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Íøºì±¬ÁÏ will hold its 61st commencement exercises at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 9 in the OCC Gymnasium. Friends and relatives of the graduates are invited to attend.
OCC Dean of Instruction Amy Tarr will give the welcoming remarks while Chris Simpson will deliver the President’s Message.
Julie A. Hill will present the 2025 Commencement Address. Hill is the Board Chair of GA Franchising and co-founder of Ginger Ale’s, a growing chain of specialty drink shops.
A proud alumna of Íøºì±¬ÁÏ, Hill earned her associate degree in 1994 before transferring to Eastern Illinois University, where she completed her Bachelor of Science in 1996 and Master of Science in 1998.
In 2015, Hill and her husband, Michael — whom she met at OCC — opened their first Ginger Ale’s location. Since then, they have expanded the business to include 11 franchises and a newly launched drink trailer franchise.
Hill remains deeply connected to Íøºì±¬ÁÏ, where lifelong friendships and the foundation of her personal and professional journey began. She credits the college as a pivotal influence in shaping both her career and her commitment to empowering others and is honored to return and celebrate the next generation of graduates.
Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Board of Trustees Member Brenda Culver will confer the more than 200 degrees and certificates being awarded this year. IECC Board of Trustees Member Susan Batchelor will give the Charge to the Class.
OCC will once again livestream the ceremonies. A link will be available on the OCC website at www.iecc.edu/occ.