Students Lauren Bettis, Nicholas Hatton, Heidi Fox to speak at Lake Michigan College Commencement

Lauren Bettis, Nicholas Hatton, and Heidi Fox have been selected as student speakers for Lake Michigan College's 75th annual commencement ceremonies at 10 a.m. (Arts & Sciences and General Studies) and 2 p.m. (Career & Workforce and Health Sciences) Sunday, May 1, at The Mendel Center Mainstage on the Benton Harbor Campus, 2755 E. Napier Ave.

Student speakers are nominated by their peers, LMC faculty, and staff based on academic excellence, integrity, and compassion for their classmates.

Bettis is a South Haven native and 2019 graduate of South Haven's LC Mohr High School. During her time at Lake Michigan College, she's been a member of the LMC Concert Choir, starred in the world premiere production of "Our Side of the River," and most recently worked behind the scenes as a stage crew member for "Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street." 

She graduates with an Associate in Arts in Theatre and will attend Western Michigan University in Fall 2022 to pursue a bachelor's degree in secondary education focusing on history. 

"I think I always wanted to teach, but I didn't realize it until I came to Lake Michigan College," Bettis said. "I always liked history growing up. It was my favorite subject. Many things have happened throughout history, particularly African American history, and are still happening today. It needs to be taught so we can change." 

Hatton, a 2019 Coloma High School graduate, served as the Leadership Officer in Phi Theta Kappa honor society. He helped plan volunteer efforts for several service projects, including Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.  

He has been an active member of LMC Votes and is the Campus Vote Project Democracy Fellow for Lake Michigan College, promoting education and voter engagement on campus. He is a 2022 All-State Academic Team Honoree, has multiple President's and Dean's list achievements, and is a member of the Botany Club.  

"I love teaching and helping people, so I have always known that I wanted to do something with history and politics," Hatton said. "The 2016 election was so crazy and interesting that I decided that what I wanted to do was major in political science and go into politics." 

Hatton graduates with an Associate in Arts in Political Science. He plans to attend South Dakota State University in Fall 2022 to complete his bachelor's degree in political science. 

Fox is an Owosso, Michigan native. She graduated from Owosso High School in 2004, earned a cosmetology license at Mane Street Academy in 2006, and an Associate in Applied Science in Medical Assisting at Baker College in 2011.  

After working as a medical assistant in cardiology for a decade, Fox moved to St. Joseph and enrolled in Lake Michigan College's nursing program. She is the 2022 recipient of the Spirit of Nursing Award, given annually to a graduate who best exemplifies the philosophy and core values of the LMC nursing program. She is a Phi Theta Kappa honor society member and a previous education committee chair for the Michigan Society of Medical Assistants. 

She graduates with an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing and recently accepted an RN position in the cardiac telemetry progressive care unit at Spectrum Health Lakeland. Fox plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in nursing beginning in Fall 2022. 

"It has been inspiring to watch those who have maintained their resilience throughout the pandemic," she said. "For me, it's inspiring to know there is such a need for nurses right now." 

During the May 1 ceremonies, 398 LMC students will receive 406 degrees and certificates from 42 areas of study, including 381 associate degrees, nine advanced certificates, and 16 certificates of achievement.

For more information, visit lakemichigancollege.edu/commencement.