2025 Commencement

More than 1,000 students celebrate completion at MCC commencement ceremonies

With exception to the low bass note Metropolitan Community College’s own Tim Clark dropped during the finale of the National Anthem, Friday was full of highs at Baxter Arena as students celebrated completion at the College’s annual commencement ceremonies.

More than 1,000 MCC students crossed the stage over the course of two ceremonies and to the applause of their families, supporters, teachers and peers. In total, nearly 2,100 students are expected to complete MCC academic programs during the 2024-25 academic year, which finishes at the end of summer quarter. The group includes more than 600 students who are anticipated to graduate from an MCC-designated transfer program this year.

Dual enrollment programs continue to have strong representation on Commencement Day. This year, more than 250 students will finish high school with an MCC-accredited degree, including 140 leaving with a liberal arts academic transfer from Millard’s Early College program. An additional 13 at Omaha Northwest are leaving high school with career certificates attainable through the Energy Systems Technology pathway with MCC.

Clara McKeen, who was homeschooled and took tuition free concurrent enrollment classes at MCC during high school, completed a paralegal associate degree. She said getting a jumpstart on college classes at MCC during homeschooling gave her the confidence she needed to succeed in a college setting.

McKeen, who wants to eventually go to law school, attended MCC on a scholarship available to homeschooled students. She will transfer to Midland University next year, where most of her tuition will also be covered on an academic scholarship. McKeen said she put herself in good position to reach her dream of practicing law by starting her college education at MCC.

“MCC was an excellent option for me. My mom was here 20 years ago, and she got her paralegal degree here. It was a really good way for me as a high school student to kind of get my feet wet with college classes without committing too much,” McKeen said.

Staying on track to completion felt important to first-generation college student Wuilber Alonzo Acal, who became a father at 20 and graduated from MCC at 24. His son’s name, Esias, was stitched onto the trimmings of his proud dad’s graduation gown. Acal said the thought and sight of his son kept him motivated along his way to an associate in business administration, especially when keeping up with school and life was most challenging.

“Full-time student. Full-time father. Then full-time worker. It got kind of difficult, but honestly, coming home and just seeing [Esias] was the motivation. I wanted to show him that it doesn't matter what your age is or what your obstacle is — that he can do anything,” Acal said.

In addition to his associate degree, Acal earned a certificate of achievement and real estate specialist career certificate. He is feeling confident about taking the state exam later this month to get his Nebraska real estate license.

Buay Luk, who came to the United States from Ethiopia in 2017, first engaged with MCC through noncredit ESL classes offered for free through MCC Adult Education. He then completed the MCC credit ESL program in 2020. It was clear to him how far he had come on his academic journey in the U.S. when he walked the stage for completing a human services transfer degree on Friday. He wants to pursue a career as a social worker in the area of mental health next.

“After completing the ESL program, I felt like I could try something else because now I speak the language,” Luk said.

For Jill McPherson, completing her education at MCC was a personal triumph. A mother of seven, she earned her associate in business administration 14 years ago, the same year she had her last child. Now 47, she went back to school to complete an associate degree in automotive technology because it would pair well with her business plan to open a shop. McPherson graduated with honors, walking in cap in gown for the first time on Friday.

McPherson said an impactful moment came near the end of her education, when a class she needed to complete her degree was full and her instructor, Peter Burton, made effort to find a spot for her.

“He asked my past instructors and guidance counselor what kind of student I was and made room for me in his class. He said he didn’t want to be the one who stood in my way,” McPherson said.

Greg Glass was determined to not stand in his own way. He made a promise to himself while he was serving a 26-year sentence in prison that he would make good on a second chance at education if he ever received the opportunity. During his time in incarceration, he got involved with the MCC 180 Re-Entry Assistance Program, eventually earning a full-time job as a peer support specialist after his release. A little more than a year after release, he completed an associate degree in manufacturing, power and process technology.

Glass brought an ensemble to celebrate the achievement with him.

“It was worth it. To see people that have encouraged me actually see me accomplish this — that's the greatest feeling. People have been calling me all day and congratulating me. They know what my story was. That was my test, and I came through it, so no matter how anybody else might feel, whatever they feel like their test is and however daunting it might be, just don't wait. You can do it.”