Triton College Marks Milestone 60th Commencement and Celebrates Class of 2026
Triton College Student Association President Dmytriy Havrylyak addresses his fellow Class of 2026 graduates at Triton’s 60th Commencement Ceremony.
RIVER GROVE, Ill. — Triton College held its landmark 60th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 16, as family, friends and loved ones celebrated the academic achievements of the Class of 2026.
Triton College proudly conferred 2,063 degrees and certificates to graduates ranging in age from 16 to 73. Among them was Triton College Student Association President Dmytriy Havrylyak, who shared with the audience his family’s story of perseverance. His parents immigrated to the United States from Ukraine and, over the years, Havrylyak said his family endured economic hardship but his parents never let him feel that struggle.
Now with an associate degree from Triton, Havrylyak is headed to University of Illinois Chicago in the fall to study computer engineering, empowered and eager for the journey ahead.
“Triton gave us the newly developed skills, the knowledge, the opportunity. And when I think about that, I think about my parents. They didn’t have a clear path when they came (here), but they had an opportunity, and they used the tools they were equipped with to build a better life than the one they started with,” he said.
“And that’s exactly what Triton has given all of us,” said Havrylyak. “The foundation and the capability to create a path for ourselves.”
Mary-Rita Moore, president of Triton College, congratulated the Class of 2026 and encouraged graduates to draw from their experience to fuel their continued success.
“The key to personal success and the good of society is education,” President Moore told graduates. “As you know, in 21st century America, it takes some form of postsecondary education to get a good job. In making your decision to attend Triton College, you have opened the door to a whole new world of opportunity.”
On behalf of the Triton College Board of Trustees, Vice Chair Diane Viverito commended graduates on their accomplishments.
“Class of 2026, you are now in a position to make a significant difference throughout the communities we serve, as well as the state, nation and world,” she said. “I wish you continued success and prosperity.”
Students recognized for academic excellence and scholastic achievement were invited to stand and be applauded for their hard work and dedication. The commencement concluded with a video presentation, followed by the conferring of degrees and certificates.
Of the graduating class, 27 students are completers of Triton College’s dual degree program, which allows high school students from select schools to earn both their high school diploma and an associate degree at the same time. These graduates will begin their next chapter at four-year colleges and universities as juniors this fall.
Nicole El Bekai, a graduate of Triton’s Respiratory Care program, will be working at Northwestern Memorial Hospital as a respiratory therapist in the Intensive Care Unit and Emergency Room. Though anxious about starting a new chapter, she said she feels prepared, thanks to her education.
“I’m beyond excited to be here,” she said. “I made meaningful connections with my instructors, and I found such an amazing core group of friends in my program who I’ll miss so much. We’re all different ages and backgrounds, which really shows the beauty of community college. I feel ready and excited for what’s ahead.”
Graduate Xavier Arroyo said reaching commencement day was both emotional and rewarding, marking the fulfillment of a goal he set for himself years ago. He now plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in communications or marketing.
“It almost feels surreal,” he said. “My plan after high school was always to go to Triton College, and now that I’m at this moment, I’m just so happy that I can’t really put it to words. I feel so fortunate for the opportunities I’ve had and I’m so proud—of me and my fellow graduates.”
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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.
