Family members, friends and City Colleges of Chicago faculty and staff along with elected officials gathered to support and cheer news graduates who overcame challenges and a global pandemic to earn their associate degrees. City Colleges of Chicago students often conquer obstacles in pursuit of their education, and these last two years have been especially challenging. The resilience and persistence of City Colleges students was on full display Sunday, May 1, 2022, as Chicago’s future walked across the stage to receive the well-earned associate degrees they completed during the pandemic. After two years of virtual graduations, the 2022 City Colleges of Chicago Commencement Ceremony was held in-person at Wintrust Arena and featured two ceremonies with all seven colleges. Nearly 1,700 graduates walked the stage to receive their diplomas, including members of the Class of 2022, 2021 and 2020. Graduates shared their stories of resilience and success. In total, City Colleges of Chicago awarded 3,520 associate degrees in 2022.
“The degrees that each of this year’s graduates have earned are truly the embodiment of both their talents and resilience, as well as the excellence of City Colleges of Chicago,” said Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. “I have no doubt that they will return to their communities as leaders, innovators, advocates and change-makers. I am proud of them and excited to see how they continue to strengthen our great city and our country.”
“We know how hard each student worked to finish their degrees and we are thankful to be able to recognize their efforts, in-person with a great celebration,” said Juan Salgado, Chancellor of City Colleges of Chicago. “Our graduates truly reflect Chicago and all its strength and diversity. They are mothers and fathers, husbands and wives and partners, community volunteers and military service members, immigrants and life-long Chicagoans. They are the backbone of our great city and the leaders of tomorrow.” Watch all the excitement and at any time by viewing the recorded ceremonies visit, www.ccc.edu/graduation.
Photo caption: Mayor Lightfoot and City Colleges of Chicago Board Trustee Darrell Williams join City Colleges of Chicago graduation procession for the first in-person graduation in two years.
