Four students will speak at Lake Michigan College’s commencement ceremonies this Sunday. Lake Michigan College told us more:
Hailey Marbut, Renato Recillas, Ashley Ledin, and Dajah Parker have been selected as student speakers for Lake Michigan College’s 78th annual commencement ceremonies, which will be held at 10 a.m. (Arts & Sciences and General Studies) and 1 p.m. (Career & Workforce and Health Sciences) on Sunday, May 4, at Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Jenkins Theatre on the Benton Harbor Campus, 2755 E. Napier Ave.
Student speakers are nominated by their peers, LMC faculty, and staff based on academic excellence, integrity, and compassion for their classmates.
Marbut, who will speak during the 10 a.m. ceremony, is a Bangor resident and a 2018 Hartford High School graduate. She graduates with an Associate in General Studies degree and was on the Part-time Dean’s List. She plans to continue her studies in computer science technology to pursue an IT career.
“LMC has been a gateway to a better version of myself. When I began my journey with LMC in Fall of 2021, I felt completely derailed in my educational plans after the COVID-19 pandemic,” Marbut said. “LMC helped me rediscover my passion for learning and reinforced my time management and organizational skills. I feel confident in my ability to translate these skills into my future professional and educational endeavors.”
Recillas, who is from Fennville, will also speak during the 10 a.m. ceremony. He earns his Associate in Arts degree in Political Science with Highest Honors. He is concurrently graduating from Fennville High School as part of the LMC Early Middle College program and will transfer to the University of Michigan this fall to study political science.
Recillas was president of Student Senate, a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, and active in several other campus clubs. He represented LMC as part of the College’s delegation to Model Illinois Government in Springfield, Illinois, and was recently named to the national ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge’s 2025 Student Voting Honor Roll.
“The Lake Michigan College community has allowed me to spread my wings and be who I am without fear of judgment,” Recillas said. “Everyone I met, from staff to student, was always so welcoming and encouraging. I have made so many friends and have connections with people who have all made this experience unforgettable.”
Ledin, who will speak at the 1 p.m. ceremony, earns an Associate in Applied Science degree in Business and a Certificate of Achievement in Digital Marketing with High Honors. She will continue studying business administration this fall at Siena Heights University.
The St. Joseph resident who earned her GED in 2008 was on the Dean’s List three times while participating in Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, the National Society of Leadership and Success, and the Student Marketing Advisory Committee at LMC.
“LMC has meant a brighter future for my family. Through it all, I found confidence in myself and resilience to reach my goals. I look forward to my future and will always look back on my experience at LMC with pride,” Ledin said.
Parker, who will also speak at the 1 p.m. ceremony, earns an Associate in Arts degree in Graphic Design and graduates with Highest Honors. She will attend Ferris State University this fall to major in graphic design.
The Benton Harbor resident, who is a 2023 graduate of Countryside Academy, was president of LMC’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success and the College’s esports team. She was named to the All-Michigan Academic Team and was on the Dean’s and President’s Lists several times.
“Lake Michigan College not only has helped me grow my skills academically, but throughout my personal life,” Dajah said. “Without the staff members who slowly became role models and mentors, I wouldn’t have become the person I am now. They’ve inspired me to become the best version of myself, and even then, to strive for greater things.”
During the May 4 ceremonies, 414 LMC students will receive 403 associate degrees, 11 advanced certificates, and 40 certificates of achievement with 49 areas of study represented.