Photo 1 - Lewis and Clark Community College Graduate Caige Smith (right) and current student Rob Pierce, both of Elsah, pose for snapshots outside the newly renovated Hatheway Cultural Center before the college's 40th Annual Commencement Wednesday evening.
Photo 2 - Natalie Schmitz, of Nokomis, receives her associate in applied science degree from Lewis and Clark Community College President Dale Chapman and University of Illinois Chancellor Robert Easter. Easter, who gave the college's 40th anniversary commencement address, emphasized the importance of education in today's ever-changing workforce. He also shared with graduates the story of how he began his higher education at his local community college. This year, Lewis and Clark graduates totaled approximately 1,300 - the largest ever in the college's history. It also marked the renovation of Hatheway Cultural Center and the college's commitment to sustainability with each of the students wearing "green" gowns made of 100 percent recycled water bottles.
Photos from this year's commencement are available to students and their families for download at no charge by visiting the college's flickr site at http://www.flickr.com/photos/lewisandclarkcc/