Nationwide — Ten men who were incarcerated in Illinois earned bachelor’s degrees through Augustana College’s prison education program at East Moline Correctional Center. Families, faculty, and fellow students attended a graduation ceremony that marked years of academic work completed behind bars.
According to People, the ceremony took place on May 28 at the East Moline Correctional Center, a minimum-security prison in Illinois. The graduating class was more than twice the size of the program’s first group in 2025, according to organizers. Loved ones joined the faculty on site to witness the milestone.
Justin Dismuke served as class speaker and described the experience as “surreal.” He said, “Like, I didn’t expect 20 years ago that I would be here in this moment, with family and friends, being celebrated like this.” He credited his family, especially his mother and aunt, for standing by him throughout his incarceration.
Dismuke’s parents, Kevin and Veda, attended the ceremony. His father said, “It’s kind of what we had wished for. To see him be able to do this is great.” His mother said she looks forward to the day they can reunite outside prison gates without restrictions.
Dismuke said he plans to use his degree in youth outreach, community awareness, and violence prevention work after release.
Another graduate, Maurice Jones, said the degree gave him a chance to show his family what he can achieve, especially having his son, Makhel, at the ceremony. He said, “I have my son here today, and he was able to see his father in a different light.” He added he hopes to contribute positively to his community once released.
The Augustana College Prison Education Program offers a full-time Bachelor of Arts degree inside prison, according to the school. More than 40 men took part in the program during the 2025 to 2026 school year.
Ladrina Wilson, a member of the college’s Board of Trustees, said the ceremony reflected the impact of education. “Talent doesn’t discriminate. Sometimes our circumstances are different, but this is proof that there’s talent all around us.”