Congratulations to City Colleges of Chicago Graduating Class of 2025 associate degree earners

Graduates from seven colleges have saved thousands on a quality college education with scholarships, no-cost programs, early college, grads ranged in age from 17 to 85 years old

On May 3, the City Colleges of Chicago Class of 2025 became part of a distinguished group -graduates of the seven City Colleges. This year a total of 4,013 students earned their associate degree. Each student exemplifies resilience and commitment. Many will go on to four-year colleges and universities while others will embark upon their careers, using what they learned at City Colleges to succeed in their careers and find success in life.

"The City Colleges of Chicago Class of 2025 reflects the heart and promise of our great city. Our graduates embody resilience, perseverance, and a deep commitment to growth-not only for themselves but for the communities they represent. Whether they continue their education or enter the workforce, they carry with them the strength of their experiences and the power of their potential. On behalf of the City of Chicago, I extend my deepest congratulations. We are proud of you, we believe in you, and we look forward to the future you will help build," said Mayor Brandon Johnson, City of Chicago.

"I am incredibly proud of our graduates for reaching this important milestone," said Chancellor Juan Salgado, City Colleges of Chicago. "Earning a degree takes determination, sacrifice, and tenacity. Our students have shown what's possible through hard work and now they have the tools to shape their future. They are an inspiration to us all."

"On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all our graduates. Graduation is their moment to shine and I know they will put their knowledge into action. I look forward to seeing how each one will contribute to the strength and prosperity of our city," said Chair Katya Nuques, Board of Trustees, City Colleges of Chicago.

The City Colleges of Chicago 2025 Commencement Ceremonies for associate degree earners took place at Wintrust Arena

10am Ceremony 3:30pm Ceremony

Harold Washington College Harry S Truman College

Kennedy-King College Olive-Harvey College

Malcolm X College Richard J. Daley College

Wilbur Wright College

City Colleges of Chicago Class of 2025 by the Numbers:

• 4,013 total associate degree earners (from Summer 2024, Fall 2023, and Spring 2025)
• 1,891 are first-generation college students or 47% of the graduates
• 1,055 are Star Scholars who earned their associate degree at no-cost (tuition and books)
• 129 are Early College students (students earn an associate degree while still in high school)
• The average age of graduates is 27 years old; the youngest graduate is 17 years old and the oldest graduate is 85 years old

"Graduation is not the end of our journey but a testament to our strength. We should never let self-doubt define us. I tell myself and others to take risks and keep pushing forward especially when it comes to your education. Life will test you, but persevere, grow, help others, and share what you've learned," said Wilbur Wright College graduate and Valedictorian Eldiar Emilbekov, Class of 2025. Eldiar plans to transfer to the Grainger College of Engineering at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign this fall.

City Colleges' vision is to be recognized as the city's most accessible higher education engine of socioeconomic mobility -empowering all Chicagoans to take part in building a stronger and more just city. Learn more about City Colleges of Chicago at www.ccc.edu.

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