Clark State to host 2 graduation ceremonies; College Credit Plus graduates double

Clark State president Jo Alice Blondin speaking during the 2019 Commencement Ceremony. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Clark State president Jo Alice Blondin speaking during the 2019 Commencement Ceremony. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Clark State Community College will host two graduation ceremonies on Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Clark State Performing Arts Center, according to a release from the school.

The graduation ceremony, originally scheduled for May 9, will feature 577 students who will receive their degree or certificate of completion.

“While we are unable to gather together in person to celebrate at this time, we look forward to commemorating this milestone with our graduates in the near future,” said Dr. Jo Alice Blondin, president. “My congratulations to the class of 2020 on their accomplishments, and I look forward to learning of their continued successes.”

Of the 577 students, there will be 39 College Credit Plus (CCP) graduates, which is double from 2019.

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Riley Turner, one of the CCP graduates, has earned her associate degree while also earning her high school diploma, the release said.

“I would highly recommend high school students take CCP courses through Clark State over other alternatives such as AP or IB classes that are offered at many high schools,” said Turner. “I believe that taking CCP classes has prepared me very well for college and would do the same for any other high school student.”

Just like a majority of other students, Turner attended all of her classes on campus up until schools were closed due to COVID-19.

“While the effects of COVID-19 was certainly an adjustment, Clark State has done a good job of adjusting the coursework in an effort to give me the same quality of education from my bedroom as I would have on campus,” she said.

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Clark State students have always been motivated and resilient, and those characteristics have been tested and strongly demonstrated by the class of 2020, Blondin said.

“The board, faculty and staff all recognize the commitment it takes to graduate in any given year, but this year’s graduating class overcame extraordinary challenges to do so,” she said.

The summer semester will begin on May 26, and will continue in a remote learning format until protocols are securely in place to ensure health and safety, the release said.

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