JWCC Holds 50th Commencement Ceremony Honoring the Class of 2025 and First Graduates of 1976

John Wood Community College held its 50th annual commencement ceremony on Friday, May 16, at 6 p.m. in the Student Activity Center on the Quincy campus.

The College conferred 312 associate degrees, 160 certificates, and two College for Life certificates. Dr. Bryan Renfro, JWCC president, conferred degrees and certificates, and Board Chair, Bob Rhea, accepted candidates as graduates on behalf of the Board of Trustees.

As part of JWCC’s 50th anniversary celebration, the College recognized its first graduating class from 1976. Members of the inaugural class were honored during the ceremony, and the program’s cover was designed as a tribute to JWCC’s first commencement. Roselyn Crabbe, Class of 1978, and her husband Dennis Crabbe, Class of 1976, proudly attended wearing their JWCC graduation medallions. Dennis Crabbe, along with Charles Mason and William Anderson—fellow 1976 alumni—were also recognized for their service in law enforcement roles throughout the city and state. Members of the Class of 1976 were seated as special guests of honor during the ceremony. Among those in attendance were Charles Mason, Dennis Crabbe, Wanda (Mook) Borrowman, William Anderson and Kent Flesner.

Carter L. Kasparie, of Ursa, delivered the invocation. Kasparie is a Phi Theta Kappa member and a Trail Blazer Scholar who served as SGA Secretary and was named the 2024–2025 Student Worker of the Year. He earned his Associate in Arts degree with honors and will transfer to the University of Illinois – Springfield to study social work.

Nicole I. O’Rourke, of Quincy, gave the student address. O’Rourke is a Phi Theta Kappa member and TRIO program participant who engaged in campus theatre, art exhibitions, and the student writing contests. A non-traditional student and mother of two, she graduates with high honors and plans to transfer to Colorado Christian University to pursue a career as a therapist.

Maryn Kasza, of Payson, provided closing remarks. Kasza served as Phi Theta Kappa president, was a Trail Blazer and Fine Arts Scholar, and founded the Association of Amazing Artwork. During her time at JWCC, she demonstrated a strong commitment to creativity and leadership, leaving a lasting impact on the campus arts community. She graduates with highest honors and will transfer to Millikin University to major in arts technology with a visual media concentration.

JWCC Dean of Arts, Sciences & Academic Support Programs, Dr. Steven Soebbing led the processional, recessional, and conducted the JWCC Choir in the performance of the National Anthem.

The ceremony also recognized faculty and staff honorees:

• Faculty Member of the Year: John Reinhardt, Instructor, Accounting
• Associate Faculty Member of the Year: Tiffaney Rains-Eaton, Instructor, Social/Behavioral Sciences
• Staff Member of the Year: Allison Dietrich, Coordinator, Employment Services
• Part-Time Staff Member of the Year: Susan Abbott, Specialist, Volunteer Services
• Student Worker of the Year: Carter L. Kasparie, Campus Care

Degrees awarded include Associate in Arts, Associate in Fine Arts, Associate in Engineering Science, Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Science, College For Life non-credit certificates, and Certificates.

Commencement photos are available for free download at jwcc.edu/graduation