Macomb Community College to celebrate 111th commencement December 13

Three graduates to share their personal Macomb experiences during the ceremony

Macomb Community College will hold its 111^th commencement ceremony at the Sports and Expo Center on Macomb’s South Campus in Warren Friday, December 13, 7 p.m. Nearly 350 graduating students are expected to participate in the ceremony. The college will be awarding approximately 1,220 certificate and degree credentials for the the spring/summer and fall semesters.

“Earning a college degree opens an important new door to the rest of your life,” said Macomb President James O. Sawyer IV during his remarks. “Whether you use your Macomb education directly now to carve out a defined career path, or it’s the beginning of a longer educational quest, the ability to envision a different future and follow a plan is a solid foundation for realizing your potential and your dreams.”

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

Kandace Costanza, 33, of St. Clair Shores, was insecure about starting college but overcame those worries with the help of her professors and by getting involved in student activities.

“I came here with the idea that I was simply going to come to school, try my hardest to get a degree and then leave,” said Costanza. “But, as it turns out, these past few years at Macomb have not only led me to a degree but completely changed my life in so many ways.”

Costanza is graduating with an Associate of Applied Science and will be attending Wayne State University beginning in January to complete a Bachelor of Science in biology.

Silvia Donahue, 29, of Chesterfield, was adopted at a very young age from Xela, Guatemala, and cherishes the educational opportunities afforded her.

“Growing up, my mom always made sure that my big sister and I knew the value of education,” said Donahue. “I consider myself extremely lucky to have been exposed to this perspective – not just because of how it impacted my worldview but because of how it made me reflect on how different my life could’ve been had I never left the orphanage.”

Donahue is graduating with three associate degrees, one in arts, another in business administration with a specialty in general business and a third degree in business administration with a specialty in marketing. She plans to attend Wayne State University to complete a bachelor’s degrees in business administration and marketing.

Misha Safranski, 52, of Macomb, delayed her education due to marriage and children. By 2022, after starting and stopping in 2006, she decided to give college a try again.

“By this time, I was no longer the 30-something who could somewhat blend in with the young whippersnappers,” said Safranski. “Instead, I was officially middle-aged, terrified I wouldn’t have what it takes, with a memory that wasn’t exactly at its peak.”

Safranski conquered her fears and is graduating with an Associate of Arts and would like to continue to Oakland University to complete a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies.

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