Sinclair honors record-setting graduating class amid pandemic

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Sinclair Community College faculty, staff and senior leadership came together to honor and celebrate the success of 2020 graduating class.

The graduating class overcame the challenges brought on by the coronaviurs pandemic by producing the highest number of people earning associates degrees in school history with 2,000 graduates.

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The class also had the most African American and other minority graduates in a class and a record-breaking 47 College Credit Plus high school students receiving their associates degrees before their high school diplomas.

Sinclair honored their students with a celebratory video that included messages from Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, the College Board of Trustees, Sinclair President Steve Johnson and other senior college leaders.

Teams of Sinclair employees came together to create commemorative packages and mailed them to each graduate. Packages included a diploma cover, mortarboard and tassel, a letter from Husted, a congratulations note from the Sinclair Foundation and a commemorative graduation booklet listing all of the graduates’ names.

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Graduates also received a congratulatory yard sign, delivered by almost 100 Sinclair employees.

Johnson released a statement regretting that they would not be able to celebrate in person but congratulating the 2020 graduates on their achievements.

“This class in particular, had to work extremely hard, overcoming a number of unexpected hurdles to complete their education,” he said. “They exemplify perseverance, fortitude and achievement.”

A number of students were grateful for the work put in by the faculty, staff and senior leaders.

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“This year definitely was unexpected,” said Austin Vega, graduate from Sinclair’s theatre performance associate degree program. “I was surprised to see Sinclair doing so much since I did not expect anything considering that we’re in the midst of a pandemic. I am very appreciative and feel grateful to know that Sinclair cares so much for their students.”

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