who cannot watch on June 13, the link will be made available for viewing in a few months so that all family members can watch.