Graduation day is always an anticipated event for the Northern Maine Community College campus community; however, this year several employees took extra pride as their own children crossed the stage on May 13.
Six employees including Angela Buck, academic dean, Mike Williams, dean of finance, Shannon Cook, registrar, Jessica Lahey, nursing instructor, Nicole Poulin, admissions specialist and Holly Grant, Workforce Development coordinator all have children among the nearly 200 NMCC graduates. Four of these employees – Angela Buck, Shannon Cook, Jessica Lahey, and Nicole Poulin – are NMCC alumni themselves.
“I knew first-hand the quality of education my daughters would receive at NMCC,” stated Academic Dean Angela Buck when asked why she encouraged her two daughters to enroll at NMCC. “After completing the nursing program, she can go to work sooner as an RN versus waiting until she has completed a 4-year degree.”
Angela Buck’s daughter, Cassandra Halvorson, Shannon Cook’s son, Mitchell Cook, and Nicole Poulin’s daughter, Jamie Poulin, all graduated with an associate in science degree from the nursing program. Michael Williams’ daughter, Taylor Williams, graduated with her associate in applied science degree in electrical construction & maintenance. Jessica Lahey’s step-daughter Kiarra graduated with an associate in applied science degree in business administration, and Holly Grant’s son Wyatt Grant graduated with an associate in applied science degree in diesel hydraulics technology.
When asked what makes him most proud of his daughter Taylor graduating from NMCC, Michael Williams stated, “She graduated with a lot of confidence and with a 4.0! She has a great new job starting at Casco Bay Electric.”
All of the NMCC staff and faculty want to say congratulations to the graduating Class of 2023, and a special thank you to all the parents and support persons in their lives who made that day possible.
