‘Through it all, here we stand’: Student speakers Bettis, Hatton, Fox reflect on their LMC journey during LMC's 75th Commencement

Three members of Lake Michigan College’s Class of 2022 were chosen by their peers, faculty, and staff to speak at the college’s 75th Commencement ceremonies on Sunday, May 1 at LMC’s Mendel Center Mainstage on the Benton Harbor Campus. 

Selected because of their academic excellence, integrity, and compassion for their classmates, Lauren Bettis and Nicholas Hatton spoke during the 10 a.m. ceremony (Arts & Sciences and General Studies), while Heidi Fox spoke during the 2 p.m. ceremony (Career & Workforce and Health Sciences). 

Bettis, a South Haven native and 2019 graduate of South Haven's LC Mohr High School, spoke to her fellow students about their perseverance throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“There were times when it was hard,” she said. “Most here can attest to feeling worn out, alone, stressed, frustrated, and depressed. We all have a moment when we want to give up, but in the end, we made it. From one classmate to all of you, I am very proud of you. You pushed through the pain. We're successful. We persevered. We now celebrate our success.” 

During her time at Lake Michigan College, Bettis has 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.   

“When I joined Phi Beta Kappa, these amazing people opened my eyes to the possibilities and encouraged me to succeed,” Hatton said during his speech. “Then, the world shut down. … It has been a trying two years, but through it all, here we stand. Our family and friends, faculty, and the world are witnesses to the testament of hard work and determination.” 

Hatton 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. 

In her speech, she talked about overcoming adversity and finding an indirect path to following her dream of becoming a nurse. 

“None of us can escape life's disappointments,” Fox said. “It’s OK to go with option B. My option B has been one of the most meaningful accomplishments in my life and LMC helped make my dream a reality.” 

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.  

Fox also highlighted one of LMC’s more unusual features during her remarks. 

“You know, I feel like these geese were always trying to send us messages,” she said. “Like, ‘make sure your voice is heard!’ ‘Choose your next step wisely.’  ‘You have a strong presence alone and you're even more powerful in numbers.’ ‘Don't be afraid to spread your wings and fly south when the weather gets too cold.’” 

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."