After Decades Away From the Classroom, Adult Learners Celebrate New Beginnings at Triton College

Triton College held its Adult Education Graduation and Completion Ceremony on May 28, celebrating the academic achievements of 49 Illinois High School Diploma graduates and 98 ESL completers.

RIVER GROVE, Ill. — It was an emotional moment for Freddie Lee Jr. of Carol Stream as he moved the tassel on his graduation cap from the right side to the left.

Just moments before, aided by a walker, Lee crossed the graduation stage at Triton College to accept his State of Illinois High School Diploma and was met with a wave of congratulatory applause from the audience.

The occasion marked the fulfillment of a longtime goal for Lee, 62, who joined his peers in graduating from Triton College's Adult Education program on May 28.

President Mary-Rita Moore congratulated Illinois High School Diploma recipients and ESL completers, noting that their determination at Triton inspires the college community and serves as an example to the communities in which they live.

"I want to encourage all of you to become lifelong learners by continuing your education," she said. "It's extremely important for you to choose a path of academic and career interests that will move you forward in education and in life. A college certificate, an associate degree and higher credentials will open doors of opportunity and help you accomplish your personal, career and professional goals."

Lee said the achievement had been decades in the making.

"I'm just so emotional," Lee said after the ceremony. "It's been a long time coming, and I should have had this back in 1982, but due to circumstances, I never did until now."

Lee had made it to perhaps his sophomore or junior year of high school before deciding to pause his education more than 40 years ago, he said. The years passed, but Lee always felt as though he had a score to settle, and obtaining his GED remained front of mind.

He had wanted to resume his education earlier, but the financial crisis of 2008 demanded that he prioritize work, and later, health issues affecting his back further delayed his goals. When Lee finally arrived on Triton's campus, he said it was the support from his instructors that allowed him to finish what he had started decades earlier.

"[My teachers] were so happy for me to come back to school, and I couldn't have done it if it wasn't for them," he said.

Feeling inspired by some of his fellow graduates who have decided to continue their education and pursue associate degrees, Lee said he thinks he'll do the same.

The ceremony's keynote speaker, Grayson Jirsa, said they plan to continue their education in the fall in Triton's Nursing program.

In a speech, Jirsa reflected on their educational journey, from stepping away from formal schooling at age 9 to their decision to complete their GED. Jirsa urged graduates to persevere and keep striving for excellence.

"To all the teachers, family, friends, tutors ... I would not be where I am today if it wasn't for all of you supporting me and believing in me," Jirsa said. "My journey so far has not been easy by any means, but it definitely has been worth it."

Lee and Jirsa were two of 49 GED graduates honored during the ceremony, which also celebrated 98 completers of Triton College's English as a Second Language, or ESL, program, according to Christine Debush, interim dean for the Adult Education Department.

Among them was Maria Perozo, a native Spanish speaker who enrolled in ESL courses at Triton College to improve her fluency in English and unlock pathways to better-paying jobs.

"I feel very great," she said. "This is so important to me because now I can find better jobs because I can understand English, and that will open many doors for me."

To learn more about Adult Education at Triton College, visit Triton.edu.

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Media Contacts:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper | melissacooper@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3496
Hunter Oberst | hunteroberst@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3820

ABOUT TRITON COLLEGE:
Triton College, located at 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove, is a public institution of higher education dedicated to student success. Recently recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the Top 200 community colleges in the nation, Triton offers more than 130 degree and certificate programs that prepare students to pursue meaningful careers, transfer to four-year universities, and thrive in a global economy. Guided by our mission—Valuing the individual, educating and serving the community—Triton serves nearly 17,000 students annually on its 110-acre campus in River Grove, Illinois. Our dedicated faculty and staff provide high-quality, accessible and affordable educational opportunities that empower students and strengthens the communities we serve. Triton College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of The Illinois Community College Board. Illinois is home to 45 colleges in 39 community college districts. Learn more at triton.edu.