LMC student Harold Milliner selected as commencement speaker

Harold Milliner has been selected as the student speaker for Lake Michigan College’s 74^th commencement, which, because of COVID-19, is being held as a combination drive-in/drive-thru ceremony at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 1, in Parking Lot 2 behind the Hanson Technology Center on the Benton Harbor Campus.

Milliner, a Niles native who spent much of his childhood in Berrien Springs, is a 2015 graduate of Forest Lake Academy in Apopka, Florida. He will receive an Associate in Applied Science – Music.

“I owe everything to the faculty in the music program,” Milliner said. “The support I have received has truly helped me to begin the amazing journey ahead confidently. All the achievements I have are because they offered me the opportunity and space that I needed to shine and excel.”

After returning to Michigan, Milliner spent two years at Andrews University studying physical therapy before deciding to come to Lake Michigan College and focus on music.

Milliner is a member of the LMC Concert Choir, its chamber ensemble, Sound Waves, and the a cappella group, Harbor Lights. Since its inception, he has been a critical member of the Music Production Technology Club and started LMC’s Birdwatching and Animal Appreciation Club. Harold also has served as both Vice President and President of the Student Senate and is the chapter President of LMC’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

He credits LMC Visual and Performing Arts Chair Kristopher Zook for helping him hone his performance and leadership skills.

Milliner plans to attend Western Michigan University in the Fall, where he has been accepted into the Music Therapy program. It is a perfect way, he said, to use music to impact people’s lives.

“I just love helping people,” he said. “I love seeing smiles on people’s faces when you allow them just to be themselves.”

For more information on LMC’s 2021 commencement ceremony, visit the LMC website.