By: Brian Kleemann
More than 800 graduates received their diplomas during College of DuPage’s 56th Commencement, a record number of students participating in the annual ceremony.
Outstanding graduates Kathleen Hankes of Wheaton and Makkara Phann of Winfield provided the keynote speeches and encouraged their fellow graduates to keep making a difference in people’s lives. Hankes, who is transferring to Aurora University for bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work, spoke about the importance of connections.
“I would ask each one of you to watch for the opportunities around you to develop meaningful connections with others,” Hankes said. “Impart some hope into someone’s life, whether that’s people you may have known your entire life or a complete stranger. Believe in the power people have to help others, one person at a time.”
Meet the 2023 Outstanding Graduates
Phann, who is transferring to North Central College to study education and mathematics, urged graduates to continue pursuing their goals.
“Don’t fear rejections and struggles but fear regrets, because giving up and not trying is the birth of regrets,” she said. “Don’t allow anyone’s rejection to tell you what you are incapable of doing. We’re all uniquely and intellectually different with gifted abilities.”
The College awarded more than 2,700 degrees and certificates to students during the 2022-2023 academic year.
College of DuPage is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Serving more than 22,000 students each term, College of DuPage is the largest public community college in the state of Illinois. The College grants seven associate degrees and offers more than 170 career and technical certificates in over 50 areas of study.