LCCC honors class of 2021 with Doors of Opportunity tribute

LCCC honored the 2021 graduating class with the “Doors of Opportunity” tribute that celebrated each student’s resilient journey

Twenty-one full sized doors lined a median of grass stretching nearly 450 feet. Longer than a football field, the symbolism of the propped-open doors represents the diversity of the challenges each LCCC student overcame to reach their graduation day. Every door included an augmented reality video that shares the personal story of a graduate from each academic program. In addition to a virtual commencement ceremony, the college invited the class of 2021 to attend a stage-crossing ceremony. Through three separate ceremonies, graduates safely crossed the commencement stage to receive their diploma and take photos with LCCC President Marcia Ballinger. “Each student’s journey is unique, and I have deep respect for the commitment it took for each of them to reach this milestone.” LCCC President, Marcia Ballinger, Ph.D.

• 1,854 LCCC graduates earned 2,234 degrees or certificates

• 365 graduates earned associate, bachelor’s or master’s degrees through the University Partnership – the largest class in the 25-year history of the program

• 94 students earned a high school diploma + associate degree through dual enrollment options — saving their families more than $1 million

• 3,800 audience members attended the virtual ceremony

• 300 students safely crossed a commencement stage and took photos with LCCC President

Marcia Ballinger • 46 percent were first-generation college students

• 71 percent of graduates enrolled in typical transfer pathway (associate of arts or associate of science) plan to continue their education this fall either at LCCC or transferring to a four-year institution

• 30 percent of the graduating class plan to stay at LCCC and earn another degree or certificate