may-2024

Midland College holds a special place in the hearts of Lindley and Johnny Burnett. The college is where they began their higher education journeys and where they also fell in love in the spring of 2006 while taking American History from a young history professor Dr. Damon Kennedy, who is now the current MC president.

"The most fun part of my job is commencement, and it's also the busiest!" MC Registrar Crystal Velasquez said. "When students come in our office after the commencement ceremony, and I get to hand them their diplomas, it reminds me why I'm here. It's the best feeling in the world to be able to give a diploma to someone who is the first in their family to graduate from college, or to someone who struggled working a full-time job, balancing home and family and attending evening classes. I could go on and on with examples of our wonderful students and their stories. It makes me proud that Midland College focuses so heavily on the word 'community' in 'community college.'"

Hena Patel and Elizabeth Whitten have very different backgrounds and educational journeys; however, both are now enjoying successful careers.