Columbia College hosted its 47th Commencement on Friday, April 29 at 6:30 p.m. in the Oak Pavilion. A reception for the graduates, their families, friends and guests followed immediately after the ceremony in Carkeet Park next to the pavilion.

The 145 students in the 2016 graduating class earned 141 Associate of Arts Degrees and 129 Associate of Science Degrees. Thirty four students graduated with Distinction (cumulative grade point averages of 3.75 or better) and 34 with Honors (earned grade point averages between 3.5 and 3.74).

Among the graduates were Kyle Amanda Hauskens of Knights Ferry and Oakdale graduates Bianca N. Anderson, Nicolette T. Biagi, Dillon Robert Cain, Devin Anthony Donahue, Jacquelyn Esquivel, Tiffany L. Friedlos, Haley Alycia Garza, Lillian Hamer, Troy J. Holder, Tyler Andrew Hopkins.

Also, Kevin Allen Koppinger, Megan N. Lute, Tiara Noel Marquez, Melissa Ann Middlemiss, Brandon M. Neal, Emelie Dulcinea Pepito, Carey Joseph Rivera, Iriana Ruiz, Katherine Ruth Steele, Brittany Lee Sterba, Christopher James Sulhoff.

Also graduating on Friday night was Waterford resident Sarah Lee Ann Miller.

In addition to conferring of degrees, 79 students were presented with Certificates of Achievement at the ceremony.