Lorain County Community College Celebrates the Class of 2026

2,053 Graduates Earned 3,431 Degrees and Credentials Marking the Largest Number Awarded in LCCC History

Lorain County Community College celebrated the class of 2026 at the College’s 62nd annual Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 16. This year, 2,053 graduates earned 3,431 degrees and credentials from LCCC. This includes 11 graduates who earned Bachelor of Applied Science degrees from LCCC in Microelectronic Manufacturing or Smart Industrial Automated Systems Engineering Technology. The class of 2026 marks the largest number of degrees and certificates earned by an LCCC graduating class. Associate degree attainment increased by 20% compared to last year. An additional 144 graduates earned bachelor’s or master’s degrees through LCCC’s University Partnership.

After welcoming graduates and their guests, LCCC President Marcia J. Ballinger, Ph.D., introduced the ceremony’s theme, Thrive, which shares the name of the College’s new strategic plan, THRIVE 2035. Included within the plan is LCCC’s new goal to award 35,000 more degrees and credentials by 2035.

“Class of 2026, you are the very first graduating class contributing to LCCC’s THRIVE 2035 vision,” Ballinger said. “But THRIVE 2035 is not ultimately about a number. It’s about people. It’s about you. It’s about the lives you will change, the communities you with strengthen, the workplaces you will lead, and the example you will set for those who follow behind you.”

Local news anchor and award-winning broadcast journalist Tiffany Tarpley delivered the ceremony’s keynote address. The Lorain County native attended LCCC after graduating from Lorain Admiral King School before transferring to Bowling Green State University. Tarpley is co-anchor of Good Morning Cleveland on WEWS Channel 5, a two-time Emmy Award winner, a member of LCCC’s Commodore Hall of Fame inaugural class, and as Ballinger said, a powerful example of what’s possible when students start at LCCC.

“You have to dream big,” Tarpley told the graduates. “Dream boldly. Believe in yourself even when no one else does. Dream intentionally. Put in the work and stay ready so you don’t have to get ready. And dream graciously. Remember those who helped you along the way and don’t forget to lift someone else up your way.”

Although she transferred to Bowling Green State University before earning an LCCC degree, Ballinger awarded Tarpley an Associate of Individualized Studies degree through reverse transfer during the ceremony, joining the graduating class of 2026.

Like Tarpley, 79% of graduates earning transfer degrees plan to continue their education either at LCCC or at a four-year institution. Jennifer Day, who was named to the All-Ohio Academic Second Team by the Ohio Association of Community Colleges, is among that collective. The 46-year-old from Lorain is transferring to Case Western Reserve University where she’ll complete her bachelor’s in psychology and then a master’s in social work. Day plans to become a Licensed Independent Social Worker.

“I could never say enough about the empowerment I have found at LCCC and the impact it has had on my life, my family, and my community involvement,” Day said.

Day, who leveraged LCCC support services to aid in her academic success, is the first in her family to graduate from college. She shared this generational milestone alongside 39% of the 2026 graduating class.

For 150 students from 18 local high schools, their milestone meant earning an associate degree at the same time they completed high school through dual enrollment. These programs include College Credit Plus, Early College High School programs and Career Technical Education. The students who graduated today saved their families $1.8 million in tuition. Elijah Smith, 17, began College Credit Plus courses in eighth grade and today earned both an Associate of Science and an Associate of Arts.

“Besides the tuition expense we saved on, Elijah saved valuable time, giving himself a great head start in life,” said Elijah’s dad, Eric Smith. “He is very self-driven, but had a great support system behind him, which he was always grateful for.”

Smith has already been accepted into LCCC’s associate degree in nursing program for fall 2026. He hopes to become a registered nurse, much like graduate Alesha Caine. The 39-year-old from Oberlin is a registered nurse at University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center and a recipient of LCCC’s Florence Nightingale Student Nurse Award for Nursing Excellence. Caine, a mother of three, is proud of what she’s accomplished, and the journey it took to get here. And she has plans to one day continue her education with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

“I never thought I’d be considering a BSN,” she said. “There was a time when I honestly didn’t think I’d finish my ADN. But everything worked out, and I’m really proud of where I am.”

As Ballinger closed out the day’s ceremony, she encouraged every 2026 graduate to choose their own path with today serving as proof they can rise to any challenge and thrive.

“One of my favorite poets, Maya Angelou, put it simply, when she said, ‘My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style,’” Ballinger said. “Graduates, I challenge you to bring the passion. Lead with compassion. Keep your sense of humor. And always do it with your own style.”

To read more 2026 graduate stories, visit commencement.lorainccc.edu.