LIBERAL, Kan. — Seward County Community College will celebrate the achievements of nearly 400 students from various programs the second week in May. From Kansas state high school diploma graduates to Associate degrees, students will advance across the platform to collect the honors they have earned.
“It is my favorite time of year, no exception,” said SCCC President Brad Bennett. “This week contains everything our team works for, every day of the year. It is, as people often say, the why of what we do.”
Commencement ceremonies at SCCC include:
• Nursing Capping & Pinning, 6 p.m., Thursday, May 8, in the Greenhouse gymnasium
• Commencement for graduates who have earned certificates and Associate of Applied Science degrees in the college’s many career technical education programs, 6 p.m., Friday, May 9, in the Greenhouse.
• Commencement for graduates who have earned Associate of General Studies, Associate of Arts, and Associate of Science degrees, 8 p.m., Friday, May 9, in the Greenhouse.
• Commencement for graduates who have completed their GED, ELA and AO-K programs will be honored at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 10, in the Clifford & Irene Pepper Showcase Theater.
The 2025 graduation schedule was dictated by changes to the academic calendar, and the need to avoid double-scheduling with the Liberal High School commencement on Saturday morning, May 10. SCCC Vice President of Academic Affairs Luke Dowell said the college’s executive team will evaluate the overall feasibility of the new dates and times for the college’s 54th annual commencement and adjust next year’s plan accordingly, if needed.
Along with a larger number of graduates than the preceding, post-COVID years, this spring’s group of Saints graduates includes a record-breaking number of concurrent graduates from area high schools. In all, 47 high school scholars have earned certificates or degrees from SCCC while simultaneously completing their secondary schooling at their respective high schools.
“We are proud of all our graduates and so pleased to recognize these high school students who have made the most of the opportunity to get an early start with college, thanks to the Saints Ahead scholarship offered by SCCC,” said Bennett. “It’s always exciting to see success, and these students are inspiring for us all.” High School graduate include students from Stanton County (2), Moscow (1), Liberal High School (18), Hugoton (6), Ulysses (15), Southwestern Heights (1), Sublette (1), and Satanta (3).