HFCC Commencement Exercises honor graduates, Congressman John D. Dingell
The Henry Ford Community College (HFCC) 2011 Commencement Ceremony took place Saturday, May 7, under sunny skies at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center. HFCC held two exercises: a 10 a.m. ceremony for Nursing graduates and a 1:30 p.m. ceremony for all other graduates.
Thousands of family and friends gathered at the Center to watch more than 800 students receive associate’s degrees. During the ceremony, HFCC honored U.S. Congressman John D. Dingell with the Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes those who have made significant contributions toward excellence in education, outstanding civic accomplishments and for their unwavering support of Henry Ford Community College.
The day was even more special for Congressman Dingell--his granddaughter, Gabriella, also graduated from HFCC on Saturday.
During her introduction, Dr. Gail Mee, president of HFCC, said that Congressman Dingell 'is an important example of a true American and hometown son who loves his country.'
With more than 55 years of service to Michigan’s 15th Congressional District, Representative Dingell is the longest-serving representative in the House. His work includes fighting for the working families that keep America’s economy going, including making health care more affordable and accessible and protecting our nation’s natural heritage. Over the last five decades, Dingell has authored numerous renowned laws protecting our health and our environment.
HFCC also honored Alumnus Bruce Potts, who received the HFCC Alumni Service Award. He is a 1977 HFCC graduate and branch manager at W.W. Grainger Inc. in Romulus, Mich. He was one of the first students at HFCC to win a Grainger Foundation Grant to support his academic studies. To help today’s students achieve career and educational success, he continues to serve in Grainger’s Tools for Tomorrow Scholarship Program.
The College takes great pride in the annual commencement ceremony, which marks a critical point in the academic careers and lives of all students. Many students must juggle responsibilities as students, parents and employees while working toward a brighter future through higher education. Committed to student success, HFCC works to assist all students in achieving their life goals.
HFCC continues to represent an exceptional gateway to higher education for thousands of students each year. With more than 100 focused programs, support programs, dedicated faculty and staff, many HFCC graduates transition into high-paying careers or move on to four-year institutions where they complete their undergraduate degrees.