Heather Biddle is the featured student speaker for Clark State’s School of Arts and Sciences and Business and Applied Technologies Commencement at 10 a.m.
Clark State College will celebrate the accomplishments of 536 graduates during two Commencement ceremonies on May 11 at Kuss Auditorium, 300 S. Fountain Ave. in Springfield. Students will be recognized for completion of academic programs, including 16 bachelor’s degrees, 475 associate degrees, 61 certificates and 50 high school students who participated in the College Credit Plus program, earning both high school diplomas and associate degrees simultaneously.
Commencement for the School of Arts and Sciences, as well as Business and Applied Technologies, will begin at 10 a.m. At 1 p.m., Commencement will occur for the School of Health, Human and Public Services.
Heather Biddle, who will receive her associate of applied business degree in management, will be the student speaker during the Schools of Arts and Sciences and Business and Applied Technologies ceremony. Biddle is graduating Honors with Distinction with a 4.0 GPA. As a mother of seven children, Biddle completed coursework through Clark State’s online options and will pursue her bachelor’s degree in marketing at Franklin University. Her additional honors include membership in Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society.
Marcedes Powell, who is graduating with an associate of applied science degree in social services technology, is the featured speaker during the School of Health, Human and Public Services ceremony. The first to earn a college degree in her immediate family, Powell achieved a 3.5 GPA and will graduate with Honors. After Commencement, she plans to continue her studies at a four-year university and dedicate her life to helping disadvantaged and foster care youth. Her additional honors include membership in Phi Theta Kappa and Epsilon Pi Tau international honor societies, as well as being named an Outstanding Student in the Social Services program.
The Clark State Class of 2024 includes 37 students with a 4.0 GPA; 155 students with a 3.5 GPA; 14 honors program members; 11 student athletes and 6 Active Duty, National Guard, Reservist or Veteran graduates.
“On behalf of the entire Clark State community, we commend these students on their graduation. They have a achieved a significant goal in their life due to their hard work and personal commitment,” said Jo Alice Blondin, Ph.D., president. “We are so honored they chose to make Clark State a part of their lives and know they will now lead their communities and career fields as thoughtful, compassionate and well-prepared leaders.”
Both ceremonies will include the National Anthem sung by V. Hagenbuch, a College Credit Plus student from Kenton Ridge High School and will be live streamed at www.clarkstate.edu.