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			 The virtual commencement will be held on Friday, 
			May 15, beginning at 6:30 p.m. via an online streaming broadcast.
			 
			 
			Virtual commencement will recognize graduates and include remarks by 
			President Keith Cornille, Board of Trustees Chair Gregg Chadwick, 
			and a student speaker. Graduating Heartland students will also have 
			an opportunity to submit photos for inclusion in the virtual 
			ceremony. Students who had planned to participate in the traditional 
			Heartland commencement ceremony will receive a “commencement box” in 
			the mail including items such as a mortar board, tassel, and printed 
			commencement program. The College will also support local businesses 
			by purchasing celebratory items for the boxes.  
			 
			“The disruption created by COVID-19 has been felt across our College 
			community. But it should not stop us from recognizing the 
			achievement of our Heartland graduates,” said President Keith 
			Cornille. “Commencement ceremonies mark the culmination of all the 
			hard work students have put toward finding their path to success.
			
			 
			  
			
			  
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            "We want to properly celebrate that commitment and 
			give students and their families the moment of recognition they 
			rightly deserve. This spring’s commencement will, hopefully, be 
			unique. But the spirit of celebration is fully matched to mark the 
			accomplishments of these students.” 
			 
              
            Special recognition for groups such as Phi Theta 
			Kappa, HALO, and Adult Education will be included in the virtual 
			ceremony, and the Distinguished Alumni Award will be announced.  
			 
			Heartland 2020 graduates are also invited to participate in next 
			year’s traditional commencement experience alongside the class of 
			2021.  
			 
			Students who have completed their application for graduation will 
			receive additional information about these alternative commencement 
			plans via email. Details on how students, friends and family can 
			view the virtual ceremony will be posted at www.heartland.edu in 
			early May.  
            [Steve Fast 
			Director, Public Information 
			Heartland Community College]  |