Lakeland Community College is honored to welcome Emmy Award-winning journalist Romona Robinson as the keynote speaker for the 56^th annual commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 10 a.m. on the college’s campus in Kirtland, Ohio.

Robinson is an eight-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, philanthropist and entrepreneur with 30 years of public speaking experience. She is a national award-winning author of “A Dirt Road to Somewhere,” “Your Voice is Your Power” and now “Poor Girl Rich Life.”

A television trailblazer, Robinson was the first Black female to anchor an evening broadcast in Cleveland, as well as the first woman to solo anchor an evening newscast in the city. She is one of the most well-respected and admired journalists in Northeast Ohio.

She is also recognized for her powerful, dynamic messages as a motivational speaker.

“Commencement is always one of my favorite days on campus. It is full of energy, joy and overwhelming gratitude. It is truly inspiring to see our students walk across that stage,” shared Dr. Morris W. Beverage Jr. Lakeland Community College president. “Having Romona – a local inspiration in broadcast journalism and philanthropy, and an overarching voice of empowerment – as our keynote speaker will just elevate the day. We are all looking forward to her uplifting and motivational message.”

Lakeland’s 2023 commencement ceremony will be held on the college’s campus under a covered outdoor pavilion. More than 2,500 guests are expected to be in attendance. The class of 2023 will join an alumni network of over 36,750 students who have graduated from Lakeland since the college was founded in 1967.

Students receiving their bachelor’s and master’s degrees from university partnerships through Lakeland’s Holden University Center will also be recognized during the commencement ceremony. In addition to the graduates, Lakeland's highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, will be presented to a member of the community during the ceremony.

For more information about Lakeland Community College’s commencement ceremony, please visit www.lakelandcc.edu/commencement.

By: Kerry Ann Jonke, Asst Director Market & Communi