Carol Brînzan and Caleb Damoah have been selected as student speakers for Lake Michigan College's 79th annual commencement ceremonies, which will be held at 10 a.m. (Arts & Sciences and General Studies) and 1 p.m. (Career & Workforce and Health Sciences) on Sunday, May 3, in the LMC Mendel Center Jenkins Theatre on the Benton Harbor Campus, 2755 E. Napier Ave.
Student speakers are nominated by their peers, LMC faculty, and staff based on academic excellence, integrity, and compassion for their classmates.
Brînzan, of Regensberg, Germany, will speak during the 10 a.m. ceremony. He graduates with an Associate in Arts degree in Psychology with Highest Honors. He plans to transfer to a lead four-year university in the United States to continue his studies in psychology.
Recruited to play soccer for the LMC Red Hawks, he made the most of his time on campus. In addition to being a two-sport athlete in soccer and cross country, he earned a place on the President’s List each semester, received All-Michigan Community College Athletic Association Academic honors, and earned National Junior College Athletic Association Academic All-American First Team accolades.
As a campus leader, Brînzan served as vice president of both Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and Student Senate and was a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. He served as a student representative on the Institutional Review Board and took part in the invitation-only social science research course led by Dr. Mya Hernandez and Dr. Amy Scrima. He was also recognized as a LAND Student Scholar for an independent research project. Brînzan worked on campus in the Student Well-Being and Accessibility department before becoming a political science work-study student for Dr. Tiffany Bohm.
“LMC reminded me of things I’m capable of doing,” Brînzan said. “I really liked being a part of the community here, being able to contribute and have an impact. I value the close connection with faculty and appreciate their expertise and passion in their fields.”
Damoah, who is from Sunyani, Ghana, will speak during the 1 p.m. commencement ceremony. He graduates with honors, earning both an Associate in Applied Science degree in Cybersecurity and an Associate in General Studies degree. He has accepted an internship in the IT department at 1st Source Bank in South Bend, Indiana. Damoah plans to work in the field for a year before completing his bachelor’s degree.
While at LMC, Damoah competed for two years on the men’s cross country team and received Michigan Community College Athletic Association Academic All-Conference honors each year. He then traded in his cleats to join the College’s esports team for his final year.
Damoah earned a place on the Dean’s List multiple times and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Through PTK, he served as president and participated in numerous service projects including visits to area assisted living centers and supply drives for local animal shelters.
Additionally, Damoah held work-study positions in the College’s IT department, the Natural Sciences stock room, and as a resident assistant in Beckwith Hall.
“I came to Lake Michigan College just to get a degree and move on. I’m leaving with so much more than that. I’ve been involved in things I never could have dreamed of, and it’s all because of the connections I’ve made here. LMC has given me the skills, knowledge, and resources to handle what comes next. I feel prepared,” Damoah added.
During the May 3 ceremonies, 378 LMC students will receive 373 associate degrees, 14 advanced certificates, and 39 certificates of achievement with 52 areas of study represented.
