Congratulations Triton College Class of 2010!

Graduates hit a milestone in their journey as Triton College held its 44th annual commencement ceremony at the Rosemont Theatre on May 23.

Triton College staff, faculty and administration gathered to congratulate the graduates and their families. The day was a celebration of the graduate's commitment, dedication and success in completing their academic studies at Triton.

Some students moved through their course work in two straight years, some managed a class or two each semester, some made the campus their second home and some obtained their degree via online offerings.

This year, Triton College graduated more than 1,500 students that participated in various programs offered by the college and nearly 500 of those graduating students participated in the graduation ceremony.

The ceremony opened with a greeting from Triton College president, Dr. Patricia Granados.

"It is an honor for me to be here today to share this exciting moment with each of you." said Dr. Granados. "Each of you has much to be proud of. And, I can truly say, that as I look out into the faces of our graduates, we too, as members of the Triton College community, have much of which to be proud of."

President of Triton College Student Association, Dante Colloly, spoke to his peers reflecting back on his journey at Triton. Colloly gave sentiments about those who helped him along the way.

Mark Stephens, chairman of the Triton College Board of Trustees expressed the pride and accomplishments he shared with the students as he introduced the 2010 commencement speaker, Dr. Frank Pasquale, mayor of the village of Bellwood.

Mayor Pasquale opened by expressing gratitude and appreciation to the president, board of trustees and graduates for allowing him the privilege of speaking at this year's commencement ceremony.

"I am both honored and enthused to be able to congratulate you on your accomplishments today," said Pasquale.

Being an advocate for education, he spoke on taking advantage of the life tools and knowledge that Triton College provided to the graduates.

"Triton College holds a special place in my heart, I believe in what the college stands for, the excellence they strive for and teach to all their students," Pasquale said. "Take advantage of the degree that you have obtained, use it to advance in your life as far as you can. Triton is a great spring board for you to achieve your goals."

The ceremony closed with the graduates receiving their diplomas from the college's president and board members.

Sheena Williamson, a member of this year's graduating class, received an Associate in Science degree. "It has taken me a long time to get here but in the end it doesn't matter how long it took you," said Williamson. "What matters is that you finished. Just keep pushing yourself, keep your head up and remember you can do this, you can do anything you want."

Williamson plans on attending Eastern Illinois University in the fall semester to obtain her bachelor's degree.
Another Triton graduate, David Prus, received his Associate in Arts degree and plans on attending DePaul or Loyola this fall to study history.

"In a small way, I am leaving Triton exactly as I arrived, uncertain and nervous of the future, but in an even bigger way," said Prus. "I am leaving a changed person forever, I am confident that I can make my dreams come true and Triton College helped me see that anything is possible."

Congratulations to the Triton College graduating class of 2010!