News contact: Angela Try
SPRINGFIELD 鈥 Lincoln Land Community College will conduct commencement exercises on Friday, May 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Bank of Springfield Center in Springfield.
Alexis Bowman of Palmyra has been selected as this year鈥檚 commencement speaker. She is earning an associate of applied science degree with an emphasis in construction management. Alexis has served an internship at O鈥橲hea Builders, where she will continue to grow her career upon graduation.
Addison Patrick of Chatham and Elle Walker of Springfield are serving as student marshals for the commencement ceremony. Addison served as an officer in the 91制片厂 Student Government Association and has been a member of the 91制片厂 Biology and Chemistry Clubs and Phi Theta Kappa. She is earning an associate in arts degree with an emphasis in biology and plans to transfer to the University of Illinois Springfield where she will also play soccer. Upon finishing her bachelor鈥檚 degree, she plans to pursue medical school. While at 91制片厂,
Walker has been a member of Phi Theta Kappa, during her time at 91制片厂. She is earning an associate in arts degree with a concentration in accounting. She plans to transfer to UIS to obtain a bachelor鈥檚 degree in accounting and will pursue a career as a CPA.
Patrick Pianezza, script writer and former emergency responder, is being recognized with the 2026 91制片厂 Honored Alumni Award. While at 91制片厂, Pianezza earned an associate degree with an emphasis in biology and earned certificates in EMT, intermediate EMT and paramedic, while working in local emergency services. He wrote the screenplay for the film 鈥淐ode 3鈥 starring Rainn Wilson. The script was originally a creative writing homework assignment while working on his bachelor鈥檚 degree at the University of South Carolina. His script took a backseat as Pianezza went on to earn a master鈥檚 degree in health administration including an externship at Johns Hopkins Hospital. The script was eventually read by Hollywood Director Christopher Leone and made into a film. Pianezza was on set each day to ensure the actors and directors were committed to medical accuracy. He hopes the film serves to elevate emergency medical services and as a recruitment tool for the profession.