The 77th class of North Central Missouri College was challenged to see itself not as leaders of tomorrow, but those of today, during commencement exercises held Saturday at the Ketcham Community Center.
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The 77th class of North Central Missouri College was challenged to see itself not as leaders of tomorrow, but those of today, during commencement exercises held Saturday at the Ketcham Community Center.
Missouri Commissioner of Higher Education Quentin Wilson addressed the 303 students, explaining how their involvement and investment in the world around them can make a difference right now in their community, their state and their country. Beginning his address with the bad news, Wilson compared the recent weather to the situation facing higher education in light of financial shortfalls.
“It’s been stormy, it’s going to be stormy, and there’s nothing you can do about it,” he said, before noting that his address was meant to tell students what they can do about the problems facing higher education and other public interests. Involvement, he said, is key.
“Unlike every other commencement speech you’ve ever heard, you are not the leaders of tomorrow – you are the leaders of today,” he said, comparing their recent educational accomplishment to military basic training. “Now your communities need you.”
Wilson encouraged students to make an investment in their communities unlike, he said, lawmakers are currently doing with resources. Wilson said the government is not investing in the future, but is “borrowing from the future” in ways that can only hurt the economy, a challenge that young people will have to face in the form of items like increased tuition to continue their education.
“You can change things,” he said. “Get involved, invest in the future, things will get better. Talk to business people, talk to young people, to elected officials. They will listen, you will be heard and you will make a difference. You’re not doing it all by yourself.”
Wilson left the graduates with feelings of hope by emphasizing that while there are challenges facing them, they are not insurmountable, especially when it comes to obtaining an education.
“The budget cuts will make it harder, but they can’t make it impossible. The job is too important,” he commented. “We will survive and be even better – with your help… with your involvement, with your investment. They are the keys to Missouri’s future. You are the leaders of today.”
The commencement ceremony, which saw a total of 326 degrees and certificates awarded to a record number of students, was the final ceremony as active faculty members for Dr. Don Dalrymple, Bill Hinkebein and Bill Oesterling, who were recognized by NCMC President Dr. Walter Nolte, who welcomed guests and gave a little history on the class of 72 men and 231 women. He noted the two sets of twins in the class, Douglas and Daniel Franklin and Shelly and Stephanie McIntyre, as well as several parent-child connections and sibling connections in the class. He also recognized the youngest student, 18-year-old Audrey Rockhold, as well as the class’ “most mature” member, 60-year-old Barbara Bryan, who is one of several Head Start employees who received their degrees on Saturday. Dr. Nolte told the capacity crowd that he “is privileged to witness the success of students every day” and called NCMC a place “where careers are launched and dreams come true.”
Others participating in the during the ceremony were Scott Anderson, president of the NCMC student senate, who gave the evocation, thanking all those who have guided the students on their journey to graduation, and presenting the class of 2003 to Dean of Instruction Dr. Marlene Tignor. Chris Hoffman, a current member of the board of trustees, gave the alumni welcome, noting that the students won?t find better instructors anywhere and that the education he received at NCMC has served him well in his career.
ADN Pinning
There were 28 graduates of the Associate Degree Nursing Program at North Central Missouri College honored during pinning ceremonies at the KCC on Saturday afternoon.
Beth Crawford, an instructor in the nursing program, was the guest speaker. She reminded graduates that they were entering what she termed “a much more demanding career than most,” adding that it is also one of the most satisfying careers in the world. She said that nursing is often a bridge between life and death and is the “epitome of unselfishness.”
Ms. Crawford challenged the graduates to be the best nurse they can be and remember the lessons learned both in the classroom and in practical application.
“Keep an open mind to new ideas while remembering that the best medicine is good-old tender loving care,” she said. “A human touch means the most.”
She noted that the graduates “now have the key to the world” and will be welcomed wherever they may go.
“And while it will be demanding, I know you will be an asset to the profession to which you now belong,” Ms. Crawford concluded.
Receiving the award for highest academic honors was Brenda Ferguson of Trenton. Dorothy Wooden of Dawn received second high honors while Jody Biston of Milan and Candice Kennedy of Chillicothe tied for third high honors.
Clinical achievement awards went to Ms. Wooden, highest honors; Robert Duncan of Chillicothe, second high honors; and Gretchen Watkins of Cameron and Robinson Davidson of Ridgeway, tied for third high honors.