LLCC Commencement set for May 16

May 5, 2025 17

SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College will conduct commencement exercises on Friday, May 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Bank of Springfield Center in Springfield.

Olivia Hentzien of Morrisonville has been selected as this year’s commencement speaker. She is earning an associate’s degree in psychology. Hentzien has served as a math tutor in the LLCC Center for Academic Success and has been actively engaged in the college’s TRIO program. After graduation, she will transfer to complete a bachelor’s degree in mathematics to become a college math professor.

Zorah Austin of Virden and Sydney Carey of Beardstown are serving as student marshals for the commencement ceremony.

During her time at LLCC, Austin has served as president and vice president of the Honors Program Student Club and was named a 2025 Coca-Cola Academic Team Bronze Scholar. She is earning an associate’s degree in world languages and plans to transfer to Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville to continue her education to earn a bachelor’s degree in foreign languages and literature.

Carey is a member of LLCC’s Honors Program Student Club, Phi Theta Kappa, and Agriculture Club. She is earning an associate’s degree in agriculture and plans to continue her education at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale to earn a bachelor’s degree in wildlife habitat management and conservation.

David C. Fowler, executive director of Computer Banc, is being recognized with the 2025 LLCC Honored Alumni Award. Fowler has led efforts to provide refurbished computers to underserved individuals and organizations. Under his leadership, more than 35,000 computers have been processed and over 8,000 distributed globally, empowering at-risk students, families, individuals with special needs, seniors, and veterans with essential technology. His vision and leadership earned Computer Banc recognition as a United Way-certified agency.

Fowler also spearheaded a laptop program at LLCC, securing business-class laptops, establishing a refurbishment system, and creating an efficient distribution network to improve digital access for students. He participated in the LLCC Computer Science Academy’s inaugural meeting in 2017, educating students about Computer Banc and volunteer opportunities. Since 2019, he has been a member of the LLCC Computer Science Program Advisory Board, contributing to curriculum development and initiatives.

For more Illinois news, follow Heartland Newsfeed on Bluesky @heartlandnewsfeed.bsky.social.

Additionally, you can follow Heartland Newsfeed on Facebook and Reddit among other platforms. You can now follow our news updates on Telegram and MeWe.

Support independent journalism. Become a patron on Patreon for as little as $1 a month. There are other donor options as well.

Get the latest news updates on our radio network via Spreaker, TuneIn, and other platforms.