by Kelly Rogge, KCKCC
Graduation at Kansas City Kansas Community College is quickly approaching, and plans are already underway for the annual celebration.
There will once again be two ceremonies, both on Tuesday, May 24, at the KCKCC Field House, 7250 State Ave. Commencement participants must attend the ceremony that corresponds with the certificate or degree that they have earned. Seating at both ceremonies is on a first come, first served basis. Reserved seating is available for those who require accommodations due to a medical disability.
Juan Banuelas, an adjunct instructor of mathematics at KCKCC, is this year’s commencement speaker. He has a bachelor’s of science in civil engineering from Kansas State University.
Originally from Camargo, Chihuahua, Mexico, Banuelas was raised in Kansas City, Kan., and began his educational journey at the Sumner Academy of Arts and Science. His experience in higher education started at KCKCC as a member and officer of Phi Theta Kappa. During his time at KCKCC and KSU, he volunteered and led many student organizations including the Latin Ethnic Awareness Program (LEAP), VITA, ASCE and TRIO’s Educational Talent Search. Banuelas is currently working on his master’s of science in engineering management at the University of Kansas.
The ceremony for those students who have earned an associate of applied science and certificates will be at 2 p.m. Check-in begins at 1 p.m. Programs include: Accounting (AAS), Addiction Counselor (Certificate, AAS), Administrative Office Professionals (Certificate, AAS), Audio Engineering (AAS), Auto Collision Repair (Certificate – TEC), Automotive Hybrid and Electric Vehicle (Certificate-TEC), Automotive Technology (Certificate – TEC), Building and Property Maintenance (Certificate – TEC), Computer Repair (Certificate – TEC), Business Administration (AAS), Computer Engineering Technology (Certificate, AAS), Computer Software Technology/Technician (Certificate, AAS), Computer Systems Networking & Telecommunications (Certificate, AAS), Construction Technology (Certificate – TEC), Corrections (Certificate, AAS), Cosmetology (Certificate – TEC), Culinary Arts(Certificate – TEC), Digital Imaging (AAS), Drafting Technology (AAS), Early Childhood Education (Certificate, AAS), Early Childhood Education – CDA Preparation Credential (Certificate), Electrical Technology (Certificate – TEC), Exercise Leader (Certificate), Firefighter (Certificate) Fire Science/Firefighting(AAS), Hazardous Materials Management and Waste Technology (AAS), Heating and Refrigeration (Certificate – TEC), Homeland Security (Certificate), LPN to RN Articulation Program (AAS), Machine Technology (Certificate – TEC), Major Appliance Technology (Certificate – TEC), Marketing & Mid-Management (AAS), Medical Assistant (Certificate – TEC), Mortuary Science (AAS), Multimedia/Video Production (Certificate – TEC), Nail Technology (Certificate – TEC), Networking Technology (Certificate – TEC), Allied Health & Nursing/Practical Nurse (Certificate), Allied Health & Nursing/Registered Nurse (AAS), Office Assistant (Certificate – TEC), Paralegal (AAS), Paramedic/Mobile Intensive Care Technician (AAS), Paramedic/RRT to RN Bridge Program (AAS), Physical Therapist Assistant (AAS), Police Science (Certificate, AAS), Respiratory Therapist/Respiratory Care Therapy (AAS), Technical Studies (AAS), Victim/Survivor Services (Certificate, AAS), Web Application & Design (Certificate) and Welding Technology (Certificate – TEC).
The ceremony for those students who earned an associate of science, associate of arts or associate of general studies will be at 7 p.m. Check-in begins at 6 p.m. Programs include Biology (AGS, AS), Business (AS), Chemistry (AA, AGS), Computer Engineering Technology (AS), Economics (AA), Education, Elementary (AA), Education, Secondary (AA), Environmental Studies (AGS, AS), Exercise Science (AGS), Fine Arts (AA), Forensic Chemistry (AA, AGS, AS), History (AA), Journalism (AA), Music (AA), Music Technology (AGS), Philosophy (AA), Physics/Physical Science (AGS, AS), Political Science (AA), Sociology (AA), Theatre (AA), Theatre Technology (AGS), Victim/Survivor Services (AA), Pre-Agriculture (AGS, AS), Pre-Chiropractic (AGS, AS), Pre-Dental (AGS, AS), Pre-Engineering (AGS, AS), Pre-Exercise Science (AS), Pre-Law (AA), Pre-Medical (AGS, AS), Pre-Medical Technology (AGS, AS), Pre-Allied Health & Nursing (AS), Pre-Nutrition (AGS, AS), Pre-Occupational Therapy (AS), Pre-Optometry (AGS, AS), Pre-Pharmacy (AGS, AS), Pre-Physical Therapy (AS), Pre-Public Administration (AA), Pre-Radiologic Technology (AS), Pre-Respiratory Therapy (AS), Pre-Social Work (AA), Pre-Sports Mgmt. (AA) and Pre-Veterinary (AGS, AS).
For the first time, the office assistant, early childhood education and nail technology programs will be recognized at this year’s ceremony. Another new addition are Gonfalons. Gonfalons are banners that will represent each of the degree programs offered at KCKCC. Each degree program will have a Gonfalon as the graduates start their procession into the fieldhouse.
Students are strongly encouraged to attend the graduation rehearsal at 10 a.m. on May 24 as they will receive important information on the ceremony. Ottawa University will hold a free lunch following the rehearsal in the picnic area next to the fieldhouse. Students can get information on graduation gowns and invitations in the KCKCC Bookstore.
“Our graduates and guests can expect for this day to be one of the most memorable days of their life. From the moment our graduates and guests walk on our campus on Graduation Day, there will be an excitement of their great accomplishment, a time to reminisce about all the hard work it took to earn their degree, memories of how family, friends, instructors and staff have pushed them, encouraged them and sacrificed to get them to this place and finally the anticipation of their leap forward to the next level in life,” said Andrica Wilcoxen, director of student activities. “Our theme for this year is ‘If I can, anyone can.’ Throughout both ceremonies our graduates can expect to be inspired and challenged by our Graduation Speaker to continue to look forward to reaching their goals because anything is possible.”
Students who have completed all degree requirements for the spring 2016 semester as well as fall 2015 and summer 2015 are eligible to participate in commencement. Students who are within nine hours of completing degree requirements in summer 2016 are also eligible to participate.
In addition, those students with at least a 3.4 grade point average qualify to graduate with honors and can wear an honors cord during commencement. Honors are awarded to students for completed coursework. Red, white and blue cords are available to active-duty service members, military veterans and spouses or dependent family members of active duty service members and veterans. These cords will be available at graduation check-in.
For more information on 2016 commencement exercises including graduation fees, visit http://kckcc.edu/admission/returning-students/graduation-information. Information is also available by contacting a Graduation Specialist at 913-288-7519 or by email at [email protected].
Kelly Rogge is the public information supervisor at Kansas City Kansas Community College.