NCMC President Addresses Students For Final Time

In his final opportunity to speak to students, retiring North Central Missouri College President Dr. Neil Nuttall on Saturday encouraged them to keep believing and to use their education as a ticket to change the world.
Speaking to graduates in two ceremonies – the morning event for all students other than those receiving degrees and certificates in the allied health program, who were honored in the afternoon – Dr. Nuttall addressed the Class of 2016 at the college, which is observing its 90th year.
In his morning address, Dr. Nuttall referenced the Christmas movie “The Polar Express,” discussing the bell in the movie, which can only be heard by those who believe in Christmas. While the movie is directed at children, there is an adult message as well.
“The adult message in this work of art takes one on the journey of believing,” he said. “Believing not just the concrete of what we can see and hold today, but rather what we can dare to dream”
He encouraged students to believe in themselves and to face their fears. He referenced the words of Jesus in Mark 9:23 in which he says that “everything is possible for one who believes,” and quoted Pope John Paul XXIII, who said “Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you have tried and failed in, but with what is still possible for you to do.”
He encouraged students to not be afraid to share their dreams with others, which will help their belief become stronger, and to continue to believe.
“Today, we have arrived at our destination, for us we see a dream that has come true. To be sure, we have faced our fears, overcome obstacles, we had those who made us stronger by believing in our dream, we dared at times not to listen to those who would squelch our dream. You will enter that hospital, go bravely into that new office or walk proudly onto that next campus. ”
Dr. Nuttall went onto discuss how he will reflect on his time at NCMC as he leaves his position as president.
“In my heart I will cherish this destination with the memory of those who believed in this decade of dreams. Knowing this destination is where I too will begin and we must continue to believe. Continue to dream, believe and begin again today. Ring the bell!”
Dr. Nuttall shared some information about the graduates, noting that the average age of graduates was 26, with the oldest being Chris Hayes at 61. Emily Milazzo, at 18, was the youngest graduate and was receiving her associate’s degree on the same weekend that she was receiving her high school diploma.
In his afternoon address entitled “Views from the Cold End of the Stethoscope,” Dr. Nuttall shared certain qualities that a successful health care professional needs.
“Good health care professionals contribute to the success and stability of healthcare institutions and to the mental and physical well-being of their patients. They give not only their book knowledge, but a piece of their heart to each and every patient they care for,” he said, going on to list such qualities such as being caring, having communication skills, being responsible, continuing to learn throughout their career and being someone that can be admired. He went on to point out how much he has admired Dr. Albert Cross, who has been a major benefactor of the college.
“Far and away the man that I most admire had dedicated his life to providing care and dreams for the future literally hundreds, if not thousands,” he said of Dr. Cross. “I am proud to call this man my friend and he has provided me with inspiration and drive for 10 years. I simply never wanted to let him down…His many patients still admire and love him for his adherence to the principals previously mentioned, but those of you in this facility today who have sat in the classrooms of Cross Hall, taken advantage of the state- of-the-art lab or benefitted from a generous scholarship are examples of how professionals like Dr. Cross are committed for a lifetime and have made a dramatic difference in the lives of the citizens of our region. Health care professionals please know, you are our heroes.”
He closed the address with a quote from journalist Tom Brokow: “You are educated. Your certificate is in your degree. You may think of it as the ticket to a good life. Let me ask you to think of an alternative. Think of it as your ticket to change the world.”
Also addressing the morning graduates was NCMC Student Senate President Chelsey Valentine, who spoke on the theme of “opportunities.” She encouraged students to believe in themselves and to take advantage of all the opportunities offered to them.
“You never know where one – just one – will lead,” she said.
She also recognized Dr. Nuttall for his leadership and inspiration and presented flowers to his wife, Susanne, in recognition of her support of NCMC over the past 11 years.
Chris Hoffman, a member of the board of trustees, gave the alumni welcome at both ceremonies, telling students they can leave NCMC being assured that they have been well-prepared for the next step of their lives. He also recognized Dr. Nuttall for “the dreams you’ve given all of us and the belief you’ve had.”
Also recognized during the morning ceremony was Melody Shipley, who is retiring from NCMC this year and has been granted emeriti status.