During the Henry Ford Community College commencement May 7, the college bestowed upon U.S. Rep. John D. Dingell the HFCC Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes those who have made significant contributions toward excellence in education, outstanding civic accomplishments and for their support of HFCC.
Thousands of family and friends gathered on a bright sunny day at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center to watch graduates receive their degrees and certificates.
Students give themselves a hand for their determination, hard work and commitment. HFCC is focused on helping students achieve success.
DEARBORN — More than 800 Henry Ford Community College students received associate’s degrees at 2011 commencement ceremonies May 7 at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center.
HFCC held two exercises: a 10 a.m. ceremony for nursing graduates and a 1:30 p.m. ceremony for all other graduates.
During the ceremony, HFCC honored U.S. Rep. John D. Dingell (D-Dearborn) with its Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes those who have made significant contributions toward excellence in education, outstanding civic accomplishments and for their support of Henry Ford Community College.
The day was even more special for Dingell, as his granddaughter, Gabriella Dingell, also graduated from HFCC on Saturday.
During her introduction, HFCC President Gail Mee said Dingell “is an important example of a true American and hometown son who loves his country.”
With more than 55 years of service to Michigan’s 15th Congressional District, Dingell is the longest-serving representative in the House. His work includes fighting for the working families that keep America’s economy going, including making health care more affordable and accessible and protecting the country’s natural heritage. Over the last five decades, Dingell has authored laws protecting health and environment.
HFCC also honored alumnus Bruce Potts, who received the HFCC Alumni Service Award. Potts is a 1977 HFCC graduate and branch manager at W.W. Grainger Inc. in Romulus. He was one of the first students at HFCC to win a Grainger Foundation Grant to support his academic studies. To help today’s students achieve career and educational success, he continues to serve in Grainger’s Tools for Tomorrow Scholarship Program.
HFCC continues to represent a gateway to higher education for thousands of students each year. With more than 100 programs, support programs, faculty and staff, many HFCC graduates transition into high-paying careers or move on to four-year institutions where they complete their undergraduate degrees.