Trustees, administrators and faculty applaud the “newly minted” members of the Class of 2026 as they walk out the front door of the National Guard Armory. [[Black Hawk College photo]

Milestones and memories were abundant in the Kewanee National Guard Armory Friday night as students in the Black Hawk College-East Campus Class of 2026 closed one door and opened another in a commencement ceremony.

Student Government Association President Makenna Walker told about what the past two years meant to her and her fellow graduates. [Photo by Dave Clarke]

Seats were at a premium as students, faculty, board trustees and administrators entered in the Academic Procession.

Dr. Jeremy Thomas, President of Black Hawk College, opened the ceremony calling it a “celebration of the journey each student has taken to get here” with every graduate now moving forward and, even though at times it may not be easy, determined to face the challenges that lie ahead.

Honor Marshal Ace Christiansen, at the left in the white robe, is prepared to lead the graduates in the Class of 2026 to the stage where they will receive their certificates and degrees. [Photo by Dave Clarke]

Dr. Thomas also called for a moment of silence to remember and express gratitude for the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country.

Makenna Witte, of Kewanee, a 2026 graduate of Wethersfield High School, shown here with BHC President Dr. Jeremy Thomas, also received her associate in arts degree from Black Hawk College-East Campus through the dual credit program. [Photo by Dave Clarke]

Remarks were given by Makenna Walker, an ag production technology major from Woodhull and president of the East Campus Student Government Association.

The crowd filled the Armory from wall to wall at Friday’s Black Hawk College-East Campus Commencement. [Black Hawk College Photo]

She recalled being uncertain about where she would continue her education after high school until she visited Black Hawk East in March of her senior year. She explained that she immediately felt a connection to the East Campus which became “like home” and her classmates and faculty “like family” over the next two years. “Some things are not always what they seem,” Walker said. “You never know what they will become.”

Fourteen of the 16 graduates in the Veterinary Technology program pose for a group photo before lining up for the processional at the Black Hawk College-East Campus commencement ceremony at the National Guard Armory. [Photo by Dave Clarke]

After the awarding of certificates and conferring associate degrees to 125 students, Dr. Thomas closed the ceremony by telling graduates that they now step into a future where they will share their knowledge and skills.

“Your time here has prepared you to move forward…but wherever you go, you will always have a home at BHE. You have earned this moment!”