Every one of the nearly 500 graduates who participated in the College of Lake County (CLC) spring commencement has a different story. They all came together May 17 for a single celebration in front of more than 2,000 cheering family and friends, but each path to reaching the achievement was its own.

“There is no college without its student body,” CLC President Dr. Lori Suddick said. “Students are at the center of what we do and are the heart of our institution. Every class of students brings a unique presence to our campuses and to our Lancer community. I am grateful to have been gifted this time with you, the class of 2025.”

For Jacob Garcia, CLC provided an opportunity to start going to college affordably and close to home. He is transferring to Wheaton College to study business economics this fall.

“I feel prepared to transfer,” Garcia said. “I’ve had great instructors, and I’ve learned a lot. I’m ready for the next step.”

Kevin Lind graduated with a degree in medical imaging, but that wasn’t always the career path he was on. Lind took his time with his education, starting off studying fire science, then changing to emergency medical technology before finally finding the right program for him.

“Don't be afraid to take more time outside of right after high school to really think about what you want to do,” Lind said. “Not everyone has a clear idea right away.”

Alessandra Lopez also took more time earning her accounting degree. Working full-time and raising three kids meant she had to balance her time between all of her priorities. Lopez took classes over a 10-year period before graduating.

Lopez is already working in her field, but with her degree, she hopes to start advancing her career.

“This was a steppingstone for me to make more money for my family,” Lopez said. “With this degree, I'm able to get more of a managerial position, something I wouldn’t be able to do without it.”

Graduation was extra special for Janet Tellez who is the first from her family to get a college degree. Persuaded by her mother to go to CLC, Tellez took her courses online to balance work and studies.

“If you want to go to college, start right now,” Tellez said. “It's probably going to be stressful, yes, but it's going to be worth it. It's nice to see my parents proud of me as I graduate.”

Peter Osilia is proof that no one is too old to go to school. At 65 years old, Osilia retired after a 40-year career in business. He already had a bachelor’s degree and an MBA, but for him, education is never ending.

Osilia is transferring to the University of North Florida to double major in international studies and economics. Though he already had experience in college, going again 40 years later was a big change.

“It was a learning experience at first,” Osilia said. "I am three times older than other students and twice as old as some of my instructors. But it's also very interesting because I'm getting to know and spend time with a new generation.”

CLC’s 2025 Outstanding Full Time Faculty Award Recipient, psychology instructor Dr. Brent Steffens, touched on the impact these students have on those at the college.

“We often think that faculty should inspire the students they teach, but the opposite is also true,” Steffens said. “Faculty are inspired by students.”