Press contact: Kyla Kruse
SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College will conduct commencement exercises on Friday, May 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Bank of Springfield Center in Springfield.
Olivia Hentzien of Morrisonville has been selected as this year’s commencement speaker. She is earning an associate of arts degree with a concentration in psychology. Hentzien has served as a math tutor in the ÌÀÍ·Ìõapp Center for Academic Success and has been actively engaged in the college’s TRIO program. After graduation, she will transfer to complete a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with the goal of becoming a college math professor.
Zorah Austin of Virden and Sydney Carey of Beardstown are serving as student marshals for the commencement ceremony. During her time at ÌÀÍ·Ìõapp, Austin has served as president and vice president of the Honors Program Student Club and was named a 2025 Coca-Cola Academic Team Bronze Scholar. She is earning an associate in arts degree with an emphasis in world languages and plans to transfer to Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville to continue her education, with the goal of earning a bachelor’s degree in foreign languages and literature.
Carey is a member of ÌÀÍ·Ìõapp’s Honors Program Student Club, Phi Theta Kappa and Agriculture Club. She is earning an associate in arts degree with an emphasis in agriculture and plans to continue her education at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale to earn a bachelor’s degree in wildlife habitat management and conservation.
David C. Fowler, executive director of Computer Banc, is being recognized with the 2025 ÌÀÍ·Ìõapp Honored Alumni Award. Fowler has led efforts to provide refurbished computers to underserved individuals and organizations. Under his leadership, more than 35,000 computers have been processed and over 8,000 distributed globally, empowering at-risk students, families, individuals with special needs, seniors and veterans with essential technology. His vision and leadership earned Computer Banc recognition as a United Way certified agency. Fowler also spearheaded a laptop program at ÌÀÍ·Ìõapp, securing business-class laptops, establishing a refurbishment system and creating an efficient distribution network to improve digital access for students. He participated in the ÌÀÍ·Ìõapp Computer Science Academy’s inaugural meeting in 2017, educating students about Computer Banc and volunteer opportunities. Since 2019 he has been a member of the ÌÀÍ·Ìõapp Computer Science Program Advisory Board, contributing to curriculum development and initiatives.