Madison Reporter

Madison College celebrated student success stories in graduation ceremonies across its campuses and in the community this spring.

The Madison College School of Academic Advancement celebrated 435 graduates at its annual High School Completion Recognition Ceremony on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at the Mitby Theatre. Dr. Leslie Petty, Dean, and Angela Fitzgerald-Ward, Associate Dean, School of Academic Advancement, kicked off the event and welcomed keynote speaker President Jack Daniels III. A special honor went to 92-year-old graduate Sarah Wells, the oldest student to have received her HSED at Madison College.

Sarah Wells celebrated earning her high school diploma at Madison College. The School of Academic Advancement provides returning adult students the opportunity to obtain a high school credential through GED/HSED, Compulsory Education, HEP, Spanish GED, and Spanish 5.09 programming options.

Dr. Leslie Petty encouraged graduates to emerge like butterflies: “Carry with you the lessons you have learned and the strength you have gained. Remember that success is not measured solely on your achievements and goals but also by the obstacles you have overcome along the way,” Dr. Petty said.

Madison College partnered with African Associations of Madison (AAM) to honor Black/African Graduation on May 3. Graduates from local high schools, colleges, and universities were celebrated. “This wonderful experience honored African and African American students who through unyielding determination have successfully achieved their academic goals,” said Dr. Jimmy Cheffen from Madison College Community Impact Team.

A Nursing Pinning Ceremony was held at Madison College Reedsburg campus recognizing Spring 2024 graduates of the Associate Degree Nursing (RN) program. Students completed sixty-six credits in various settings including classroom instruction and direct patient care in clinical environments. Fort Atkinson and Watertown campuses also honored nursing graduates for their success.

Twenty-five new Madison College Law Enforcement Officers were celebrated at the May 10 Law Enforcement Academy graduation. Instructor Brian Schneider served as guest speaker for an event led by Provost Beth Giles alongside other faculty members.

The NextGen Responders Graduation on May 8 honored 42 high school students who completed Emergency Medical Responder or Fire Academy programs. Each graduate received a certificate of completion and a NextGen Madison College-Protective Services Challenge Coin.

Portage High School Senior Emily Bulgrin spoke about the deep connection developed during their training: “As the saying goes, emergency services aren’t just a profession; it is a family.” More than thirteen NextGen Academy graduates plan to continue their fire and EMS studies at Madison College.

The Triunfadores Graduation open house on May 3 marked a first-time celebration for Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latine students' academic achievements with festivities including cake, food, and live mariachi music at Goodman South campus.

Additionally, an All-City American Indian and Alaska Native Graduation Celebration took place on May 3 hosted by multiple institutions including Madison Metropolitan School District and University of Wisconsin-Madison entities celebrating students' hard work on UW-Madison’s campus.