Blanca Jara, who started her educational and career path at Morton College, returns to her alma mater to serve as the guest speaker at Morton College’s 98th annual Commencement.
Morton College will be hosting two traditional in-person and indoor commencement ceremonies in the Vais Gymnasium. The ceremonies are on Friday, May 19th at 6 p.m. and Saturday, May 20th at 10 a.m. The ceremonies will also be broadcast live via Morton College’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
“We are honored to have Blanca Jara serve as this year’s commencement speaker and share an inspiring message to our students,” said Dr. Stan Fields, President of Morton College. “Blanca’s personal and professional story of courage, determination and optimism will encourage each and every graduate.”
Blanca serves as the Chief of Staff for the Partnership for College Completion (PCC). Her responsibilities include leadership of the communications and development functions in the organization, strategic counsel to the Executive Director, and building systems and structures connected to people and culture, organizational impact, and much more.
Prior to joining PCC, Blanca served as Morton College’s Vice President of Institutional Advancement. With her innovation, creativity, and relationship-building skills, she contributed significantly to expand investments in facilities, programs, and services in better serving the college community. She and her team collaborated to make Morton College a nationally recognized leader in the community college sector of higher education.
“Morton College holds a special place in my heart, and it has been a springboard to many amazing career and educational opportunities.” said Blanca. “It is an honor and privilege to serve as Morton College’s Class of 2023 commencement speaker.”
Blanca obtained a Bachelor’s degree from American Continental University and Master’s degree from the National Louis University. She is currently enrolled in the National Louis University Higher Education Leadership Doctoral Program.