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.

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," adding that success is measured not just by achievements but also by overcoming obstacles.

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 have successfully achieved their academic goals,” said Dr. Jimmy Cheffen from the Madison College Community Impact Team.

A Nursing Pinning Ceremony was held at the 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. The 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 alongside Provost Beth Giles and student Andrew Marquardt.

The NextGen Responders Graduation on May 8 honored 42 high school students who completed the Emergency Medical Responder or Fire Academy programs. Each graduate received a certificate of completion along with a NextGen Madison College-Protective Services Challenge Coin. Portage High School Senior Emily Bulgrin highlighted the strong connections formed during their training.

A first this year was the Triunfadores Graduation open house on May 3 celebrating Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latine students' achievements at Goodman South campus with cake, food, and live music from a mariachi band.

Additionally, an All-City American Indian and Alaska Native Graduation Celebration took place on May 3 in collaboration with multiple educational institutions including UW-Madison Office of Tribal Relations.