PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Family and friends packed the The Forum on Saturday, May 14, to celebrate the graduation of 200 students from Northern Maine Community College.
Commencement speaker Congressman Bruce Poliquin offered encouragement to the graduates.
“You’re from The County. Everyone knows you work hard and you’re honest — the two most important issues for every employer,” he said. “Don’t worry about not knowing every detail about a new job. Most employers hire workers not for what they know, but for what they can learn.
“Employers can’t find enough skilled workers ready to jump in, start their careers and grow the companies. You’re in the catbird seat and I don’t see this trend changing any time soon,” he concluded.
Student of the Year Crystal Condo of Presque Isle delivered the student address to her classmates and offered this advice:
“Don’t ever doubt yourself. Don’t let anyone or anything get in the way of something you want to achieve,” she encouraged. “Don’t ever stop growing as a person and don’t take your life for granted because none of us are promised tomorrow.”
During the ceremony, an achievement award was presented to Maine Community College System Trustee Robert Clark, who is an alumnus of NMCC.
“We are happy to recognize Robert Clark for his outstanding dedication to education; for his years of service on the NMCC General Advisory Council and the NMCC Foundation Board,” said Tim Crowley, NMCC president. “We honor Bob as the first community college graduate to serve as chair of the Maine Community College System Board of Trustees and we thank him for his leadership while the system was in search of a new president.”
This year, retiring computer and network technology instructor Joe McLaughlin was honored with the President’s Award.
“Joe had thought about retiring last year, but NMCC is very grateful that he waited another year while the Computer and Network Technology lab was moved and renovated in Aroostook Hall,” said Crowley. “His organization and vision for this program will have a positive impact on students for years to come.”
The largest group of graduates was from the Trade and Technical Occupations Department, where 76 students earned associate degrees and certificates in programs ranging from automotive technology, to electrical construction and maintenance, to precision machining technology, to name just a few.
Nursing, business administration and liberal studies also had large cohorts.
