Clark State Community College will celebrate commencement with a virtual ceremony available for online viewing at 10 a.m., Saturday, August 15. The Clark State Class of 2020 features 577 candidates for graduation who will receive their degree or certificate of completion.
“Clark State strives to make college degrees affordable and attainable, while providing a quality education to meet transfer and workforce needs,” said Dr. Jo Alice Blondin, president of Clark State. “While we are unable to gather together in person to celebrate at this time, we look forward to commemorating this milestone with our graduates with a memorable virtual ceremony. My congratulations to the Class of 2020 on their accomplishments, and I look forward to learning of their continued successes.”
The commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020 was originally scheduled for Saturday, May 9, however in an effort to continue the prevention of the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the celebration was postponed to the later date.
Graduate Richard Eichie will deliver the commencement speech. Eichie said he selected Clark State for the short commute, smaller classes and the ability to have a one-on-one connection with professors.
“My commencement message is to keep pushing regardless of the obstacles life may throw at you,” he said.
Eichie will be enrolling in Western Governors University to pursue a bachelor’s of science in health information management. During his time at Clark State, Eichie was a Student Ambassador and a member of Student Senate. He also participated in NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), Men of Clark State and the Diversity Committee. Richard’s involvement on campus, enthusiasm and positive spirit led to him being recognized as an Outstanding Student in 2019.
When he isn’t working at Assurant or studying, Eichie enjoys volunteering for Second Harvest Food Bank, watching basketball and going on family vacations. He is a member of Toastmaster’s International through which he won the 2020 Local Humorous Speech Contest. He aspires to be a motivational speaker.
Blondin said Clark State students have always been incredibly motivated and resilient, and those characteristics have been tested and strongly demonstrated by the Class of 2020. “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.”
The Clark State Virtual Commencement Ceremony will feature:
- The National Anthem by Clark State Alumnus Anthony Reed
- Welcome from Clark State Chairman of the Board Brad Phillips
- Featured Student Speaker Richard Eichie
- Presentation of the Class of 2020 by Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Tiffany Hunter
- Conferring of Degrees and Certificates with Dr. Jo Alice Blondin
- Induction into the Alumni Association by Clark State Foundation Board Chair Mitch Hurst
- Closing Remarks from Senior Vice President of Student Success Dr. Theresa Felder
“We are excited to celebrate the accomplishments of our students. The video will be available on our website and social media,” said Nina Wiley, dean of student engagement and support services at Clark State. “We encourage our Class of 2020, their friends and families and our entire Clark State community to gather together online and recognize our students’ accomplishments on August 15.”