Ohio Governor Mike DeWine will address Lakeland graduates during a virtual commencement event.

Lakeland Community College will hold its 54th annual commencement Saturday, May 8, at 10 a.m., with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine serving as the keynote speaker. The event will be held virtually on the college's YouTube channel.

In 2018, Gov. DeWine was elected to serve as the 70th Governor of the State of Ohio. The governor has had a long and distinguished career in public service, focusing on protecting Ohio children and families. He was previously the 50th Attorney General of the State of Ohio and has previously been elected to serve as Greene County Prosecutor, Ohio State Senator, U.S. Congressman, Ohio Lt. Governor, and U.S. Senator.

"Throughout this past academic year, our faculty, staff and students have demonstrated a tremendous amount of courage in the face of uncertainty. This is especially true of the more than 700 graduates whose accomplishments we will celebrate during our virtual commencement ceremony," said Lakeland President Morris W. Beverage Jr. "It couldn't be more fitting that we have our governor address graduates about the value of perseverance, strength and resolve when faced with obstacles and unexpected challenges."

2021 commencement highlights include:

• A total of 761 students will receive degrees; 57 will earn multiple degrees.

• The oldest graduate is 65; the youngest is 15; seven graduates are 55 years of age and older.

• 63 College Credit Plus students (56 seniors, five juniors, two sophomores) representing 18 high schools will graduate.

• 26 are military veterans.

• 124 are first generation college graduates.

• Holden University Center graduates from partner institutions number 108 undergraduate and 62 graduate students.

• Lakeland's highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, for a member of the community will be presented to Kenneth J. Quiggle (2020) and David A. Kalina (2021), for their years of service to the college as members of the board of trustees.

Family and friends of the graduates as well as the general public, are welcome to view the event online. As a YouTube Premiere video, the virtual ceremony will allow viewers to chat and engage in real-time during the broadcast.

Visit lakelandcc.edu/commencement to access the direct link to attend the virtual commencement.

By: Jessica Novak