MCC Daily Tribune

2025 Student Commencement Speaker Announced

I am pleased to announce that Ronald Smith has been chosen to be this year’s student commencement speaker. Ronald demonstrates a dedication to and a pursuit of academic excellence that makes him worthy of this honor.

Ronald first enrolled at MCC in 2002–2003 to pursue a business degree but had to leave due to financial challenges. In Spring 2023, more than two decades after he first set foot on campus, Ronald returned with renewed purpose and determination to finish what he had started.  With a change in major, Ronald is graduating with an Associate of Science degree in Communication & Media Studies. Having earned a GED instead of a traditional high school diploma, he is especially proud of making the Dean’s List—a powerful testament to his hard work and resilience.

Two professors left a lasting mark on Ronald’s journey: Professor Ilene Benz, who inspired him to believe in himself, and Professor Mark Wheeler, whose life stories mirrored Ronald’s own experiences and transformed the classroom into a place of connection, comfort, and belonging.

At the core of Ronald’s success is his family—his “A-team.” His wife, Sabrina, is a constant source of inspiration, balancing a full-time job, caring for their granddaughter, and working toward her PhD. Their daughters—Brianna, Mya, and Kennedi—along with his older children, Ronald Jr. and Brittany, offered motivation and support throughout his academic journey. Kennedi, the youngest, played a key role as his tutor and motivator, pushing him beyond “good enough” and reminding him, “You’re an National Society of Leadership and Success scholar—act like it!” Her guidance helped him excel when he doubted himself. Ronald also finds daily inspiration in his granddaughter Uriyah. He looks forward to telling her that her “Bah Bah” returned and finished what he started.

Congratulations to Ronald—we all look forward to hearing his story.

DeAnna Burt-Nanna
Office of the President
05/27/2025