Commencement exercises were held Wednesday evening at the Butler County Community College Field House. About 320 graduates crossed the stage to receive their diplomas.submitted photo

Butler County Community College had its largest group of marching graduates at its ceremony Wednesday.

Friends and family packed into the Field House, where around 320 graduates crossed the stage to receive their diplomas. In total, the Class of 2019 had 599 graduates.

“That is easily the largest number of graduates this century for BC3,” said Nick Neupauer, president of the college.

As speaker after speaker stepped to the podium, a buzz in the crowd grew. Children and parents fussed, but for different reasons.

But the flock of blue-gowned graduates remained silent, their heads turned toward the stage and their eyes focused.

The graduates appeared to devour every word, especially those of distinguished alumna Sandra Ihlenfeld, executive director of the Butler YMCA.

Ihlenfeld said she had a tough childhood that broke her confidence, but seeking higher education changed things for her.

“I was raised hearing that you will never be anything,” Ihlenfeld said. “I felt empowered each time I stood in my cap and gown.”

BC3 was the first step for her. She later got her bachelor's degree from Slippery Rock University, then her master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh.

Ihlenfeld said she hoped the students could gain the same confidence she felt when she graduated. She asked them to stop and appreciate their achievement and the people who helped them reach that goal.

“Today is your day. Smile and remember your hard work,” Ihlenfeld said. “Keep believing in yourself. You will make Butler proud. Flap your wings and fly.”