Heartland Community College’s annual commencement will be held at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026.
The full ceremony will include graduate recognitions and remarks from Heartland President Keith Cornille and student speaker David Helms.
The Heartland Commencement ceremony will be held at Grossinger Motors Arena (101 S. Madison St, Bloomington, IL). There are no restrictions on the number of guests who can attend to celebrate with graduates.
Grossinger Motors Arena will be enforcing a “clear bag policy” for all attendees. It is recommended that guests are informed in advance of this policy and also bring a clear bag for their belongings. Further details regarding the clear bag policy can be found at www.heartland.edu/graduation.
Commencement Student Speaker
David Helms will serve as student speaker at this year’s ceremony.
Helms grew up in Bloomington and graduated from Normal Community West High School. After serving four years in the United States Navy, he returned to Heartland to further his education.
During his time a Heartland he worked in the Veterans Center, was nominated for and attended the Heartland Emerging Leaders program, and led the Student Veterans Association as Chapter President, and represented that group in the Student Government Association. After Graduation, Helms is transferring to Illinois State University to pursue a degree in Cyber Security.
Pinnings and Other Events
Lavender Graduation Celebration
Wednesday, May 6 at 5:00 p.m. in the WDC Student Center Atrium
Donning of the Kente Ceremony (sponsored by Black Student Union)
Thursday, May 7 at 4:00 p.m. at Ag Complex Flex Lab
Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) Pinning Ceremony
Friday, May 8 at 6:30 p.m. in Astroth Community Education Center (ACEC) Auditorium
Radiography Pinning Ceremony
Wednesday, May 13 at 6:00 p.m. in ACEC Auditorium
Medical Assistant Pinning Ceremony
Thursday, May 14 at 3:00 p.m. in ACEC Room 2210
Nursing Pinning Ceremony
Thursday, May 14 at 5:00 p.m. in ACEC Auditorium
