Southwestern Michigan College hosts its 46th commencement ceremony Saturday, May 4, at 11 a.m. in the gymnasium of the Charles O. Zollar Building on the Dowagiac campus.

SMC will confer 587 associate degrees and certificates to 403 students.

In addition, Ferris State University at SMC will award 29 bachelor’s degrees during the ceremony.

Dr. Diane Chaddock, SMC executive vice president and chief operating officer, gives the commencement address.

She has served as the college’s executive vice president for the past nine years.

She retires June 30 after 23 years at SMC.

Chaddock’s higher education career began in 1984 as a community college faculty member.

During her time at SMC, Chaddock served as math/science department chair and instructor of human anatomy and physiology.

She then served as dean of arts and sciences until 2001, when she began as vice president of instruction and, ultimately, chief operation officer.

A product of a community college education herself, Chaddock has a doctorate in higher education administration from Western Michigan University, a master’s degree in science education from Western Michigan University and a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of the State of New York.

She has published numerous articles on outcomes assessment and is also a frequent presenter on issues in higher education, including development of partnerships in higher education, student retention, professional development for faculty and staff and strategies for organizational effectiveness.

Chaddock currently serves as both a faculty member and advisory board member for the Ferris State University Doctorate in Community College Leadership program.

Describing her accomplishments, SMC President Dr. David Mathews said, “Under her stewardship, Southwestern Michigan College has implemented a culture of continuous quality improvement anchored in the college goals of quality, student success and service to the community. The success of this culture change is evidenced by the ranking of the college in the top 10 percent of the nation in student course success and the top 2 percent of the nation in student transfer success, as well as by record high enrollments.”
Jeffrey Whittaker, senior pastor of Michiana Christian Embassy, Niles, will give the invocation and benediction.

The SMC Symphonic Band, conducted by Dr. Jonathan Korzun, and Select Voices, under the direction of David Carew, will provide music for the ceremony.

Receptions for the graduates, their families and friends immediately follow commencement in the Student Activity Center of the Charles O. Zollar Building.