During Saturday’s graduation ceremony at Hannibal-LaGrange College, commencement speaker Jill Janes utilized quotes by among others Harry Truman, Barack Obama and Mark Twain to encourage graduates whom she noted are “graduating in very difficult times.” However, despite the tough economic times finding that “first job” hasn’t been a big challenge for many HLG graduates.
“All of my classmates actually already have a job lined up. A lot of them actually will be starting this Monday. I get a week off before I start work,” said graduate Heather Burkett of Decatur, Ill. “I’ll be starting work at ADM (Archer Daniels Midland Company) on Dec. 22 and I’m looking forward to that.”
Graduate Sebastian Rincon of Bogata, Columbia, has chosen not to enter the work world immediately.
“In February I’m going to go to China,” said the business administration major. “I’m going to run my own business so I’m going to go and learn Chinese and get a new experience. In the future I want to get a masters degree in international business.”
Athletics paved the way for Rincon to attend HLG.
“I came here because of the soccer program. That’s where everything started. Then I got into the business department,” he said.
Burkett leaves HLG having earned multiple degrees.
“I graduated with a bachelor of arts in accounting and business administration, and a bachelor of science in computer information systems,” she said. “It only took me 4 1/2 years though. I squeezed it in. It was good.”
Both Rincon and Burkett will remember their time at HLG fondly.
“I’ve absolutely loved it,” said Burkett. “The people here are so great. I’ve enjoyed spending time with them. I’ve learned so much from them.”
“It’s been awesome,” said Rincon. “The people are great. I had a wonderful experience. If I could do it I would do it again for sure.”
Overall, 124 diplomas of one kind or another were distributed during Saturday’s commencement ceremony at HLG.
