South Suburban College celebrates the class of 2026 at 98th annual commencement ceremony

On Sunday, May 17, South Suburban College (SSC) celebrated the Class of 2026 during its commencement ceremony at the Tinley Park Convention Center. A sea of blue caps and gowns let out a final sigh of relief — they finally made it. Surrounded by family, friends, faculty, staff, and supporters, the graduates crossed the stage to mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

This year’s ceremony marked several milestones for the college, including the recognition of its first ever valedictorian and salutatorian.

Valedictorian Ruwaan Gali reflected on how South Suburban College reshaped her understanding of success.

“For those of you who don’t know, our school’s motto is ‘This is success.’ When we first started here, many of us probably thought success meant passing our classes, passing our exams, getting that degree, and landing that career,” Gali said. “I think our time at South Suburban taught us that success is far more than that. SSC became more than a school — it became a community.”

Gali, who graduated with a degree in echocardiography and hopes to become a cardiac sonographer, spoke about perseverance and leaning on others through life’s challenges.

“The world around us is constantly changing, but we showed up anyway. That is success,” she said. “Success is persistence. Success is adapting. Success is not just the moment we walk across the stage. It’s the late nights, the stress, the sacrifice, the setbacks, and still choosing not to quit.”

Gali encouraged future students to make use of the resources available at South Suburban College and to rely on the people around them.

“You can do it,” she said. “There was so much put in our paths and so many obstacles you don’t see coming, but you can make it. Lean on everybody around you. Make use of your village — they’re there for a reason.”

She credited the people she met at South Suburban College as the most meaningful part of her experience.

“My people go hard,” Gali said. “They’ve been there for me through everything. I didn’t expect to make the relationships that I did, but I know for the rest of my career, I have my people.”

Salutatorian Amya Hatcher also reflected on the challenges and rewards of her academic journey. Hatcher believes adapting to the rigor of nursing school was difficult at first, but over time, she found her footing.

During her speech, Hatcher spoke about resilience, pressure, and the importance of community.

“What I learned most was not only useful material, but also how to handle pressure, how to stay consistent, how to stay motivated, and, most importantly, how to keep going even when the path ahead is uncomfortable,” Hatcher said.

One of the biggest lessons from her academic journey was realizing how connected students become through shared challenges.

“I realized that, through our connections with each other, we can not only support and motivate one another, but also help each other grow both intellectually and individually,” she said. “To me, that is one of the most significant and powerful aspects of learning together.”

Hatcher encouraged her fellow graduates to continue believing in themselves.

“Try your best,” she said. “It’s really hard, but you can get through it. Remember to take good care of yourself and remember that you are always enough.”

Other speakers included Dr. Chow, faculty member of the year, and South Suburban graduate Samantha Slater, adjunct faculty member of the year. Class of 2026 graduate Myia Shaffer performed the national anthem.

U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly of Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District served as the ceremony’s guest speaker, sharing her own journey nearly five decades after graduating college. Kelly reflected on her first job working at a daycare and how the experience helped shape her future in public service.

“It was really about learning to roll with the punches, to adapt, to be quick on my feet, learning to put others’ needs before my own, and to take pride in being able to help someone else grow and prosper,” she said. “That job at the daycare was more important to my career path than I realized at the time.”

She urged graduates to use their voices and ideas to help shape the future.

“I’m looking at you to help me with this great nation,” Kelly said. “We really, really need you. You are among the best and brightest that our country has to offer, and we need you to get involved.”

Kelly emphasized that young people have the power to create change.

“Today’s social and political landscape has created a terrific window of opportunity for you to not only have a seat at the table, but to also set the agenda,” she said. “You can get a new table and set your own chairs up.”

As the ceremony came to a close, the graduates moved their tassels over. They left with bouquets of flowers, balloons, and the whole world at their fingertips.

“We should not share our dreams with negative people, nor beat our minds with negative thoughts. It’s your choice, and it’s your life. It’s up to you who and what you let in,” Kelly said. “Graduates, tremendous promise and possibilities await you, and I wish you much love. Remember, do not be pushed by your problems, but be led by your dreams.”For more information about South Suburban College and its programs, visit ssc.edu.