News
SMC’s 58th Commencement Graduates 365
Published on May 12, 2025 - 5 p.m.
A future teacher who honed perseverance as a volleyball player and an adult business student with his head in the clouds spoke on behalf of Southwestern Michigan College’s Class of 2025 May 10 at 58th Commencement ceremonies outdoors in Alumni Plaza on the Dowagiac campus.
Abi Marquis of St. Joseph, who will continue her volleyball career for the Bethel University Pilots in Mishawaka, addressed the School of Arts and Sciences Saturday morning, while Jake Smith of New Buffalo spoke to the Schools of Business, Advanced Technology and Nursing and Health Services Saturday afternoon.
“Acts of perseverance aren’t necessarily flashy or loud,” Marquis said. “They present themselves when you’re struggling to do something that’s the bare minimum, like when I had to drive myself to clinical hours for teaching after a horrible night of sleep, devoting myself to hours with energetic kids when I could have fallen asleep, taking myself to class when I was exhausted or days when it seemed like every single thing was going wrong and I just wanted to curl up in my bed. You tell yourself, ‘These are my jobs, these are my commitments’ and make yourself keep moving forward.
“Acts of perseverance don’t get celebrated because you’re doing what’s expected of you. What matters is that when things got tough, every graduate here kept going. We powered through obstacles. We rose after challenges and setbacks,” Marquis said.
“Good examples are often vital to someone’s success,” she said. “My mom is a single parent who worked her absolute hardest to provide for me. She worked long hours at a stressful job, rushed home and, for six years, drove me to travel volleyball practices — an hour there and back. She handled her exhaustion and my sometimes grumpy attitude with grace.”
Her grandmother gave Marquis another “powerful example, one of the kindest, most selfless people you’ll ever meet. She was diagnosed with cancer in 2011 and given six months to live.” But she never quit fighting and 14 years later cheered Abi on from the front row.
Marquis belonged to the SMC Honors Program and graduated with an associate degree in elementary education.
“Perseverance is a super power,” Marquis said. “Every person will follow their own unique path after this ceremony is over. Whatever next chapter you walk into will have its challenges. Struggle and sadness help you appreciate success. Perseverance is often the difference between those who dream and those who achieve.”
“Abi has been the epitome of who best represents SMC and she will be what we desperately need in the field of education,” said Ranee Conley, who directs the early childhood and elementary education program.
“This is a momentous day for every graduate here,” Smith said. “We are now college graduates. Take in this moment. You are triumphant, resilient and resourceful. You deserve this moment after many late nights, early mornings, long commutes and long shifts and juggling life’s responsibilities while still having to show up academically. Here we are, stronger, wiser and walking across this stage because we refused to give up. I’ve changed during my time here. This has been a journey of growth in confidence, in skills and perspective.”
“Michigan Reconnect, an incredible initiative, gave many of us a chance to earn a degree or certificate without the burden of debt,” Smith said. “The space the staff created here is one of safety, community and opportunity,” singling out two professors, Dr. Barbara Karwacinski and Jim Benak, and academic adviser Malisa Roberts.
“These three shining stars illuminated my path to graduation,” Smith said. “College made me realize I want to fly. Literally. This coming fall I’ll transfer to Western Michigan University to pursue a degree in aviation flight science with the goal of becoming a pilot. While the skies are where I’m headed, the ground I’m standing on right here at Southwestern Michigan College is where it all began for most of us. This degree is proof you’ve already overcome things which once seemed impossible. Continue to show up for yourself.”
Smith graduated with an associate degree in business, balancing his classes with a fulltime job.
Business Professor Jim Benak said, “Jake has approached each assignment with thoughtfulness and strong work ethic. His dedication to excellence, curiosity and enthusiasm for learning set him apart.”
Smith and Marquis launched a new tradition for turning the mortarboard tassels.
Board of Trustees Chairman Tom Jerdon, a 1984 SMC graduate serving his 34th year on the board and his 11th year as chairman, introduced the speakers and fellow trustees Tracy Hertsel, Becky Moore, Dr. Elaine Foster, Skip Dyes and Todd Obren.
President Dr. Joe Odenwald recognized students graduating with all A’s: Courtney Bily, Anna Brovont, Sashenka Cruz, Connie Grabemeyer, Mitzy Grana Diaz, Bo Janicki and Alex Schlee.
Of 365 awards, 67 were in Fall 2024, 191 are pending final Spring 2025 grades and 107 are pending final Spring 2025 and/or Summer 2025 grades.
