The family that studies together,
graduates together
Staff photo/Scott Mitchell Johnson
HOLE LOTTA GRADS — Graduating from Northern Maine Community College was a family affair for the Hole family of Presque Isle. Mom Shari completed the nursing program, dad Jerry earned his degree in computer electronics, while son Austin received a degree in accounting information systems. Posing for a family picture following the May 18 commencement exercises were, from left, front row: daughters Danette, Karleen, Elise and Ellen Hole, who will graduate from NMCC next year. Back row: Jerry, Austin and Shari Hole.
Staff photos/Scott Mitchell Johnson
GREG PALM, of Presque Isle, receives his nursing degree from Northern Maine Community College President Timothy Crowley during the May 18 commencement exercises which were held at The Forum in Presque Isle.
LISA DONOVAN, of Presque Isle, receives congratulations from Congressman Michael Michaud (D-Maine) who delivered Northern Maine Community College’s commencement address. Donovan earned her nursing degree.
GAIL WEBB, of Fort Fairfield, was the only woman to graduate from the residential construction program at Northern Maine Community College. Webb proudly wore her “Congrats Grad” button which was a gift from her co-workers in the college’s library, where Webb had been a work-study student.
By Scott Mitchell Johnson
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — While many parents sat in the audience at The Forum May 18 watching their sons and daughters graduate from Northern Maine Community College, Jerry and Shari Hole of Presque Isle watched while sitting among the graduates.
This year, three members of the Hole family, clad in caps and gowns, all graduated from three different programs.
Son Austin received an associate’s degree in accounting information systems, Jerry earned his computer electronics degree, while Shari graduated from the nursing program.
“It’s very special to graduate with my parents,” Austin said. “My Mom enrolled first, then me, and then Dad. After a couple of semesters we realized that we would be graduating at the same time. I’m glad to be sharing this with them.
“I have a sister who will graduate from NMCC next year, and another sister who will start in the fall,” said Austin, who plans to attend Husson University’s Presque Isle site in the fall and earn his bachelor’s degree in accounting. “We really like the people at NMCC; the staff and the faculty are very, very friendly, and you can get a great education there.”
Both Jerry and Shari are proud of their son and each other.
“I’m proud of my family. I’m proud of my wife because I know how tough the nursing program is and she did well, and Austin did exceptionally well. He had a 4.0 all four semesters which happens very rarely at the school,” said Jerry. “He was a real help to me; whenever I came up against math that I couldn’t do, he would help me out.”
“It’s very exciting. I’m very proud of my son and my husband. I just hope we’re a good example to the rest of the children,” Shari said. “This is something that I started back when I was 18 and it’s taken me until now to finish. I went to college after high school, but then I took a break for many years to raise a family, and now I’m at a point in my life where I can finish with my degree.”
Ironically it was during Shari’s nursing program orientation that Jerry started thinking about his own educational/career path.
“I went with Shari to her nursing orientation, which was about eight hours long, so during a break I found a school catalog to see what they offered in the way of computers because I had done computer consulting work for many years as a website developer,” he said. “I started thinking about the possibilities of taking classes and talked to someone in admissions and one thing led to another.”
Jerry said he and his wife are proof that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.
“One of the things that we’ve promoted in our family is that learning is a regular, ongoing thing throughout our lives,” he said. “While we have vacations, we still don’t have breaks from learning experiences. Learning isn’t something you should turn off at some point.”
Looking to the fall, Jerry will study business at NMCC and work at home to acquire additional IT certifications.
“The following year I’ll attend Husson and get a bachelor’s degree in business and technology,” he said.
Meanwhile, Shari will spend the summer studying to become certified in hospice care.
“Then in the fall I’ll be studying for a bachelor’s degree in psychology through Liberty University’s online program,” she said.
This year’s NMCC graduating class included 235 students representing 22 academic programs.
Congressman Michael Michaud (D-Maine) presented the commencement address.
“No matter where you came from, what status you hold in life, or how much money you have, you are not limited. You and you alone decide where you want to go and what you want to be,” said Michaud. “You made it here because of the hard work you put in and the sacrifices that you’ve made. You chose to determine your own future, and you are leaving here today ready to take on the next challenge.
“Take advantage of every opportunity before you, and approach each one with the same eagerness you had when you first came to NMCC,” he said. “And always remember to continue learning and not be afraid to take risks. That’s what brought me from a paper mill in East Millinocket to the United States Congress. It worked for me, and I know it can work for you.”
For the first time, the Student of the Year and student speaker was from the Loring Job Corps.
“I made a choice to take a chance with the Job Corps program; I made the choice to take a chance with college, and now my life has changed,” said Myasia Williams. “There are going to be times in your life when you’re going to have to stick your neck out. There will be challenges and instead of hiding in a shell, you have to go out and meet them.”
In his charge to the graduates, NMCC President Timothy Crowley focused on the duties that face educated individuals in society.
“It is your responsibility as citizens and parents and sons and daughters to get involved in your community. You will shape the future of our country,” he urged them. “Keep informed and allow yourself to be outraged when events happen that are not consistent with your values. Get engaged to make this a better world.”
During the ceremony, English instructor Jennifer Graham was presented with the President’s Award for meritorious service to the college. Graham has been teaching full-time at NMCC for six years and was recognized for her commitment to students, leadership among faculty and dedication to the college’s mission and goals.
