Staff Photo/Scott Mitchell Johnson
EARNS DEGREE — Taylor Lindsay, right, of Houlton receives her diploma from NMCC President Timothy Crowley.
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.
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.
