Lorain County Community College Celebrates the Graduating Class of 2025

Lorain County Community College honored the class of 2025 at the College’s 61st annual Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 17. This year, 2,040 graduates earned 3,159 degrees and credentials from LCCC and the University Partnership. This includes 15 students who earned Bachelor of Applied Science degrees from LCCC in Microelectronic Manufacturing or Smart Industrial Automated Systems Engineering Technology.

LCCC President Marcia J. Ballinger, Ph.D., introduced the ceremony’s theme, Believe, as she welcomed graduates and their guests.

“Believe reflects the conviction that guided you through every late night, every challenge, and every decision to keep moving forward,” Ballinger said. “Each of you has your own story. Some of you pushed through completing assignments after long shifts. Others balanced school with raising families or returned to college to pursue a new career. Many of you are the first in your families to earn a college degree.”

LCCC alumnus and keynote speaker Dan Smith, Ph.D., shared with the graduating class the three drivers of life success: what they know, how they think, and, in keeping with the day’s theme, what they believe they are capable of.

Smith attended LCCC from 1976 to 1978 before transferring to The University of Toledo where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Business and MBA. Smith went on to earn his Ph.D. in Business from the University of Pittsburgh. Today, Smith is a Professor and the Clare W. Barker Chair in Marketing and Dean Emeritus of the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. He also serves as President and CEO Emeritus of the Indiana University Foundation.

In recognition of his many achievements and community impact, Smith was inducted to the Lorain County Community College Foundation’s Commodore Hall of Fame in 2024 as part of the inaugural class. And, though he transferred to The University of Toledo before earning an LCCC degree, Ballinger awarded Smith an Associate of Technical Studies degree through reverse transfer during the ceremony, joining the graduating class of 2025.

Among his fellow graduates were the first four students to earn the Bachelor of Applied Science in Smart Industrial Automated Systems Engineering Technology. The program was launched in fall 2022 in response to the rapid development of disruptive technologies shaping advanced manufacturing in Ohio. The graduates, Jonathan Alexander, Ben Burgette, Sean Cameron and Phillip Hasher, all came into the program with previous manufacturing experience and looking to upskill. In doing so, the first graduating class has validated the program’s connection to employer needs.

For 162 students from 21 local high schools, their academic and career trajectories have been accelerated by earning an associate degree at the same time they complete high school through dual enrollment. In fact, 49% of Lorain County high school graduates earn an average of 22 college credits through LCCC.

As Ballinger closed out the ceremony, she spoke of new beginnings and the potential that lies ahead.

“As you sit on the edge of this remarkable achievement, remember that today’s ceremony marks more than the closing of a chapter. It’s the start of a new story,” Ballinger said. “It’s a launchpad into a future you have worked hard to shape. And I am confident that you are ready to make a lasting impact. I believe in you, and I hope you don’t stop believing in yourself.”

To read more 2025 graduate stories, visit commencement.lorainccc.edu.