The processional begins at 10:45 a.m., and the program will begin at 11 a.m. The public is welcome to attend.

Jones has been an ardent supporter of the college during his career in local politics and throughout his tenure in the Assembly. Last fall, he secured $250,000 in state funding to help upgrade the college’s science labs, a project scheduled to begin this summer.

“We are thrilled to have Assemblyman Jones as our Commencement Speaker this year,” said NCCC President Joe Keegan. “He has been a strong advocate of college, as well as higher education in general. As a son of the North Country and one that has worked hard to be where he is, the Assemblyman understands and can directly relate to our students and their aspirations. His personal story is one that will surely resonate with our students.”

Assemblyman Billy Jones was first elected to the Assembly in 2016 to represent the 115th Assembly District, which includes all of Clinton and Franklin counties and five towns in western Essex County, including North Elba, where the Saranac Lake campus is located.

“College graduation is such an important moment, and I am incredibly honored to be this year’s commencement speaker,” Jones said. “I look forward to joining all the graduates and the college community in celebrating their achievements and recognizing the hard work it takes to cross the stage and finally receive your diploma.”

For more information on the college’s Commencement ceremony, including details on parking, visit https://nccc.edu/about/commencement.