PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Northern Maine Community College presented 212 degrees during its 60th commencement Saturday in Presque Isle.
Friends and family members packed The Forum for the ceremony, which featured speeches by Student of the Year Islakeno “Keno” C. Mahabir, Maine Community College System President David Daigler and U.S. Sen. Susan Collins.
Mahabir recounted his journey from the warm climate of Trinidad and Tobago to northern Maine, saying he was told it was a cool place.
“Boy, was it cool,” he quipped.
Mahabir, who received degrees in business administration and accounting, said the college gave him not only a caring environment but through his studies he gained a clear life path.
“Coming here wasn’t just a decision, it was a lifeline,” he said. “That clarity, that confidence, that path forward, is all due to NMCC.”
Mahabir said he planned to spend time giving back to the community, and urged his fellow graduates to do the same.
Daigler told the graduates they would always have a home at Maine’s community colleges, and particularly at NMCC. He spoke of the power of persistence and of coming together to reach milestones, adding he hoped students learned they can do anything they set their hearts and minds to.
Collins talked about the importance of a Maine education and the Aroostook County values students have embraced along the way.
“Determination, optimism, hard work and pitching in — those are the values that come to my mind when I think of northern Maine,” she said. “All of you are here today because you have demonstrated those County values.”
And because they didn’t succeed alone, she asked each graduate to turn around and applaud their families and friends who have supported them.
Their education from Northern Maine Community College will deliver real value throughout their lives, she said. She entreated the Class of 2025 to serve their communities, whether by volunteering at churches or in town government, participating in a service club or mentoring young people. The state needs what they have to offer, she said.
“Please stay in Maine. Please. We need you,” Collins said. “I urge you to apply your talent, energy and enthusiasm right here in Maine.”
Outgoing Interim President Angela Buck likened the college to a beacon of light that inspires those who work and learn there to achieve their full potential.
Incoming President Douglas Binsfeld said he hoped graduates would see today as a beginning of new growth.
“Continue to learn, grow and strive for excellence in all that you do, both personally and professionally,” he said.
Joyce Maker of the Maine Community College System Board of Trustees and Matthew Grillo, NMCC’s dean of students, also spoke.
Buck presented longtime nursing program coordinator Eileen McDougal with the President’s Award for her years of service. Also honored was Instructor of the Year Trena Soucy of the life sciences program.
Music was provided by pianist Corinne Lovejoy, vocal soloist Crystal Hobbs and bagpipers Johnny Carpenter and Scott Heney, with prayer offered by Rev. Bud Fancy.
