IVCC instructor Promise Yong will deliver keynote for commencement

Illinois Valley Community College chemistry instructor Promise Yong will deliver the keynote for the 55th annual commencement premiering virtually at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 22.

About 200 students are expected to participate in the online ceremony available for viewing at www.ivcc.edu/commencement, said Vice President for Student Services Mark Grzybowski.

Yong was co-winner of the 2017 Stephen Charry Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence. In his nomination, students credited Yong for teaching real-world lab techniques and ensuring they understand exactly how and why they are conducting an experiment.

One student wrote, “He is the most motivational/caring teacher I have ever had. He teaches with so much enthusiasm and is always giving us real-world examples of how chemistry impacts our daily lives, urging us to make positive change and be the best scientists, doctors, teachers possible.”

Yong, who began teaching at IVCC in 2008, received his bachelor’s in chemistry from the University of Buea in Cameroon and doctorate in organic chemistry/photochemistry from the University of North Dakota.

Yong has spoken of losing his mom at age 10 and his struggles to stay in school due to a lack of financial resources in his native country, the Republic of Cameroon in central Africa.

“Treat life just like research — where failure helps you find opportunity,” he urges students. “Seize opportunity when it presents itself, don’t sit on it, act on it. Do something about your situation, take risks, stop complaining, stop procrastinating; go get it!”

Also at commencement:

• Kate Barraza of Malden will read her winning Paul Simon Student Essay;
• President Jerry Corcoran will welcome graduates and confer certificates and degrees;
• Vice President for Academic Affairs Deborah Anderson will present the Class of 2021;
• Board chair Everett Solon will introduce trustees.
• 2020-21 student trustee Naomi Ochuba of Peru will present the invocation;
• 2021-22 student trustee Madison Miranda of DePue will present the benediction.