Chicago Heights, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Addressing a packed house of Prairie State College (PSC) graduates, family, and friends on Saturday, May 18, 2013, Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon thanked all the graduates for investing in themselves and assured them they would reap the benefits of their education. She also recognized the role families, friends, and professors played in helping the graduates achieve their educational goals. The 54th commencement ceremony was held at the Pioneer Fieldhouse, located at the main campus of the college in Chicago Heights, Il.
During her term, Simon has been the leading voice on education for the state. She emphasized the state’s goal of increasing to 60 percent by 2025 the number of Illinois residents holding certificates and degrees, up from 41 percent today.
“A better educated state workforce benefits everyone. I appreciate the value of an education,” she said.
She also extolled the virtues of the Illinois Community College System, “I know what open admission means and how it opens the door to education for so many Illinois residents.”
Prior to the commencement, Simon had interviewed five PSC graduates, using their stories to illustrate the college’s five core values: teaching and learning, community, diversity, excellence, and caring and concern.
Garrett J. McAlister, a president leadership award recipient and an associate of arts degree graduate, represented teaching and learning. He told the Lt. Governor that Prairie State had offered him a million opportunities to learn and grow as a senator of student government and by being a member of numerous campus clubs and organizations.
Erin Tomlinson, a high school dropout who returned to school for a GED and graduated Saturday with an associate degree, represented the core value of community. Her catalyst for continuing her education was a PSC scholarship that Tomlinson said, “changed her life.”
The core value of diversity was represented by Barry Rogers, a non-traditional student whose passion for information technology led him to PSC and will take him to Arizona State University for his bachelor’s degree.
Addison Jackson, Jr., president leadership award recipient, exiting student government president, disabled veteran, and father of three girls, represented the core value of excellence. During his tenure at PSC he was both the voice of the student and the voice of experience. Jackson will be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work.
Representing caring and concern was Francine Poindexter. Graduating with her associate in applied science degree in nursing, her education story also started with obtaining her GED and enlisted in the U.S. Army. While a student at PSC she served as president of the Student Veterans Club during the spring 2012 semester. Her plan is to continue pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
“You should all be proud of your own story. You also should be proud that you will earn $1 million more during your lifetime than if you had stopped your education at a high school degree,” Simon said.
More than 400 students graduated from PSC with associate degrees and certificates this year, and approximately 275 graduates participated in the ceremony.
As Illinois’ 46th lieutenant governor, Simon has served alongside Gov. Pat Quinn since January 2011. She is the second highest executive officer in Illinois, and her mission is to make government more accountable, accessible, and transparent for the people of Illinois. She acts as the governor’s point person on education reform, and is leading efforts to increase college completion, inspire ethical government, and protect our military bases, rural areas, and waterways.
