President Sunil Ahuja, Ph.D., addresses the Class of 2024

Dr. Sunil Ahuja, newly named president of Lakeland Community College, delivered the commencement address during both ceremonies. During his address, he encouraged graduates to never give up, explaining, “this means continuing to push through even when times get tough. It means staying resilient in the face of adversity.” He shared, “it’s your ability to persevere and bounce back that will ultimately define your success.”

Dr. Ahuja most recently served as provost and vice president for academic and student affairs at Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, Ohio. He previously served as associate provost for academic affairs at the University of Scranton in Scranton, Pennsylvania, as vice president for accreditation relations, institutional change, and research at the Higher Learning Commission in Chicago, and as dean of the division of social sciences and human services at Lorain County Community College in Ohio.

There was also an Alumni Keynote Address from a successful Lakeland graduate at each ceremony.

Graduates in the morning ceremony heard from Michael G. Miller, president of M & T Enterprises, dba Handy Rents and Aladdin Rents. Miller graduated from Lakeland with an Associate of Applied Business degree in 1978. He was inducted into the Lakeland Alumni Hall of Fame in 2019. During his address, Miller told graduates, “Today I am selling you something – a message of hope.” He then went on to quote architect Frank Lloyd Wright who said, “The belief in a thing makes it happen.” Miller shared that this quote motivates him to take action. He encouraged graduates to work hard, work smart, persevere and not be too hard on themselves.

During the afternoon ceremony graduates heard from Michael D. Thomas. Thomas is the senior director for MediaVision at Case Western Reserve University. Thomas earned his Associate of Arts degree from Lakeland in 1985. He was inducted into the Lakeland Alumni Hall of Fame in 2019 and currently serves as the alumni representative to The Lakeland Foundation Board of Directors. During his address, Thomas inspired graduates telling them that his 40-year, successful career was possible “all with a degree from Lakeland!” That theme was carried throughout his speech illustrating to graduates that he is “proof that your career dreams are within reach.”

2024 commencement highlights include:

• A total of 411 students received degrees; 53 earned multiple degrees.
• The oldest graduate is 66; the youngest is 16
• 53 College Credit Plus students (53 high school seniors) representing 15 high schools and two home school students graduated.
• 11 are military veterans.
• 159 are first generation college graduates.
• Holden University Center Partnership Program graduates number 90 undergraduate and 19 graduate students from seven partner institutions, including Bowling Green State University, Cleveland State University, Franklin University, Lake Erie College, University of Akron, Ursuline College and Youngstown State University.

In addition to those celebrated in the May 11 commencement ceremonies, Lakeland recognized:

• 59 certificate completers.
• 63 nursing graduates during a pinning ceremony May 3.
• 11 occupational therapy assistant and nine physical therapist assistant graduates in a pinning ceremony May 10.
• 26 outstanding students selected by faculty in their respective academic disciplines.
• Kayla Heasley as the 2024 Distinguished Service Award winner for a student. The Distinguished Service Award for a student is presented to a student who has made significant contributions to the college community during the academic year.
• Jennifer R. Brand and Ashley E. Allard as the 2024 Provost Award winner for Applied Studies and Associate of Arts/Science, respectively. The Provost’s Award is the highest academic award given by the college. These two students have reached this highest level of academic achievement based on their academic record and scholastic abilities.

By: Tracy Shook, Sr. Dir. for Marketing & Communications