Graduates, families and faculty packed the FitRec at Moraine Valley Community College on May 8 as the college celebrated its 2026 commencement ceremonies with student speakers whose stories reflected resilience, unexpected paths and determination.
The ceremonies were held in Building H at the college’s main campus, 9000 W. College Parkway in Palos Hills. Kelly Wilson of Tinley Park spoke during the afternoon ceremony, while Amin Tekrour of Oak Lawn delivered remarks in the evening. Dr. Amani Wazwaz, the college’s Professor of the Year, served as grand marshal and addressed graduates.
Wilson shared an academic journey that did not follow a straight line. After graduating from online high school in 2019, she initially enrolled at Moraine Valley to study welding before stepping away during the COVID-19 pandemic. She returned in 2023 and pursued an Associate in Science degree, eventually taking more prerequisite courses than required.
“Ultimately, what that did for me is to put me in a position where I had taken so many different prerequisites that I kind of got a degree by accident,” Wilson said with a laugh…