CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — Parkland College will celebrate the achievements of its Health Professions, Arts and Sciences, and Career and Technical Education graduates with two commencement ceremonies on Thursday, May 14, at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.
Dr. James C. Leonard, M.D., president and CEO of Carle Health, will deliver the keynote address at the first-ever Health Professions Commencement and Pinning Ceremony at 2 p.m. Dr. Leonard has led Carle Health, which serves more than two million people across eight hospitals and associated healthcare businesses, since 1999. Under his leadership, Carle Health has earned national recognition for nursing excellence, innovation, and quality patient care.
Later that evening, radio personality Stevie Jay Khachaturian will keynote the Arts and Sciences and Career and Technical Education (ASCTE) Commencement at 7 p.m. Stevie Jay has been a fixture in Champaign-Urbana radio for more than 45 years, interviewing countless newsmakers, athletes, and political figures, and currently hosts a weekday morning show on ESPN 93.5. He also owns several local radio stations, including Christian FM 95.3, All the Hits Q96, and US 105.9.
Both ceremonies will honor graduates from fall 2025, spring 2026, and summer 2026, including programs previously ineligible for Parkland’s traditional commencement due to credit-hour requirements. Students Brandon Macak and Elsie Oberg will participate in the Health Professions ceremony, while Juliano Baptiste and Pierce Thompson will take part in the ASCTE event.
In addition, Parkland’s Honors Convocation will take place that same day at 11 a.m., highlighting students Rebekah Maxwell, Charles Francis, Aidan Talbott, and Jesus “Chuy” Diaz.
For more information about this year’s commencements, visit parkland.edu/commencement.
