HILLSBORO, MO — Jefferson College has proudly celebrated its 61st annual commencement ceremonies, marking the academic achievements of 672 extraordinary students who completed their certificates and associate degrees during the 2025-2026 academic year. The landmark celebration brought together families, friends, faculty, staff, and distinguished community leadership in the college gymnasium to witness the formal transition of students into a historic alumni network.
Jefferson College President Dr. Dena McCaffrey opened the ceremony by welcoming attendees to “YOUR community college” and highlighting the institution’s robust legacy since its founding by forward-thinking voters in 1963. She congratulated the graduates on joining a community of over 27,000 alumni who have collectively surpassed 30,000 degrees and certificates.
“Graduates, today you walk across this stage and receive your degree or certificate, representing one of the major milestones in your lives,” stated Dr. McCaffrey during her presidential remarks. “You join over 27,000 extraordinary alumni using their experience in pursuit of careers, professions, and additional education. Jefferson College celebrates your new beginning… Life will test you, but you have everything you need to overcome it. Life isn’t about being perfect, it is about becoming stronger, wiser and more hopeful.”
The 2026 keynote address was delivered by prominent business leader and proud Jefferson College alumnus Ken Stricker (Class of 1985), who currently serves as President and CEO of Consort Homes. Reflecting on his journey from DeSoto High School to playing basketball in the very same gym forty-one years prior, Stricker reminded the graduating class that a community college is far more than a mere starting point.
“Many people consider community college a ‘starting point.’ And it is. But it’s more than a starting point – it’s a proving ground,” Stricker shared. “My basketball coach here at Jefferson, Coach Bernsen, used to say, ‘effort doesn’t guarantee you’ll win, but lack of effort guarantees you won’t.’… Life won’t always go according to plan. Careers change. Industries evolve. Unexpected challenges arise. But effort — consistent, disciplined effort — compounds over time. Stay in the game. Keep showing up. The people who succeed are almost always the ones who refuse to quit. Your degree is not your finish line — it’s your foundation.”
The college also recognized several milestone honors during the ceremony. Former Trustee Ronald Scaggs (Class of 1972), a Vietnam veteran, Bronze Star recipient, and 44-year law enforcement professional, was named the 2026 Alumnus of the Year for his lifetime of service. Eleven retiring faculty and staff were recognized for their years of service: Douglas Birch, Sean Birke, Joseph Candela, Lisa Hollander, Bill Kaune, Bruce Korbesmeyer, Laura Richardson, Lore Robart, Cindy Rossi, Marialana Speidel and Susan Todd.
Faculty award recipients were also honored in the event: Missouri Community College Association Excellence in Teaching Award, Ms. Elke Overton, Professor of Music; Emerson Award for Teaching Excellence, Mr. Bruce Korbesmeyer, Associate Professor, Economics; Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award, Ms. Georgina Lehn; and Phi Theta Kappa Teacher of the Year, Mr. Simon Bade, Assistant Professor of Biology.
CLASS OF 2026 ACADEMIC STATISTICS & HIGHLIGHTS
Total Graduating Students 672
Total Degrees Awarded 560
Total Career/Technical Certificates Awarded 116
Baccalaureate-Oriented Associate Degrees 399 (59%)
Applied Science Technical Degrees or Career Certificates 277 (41%)
Summa Cum Laude Honors (Perfect 4.0 GPA) 32
Magna Cum Laude Honors (3.8 to 3.99 GPA) 68
Cum Laude Honors (3.5 to 3.79 GPA) 117
Certificates Earned with Distinction 68
Early College Graduates (Earning Degree/Certificate with HS Diploma) 68
The ceremony concluded with an acknowledgement of the college’s dedicated faculty and staff, including those entering retirement who represent a combined 242 years of service to the college community.
About Jefferson College
Jefferson College, with campuses in Hillsboro and Arnold, Missouri, offers five associate degree programs in four schools of learning with nearly 50 programs of study, as well as Workforce Training, Adult Education, Early College, an Area Technical School for high school students and certification programs in high-demand career fields. Since its first commencement ceremony in 1966, the college has celebrated approximately 30,000 graduates and maintains a 98 percent job placement rate. Learn more about Jefferson College on our website www.jeffco.edu.