Morrison Tech 2023 Commencement Ceremony
With family and friends looking on, Morrison Tech held its 82nd commencement ceremony on April 29, 2023, in
the Parkinson Auditorium. The Auditorium was full of loved ones there to cheer on the 2023 Graduates. One family even arrived with matching shirts in support of their graduate.
President Christopher Scott addressed the graduates in a speech that encouraged them to appreciate and recognize this milestone. “I truly believe that the power to shape the future is in each of you. I also believe that to succeed in this endeavor, humility must be your constant companion. With your education as your guide and humility as your companion, I have every confidence that you will tackle the most complex issues of our day.” He told the graduates before shaking hands and handing out their diplomas.
The ceremony featured three speeches delivered by students from each area of study. The students chosen to represent their programs were: Payton Cassidy (Rock Island, IL) , Mechanical ET, Elizabeth Rothermel (Durand, IL), Construction ET, and Hunter Onley (Shannon, IL), Network Administration.
In addition to the awarding of degrees, several students received additional awards and recognitions:
Jonathan Schwank - Excellence in Building & Construction Technology
Bradley Toppert - Excellence in Design Technology
Bradley Toppert - Excellence in Mathematics
Sean McVay - Excellence in Network Administration
Liam Hermes - Excellence in Technical Communication
Two years passed very quickly for these students; who entered as young apprehensive adults and walked across a stage with confidence at the end. “Each year it always amazes me the transition from their arrival on campus to their departure, in only two short years. Bittersweet is not a strong enough word to depict today, “ VP of Admissions, Jodie Eaker stated, “I know that the college makes an impact on these students but the mark they leave on us is immeasurable.”
Many of the graduates will start their careers, some as soon as today, while others will continue their education at a 4-year institution. They will head out to many companies including, John Deere, Shive-Hattery, IMEG Corp, Fehr Graham, Army Corps of Engineers, and Timken Industries. Upon graduation, more than 72% of graduates have already found employment while others are contemplating which job offer to take.
Graduates for the May 2023 term:
Summa Cum Laude *** Magna Cum Laude ** Cum Laude *
Engineering Technology - Construction Concentration
Brody Grimes* - Cordova, Illinois
Joseph Hopkins** - Pontiac, Illinois
Ethan Kullerstrand - Dixon, Illinois
Elizabeth Rothermel*** - Durand, Illinois
Brett Schaefer - Leaf River, Illinois
Jonathan Schwank*** - Sterling, Illinois
Engineering Technology - Design & Drafting Concentration
Payton Cassidy*** - Rock Island, Illinois
Kobe Gabbard - Milledgeville, Illinois
Braedon Howard - Rock Falls, Illinois
John McGrane - Dyersville, Iowa
Ethan Milder - Wyoming, Iowa
Joshua Smith - Prophetstown, Illinois
Gabriel Streets Wood - Morrison, Illinois
Bradley Toppert* - Morrison, Illinois
Jackson Vogel - Davenport, Iowa
Dylan Yates** - Somonauk, Illinois
Networking Administration Concentration
Carlos Abarca - Chicago, Illinois
Fernando Castro Jr.*** - Dixon, Illinois
Liam Hermes - Stockton, Illinois
William Jezek - Tampico, Illinois
Connor Martin - Oxford Junction, Iowa
Sean McVay - Plainfield, Illinois
Chaz Meyer*** - Godfrey, Illinois
Hunter Onley* - Shannon, Illinois
Emily Thurman* - Washington, Illinois
Engineering Technology - Construction Concentration December 2022
Nicolas Garcia** - Sterling, Illinois
Engineering Technology - Design & Drafting Concentration December 2022
Jacob Dorethy - Knoxville, Illinois
Networking Administration Concentration December 2022
Zachary Cox - Morrison, Illinois
Luis Vargas** - Sterling, Illinois