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A future pediatrician and a business graduate spoke on behalf of Southwestern Michigan College’s Class of 2026 on May 9 at the 59^th Commencement ceremonies outdoors in Alumni Plaza on the Dowagiac campus.

Chloe Itimu addressed the School of Arts, Science and Business and School of Advanced Technology Saturday morning.

Kaylee Bradshaw spoke to the School of Arts, Science and Business and School of Nursing and Health Services Saturday afternoon.

“SMC stands for growth,” Itimu said. “We have all strived for excellence, attempting to pave the way for a better tomorrow. But it wasn’t easy, and there were times each of us thought about giving up.

“We were reminded by the SMC community time and time again that we should keep going,” Itimu said.

Itimu recalled the gift of a plant in a blue vase during Campus Bash from Career Development Manager Melinda Stockwell.

It withered after a few days. “I adjusted the lighting in my dorm room, did research, watered the plant, adjusted the temperature, everything I could to keep the plant alive. Over time, it began to grow again. The plant became physical evidence of growth for me. It represented that every little bit of effort mattered. Eventually, I named it Spider because it grew so big. It showed me that growth is inevitable when you put in the work and place yourself in the right environment.”

“I’m originally from Malawi in southeastern Africa,” she said. “Moving to this country has been one of the hardest parts of my journey. Learning to grow in a new environment while hanging on to my roots is not easy. SMC staff played a supportive role in helping me understand I could keep my culture and my values and still use who I am to become a better version of myself. Each of us comes from different backgrounds and have lived different stories. We all have our own faculty and staff, family and friends, and people who stood in the gap for us and helped us grow and achieve beyond our expectations.”

“The tears we shed water our future,” Itimu said. Graduation “is not a sign something has come to an end, but that growth continues. Wherever we go, let us carry what we learned here, the memories and the lessons, and remember that growth is not linear. It doesn’t follow a perfect timeline, but it’s always happening.”

Bradshaw, of Hartford, plans to continue to a bachelor’s degree in marketing at Western Michigan University.

She recalled her ignominious first day as a commuter student who couldn’t find her keys.

“I had to call my dad, crying, and he came to save the day,” Bradshaw said. “He drove me to my first day of college, just like he did the first day of elementary school. It was truly humbling. But despite my embarrassing start at SMC, this school has really been a blessing to me and to so many other students.

“As a commuter, I sometimes felt isolated, disconnected and lonely. The thing that really changed my college experience was joining (AKO Bible Study Club). I really started to feel a sense of belonging, friends I could rely on and a group of people who picked me up when I felt down.

“AKO completely transformed my college experience by giving me a community that I longed for. That’s what’s so special about this school, the community that befriends you. At SMC, we are known, supported and truly cared for. Not only do we have great professors invested in our academics, but we have caring staff invested in our well-being. For me, some of those people have been the staff at the advising center,” Bradshaw said.

“When I first started college,” she said, “I had no idea what I was doing, but through the advising center, I gained valuable work experience and connections. It was truly special because of the people who cared about me. Others of you may have found community through sports or performing arts.”

“Where do we go from here?” Bradshaw asked. “Some will go into the workforce. Some, like me, will continue to a four-year institution. Some don’t know what you’re doing yet, and that’s okay. All of our experiences shape who we are and who we will become. As this chapter closes at SMC, we move on to a new page, new horizons and new opportunities. I encourage you to remember your time here, the lessons you learned and the dedication and determination you developed. One of my favorite high school teachers told me the story of your life will be written with the ink of your actions. I challenge you, fellow graduates, what kind of story will you write?”

SMC’s ninth President and CEO Dr. Klint Pleasant, introduced the speakers.

Chief Academic and Assurance Officer Dr. Jeff Freels recognized students graduating with perfect 4.0 GPAs in associate-degree programs — Kaylee Bradshaw, Kaitlin Ferrell, Nevaeh Hemminger, Amelia Hurst, Isabell Ramsey, Emil Rydin, Austin McCreary and Gwendolyn Sexton.

Board of Trustees Chairman Tom Jerdon introduced fellow trustees Vice Chairman Tracy Hertsel, Treasurer Becky Moore, Secretary Beth Cripe and Trustees Skip Dyes and Todd Obren.