Large bags discouraged at college graduation
By Scott Mitchell Johnson
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — To help alleviate anxiety and provide a positive graduation experience, large bags that are brought to Northern Maine Community College’s commencement Saturday may be searched. The increased security measures are a result of recent events in Boston.
“We always look at security for major events, and graduation is a major event,” said Bill Egeler, NMCC’s dean of students. “We take advice that we get from all sorts of sources — including local law enforcement and others — and say, ‘How can we make this a good experience?’ and especially in light of recent events, ‘What can we do to help minimize any sort of risk?’
“With that in mind, some of the advice we received was leave the backpacks at home, leave big bags out in the car, and don’t bring in any extra paraphernalia to events like commencements. I would rather have people sit there and not bring a bag so they’re not subject to a search,” he said. “This is a large gathering of people and we take security seriously.”
Egeler said the increased measures are not specific to NMCC.
“I expect many more places will take those extra steps,” he said, “but our graduation will be at The Forum, which is a big venue. We’ve asked people to turn around and remain seated during the event so they’re not walking across the floor unless they have a specific purpose for the ceremony, and leave the gifts and suitcases in the car. It’s just common sense, and we want to be prudent.”
Sgt. Mark Barnes of the Presque Isle Police Department said the department will have a presence at graduation.
“Given everything that’s gone on [in Boston], I think it’s a national campaign … if you see something, say something,” he said. “We’ll be on hand to make sure things run smoothly.”
NMCC’s commencement will be held at The Forum in Presque Isle at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 18.
