Macomb Community College to celebrate its 109th commencement Dec. 15

Three students to share their Macomb experience during the ceremony

Macomb Community College will hold its 109^th commencement ceremony at the Sports and Expo Center on Macomb’s South Campus in Warren on Friday, Dec. 15, at 7 p.m. Nearly 300 graduating students are expected to participate in the ceremony. The college will award more than 1,200 associate degrees during 2023.

“Commencement is a great day for our graduates. Each of them is marking a significant educational and life accomplishment,” said James O. Sawyer IV, president, Macomb Community College. “No matter the circumstances that brought them here, these graduates have demonstrated courage. It takes courage to move beyond what you know. It takes courage to open yourself to new experiences. It takes courage to pursue your passion and embrace building the future you want.”

Three of the graduating students will share their success stories at Macomb during the ceremony.

Emily Cooper, 42, from Macomb Township, compares her college experience with a long hike up a Lake Michigan sand dune.

“My educational journey is very similar to my adventure with the sand dune,” said Cooper. “I started and stopped more times than I’d like to admit. I would always start strong, excited to learn. But life would happen, and I would temporarily put my education on hold. I worked, started a business, had four beautiful children and volunteered, but I was only moving forward one small class at a time. During COVID, I decided to finally do the work of getting up the mountain and obtaining my degree.”

Cooper earned an associate of arts degree in media and communication arts and is currently looking for a position to demonstrate her skill in graphic arts.

Riyam Kajal Alshabi, 32, of Macomb Township, immigrated to the United States in 2017 and took English as a second language courses prior to choosing a career pathway to follow. She is currently working at Beaumont Urgent Care and hopes to move into a manager position after earning her associate degree in medical assisting.

“I’ve always had a passion for the field of medicine, and after talking to a few counselors here at Macomb, they helped me figure out what I wanted to major in,” said Alshabi. “I majored in medical assisting. Choosing to become a medical assistant was more than just a decision for me; it was also a way for me to make a positive difference in people’s lives.”

Stephanie Hamilton, 35, of Detroit, initially struggled with college. Overcoming depression, job loss, eviction notices and utility shut-offs, Hamilton succeeded in achieving her goal of earning an associate degree in pre-social work and an associate degree in general studies.

“With the support of Macomb’s Student Options for Success (SOS) office, student success coaches, my family, church, friends, mentors, my higher power and the entire Macomb community, I stand before you not as a victim but as a survivor,” said Hamilton in her commencement address. “The journey has been tough, but it has fueled my determination to pursue further education and a career in social work. My mission is to provide help and hope to those facing circumstances like mine.”

Hamilton is currently looking for a position that will give her experience in social work and move her dream another step forward.

About Macomb Community College

Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is about transforming lives and communities through the power of education, enrichment and economic development. Macomb grants the largest number of associate degrees in Michigan and is the largest community college in the state. The college provides programming for youth through seniors, including early college for high school students, university transfer and career preparation programs, workforce education, continuing education and certification, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities encompassing arts, culture and lifelong learning.

Media contact: Sean M. Patrick, 586.445.7271, patricks28@macomb.edu