Kristina Kenneson of Presque Isle, who earned associate degrees in both accounting information systems and business administration, and Scott Morgan of New Sweden, who graduated with an associate of applied science in electrical construction and maintenance, challenged their classmates to apply the same determination and perseverance they called upon to complete their degrees toward the next chapter in their lives.
“Today is not an end, but a new beginning. Each of us worked hard to get to this point,” said Kenneson, who was selected by her classmates to deliver the student address. “Cherish the moments you’ve had. Look forward to what the future holds. There are opportunities all around us. Learn from each of them. Learn from the people who are wiser than you. Learn from your own trial and error. Continue to learn and you will continue to grow.”
In his address, Morgan spoke of the unique challenges he faced in working to earn his degree. He first enrolled at NMCC six years ago, and in that time twice had his education and family life interrupted by separate tours of duty in Iraq. Morgan was asked by NMCC President Timothy Crowley to share his story at commencement.
“The first time I left for Iraq – my oldest son Brandon wasn’t tying his shoes yet and my youngest Bryce had just begun speaking a few words. They changed just as much as I have, perhaps more. Change is a part of life. How we deal with change determines the kind of person we become,” said Morgan to his fellow graduates. “Welcome the change that now lies before you. Whatever you pursue, rest assured it won’t always be easy, but look for and enjoy the good times with your family and friends, embrace the positive, and don’t dwell on the negative. You’ll get far in life.”
At the 45th commencement exercises – held in the College gymnasium – 175 students were awarded associate degrees, diplomas and certificates. Crowley presided over the event and welcomed more than 1,000 family members and guests of the graduates.
“The time and effort you have invested in your education puts you in a position to move forward at a very challenging time,” said Crowley. “I want you to enjoy today but understand that your tomorrow will be determined by how well you use the investment you have made to improve your life and the lives of others. I hope you have learned from your time here that hard work and persistence pays off. The return will be a more rewarding life.”
Following the conferring of 112 associate degrees, 27 diplomas and 50 certificates, Crowley announced the recipient of this year’s President’s Award. Raynold Gauvin of Mapleton, the immediate past chair of the NMCC Foundation, was presented the award for his outstanding service to both the College and Foundation.
“Mr. Gauvin has demonstrated a tremendous commitment to the youth of Aroostook County and NMCC. He serves as an excellent role model not only to his children, but to the people of our area and state,” said Crowley. “His creative vision and dedication to a goal and willingness to lead have allowed him to be a successful businessperson, father, husband and community leader. NMCC is a better place because of Mr. Gauvin’s willingness to give of his time and talent. Generations to come will benefit from his work.”
During his tenure as president of the NMCC Foundation, Gauvin was responsible for both laying the groundwork for, and serving on the collaborative oversight team of, the Campaign for the County’s College, the first major gifts campaign conducted by NMCC. When the campaign concluded in February of 2008, the fund-raising initiative had surpassed its $2 million goal and raised $2.5 million for student scholarships, instruction technology and to assist the College in meeting immediate community needs.
Gauvin and his wife, Sandy, themselves stepped forward during the major gifts campaign and contributed a lead gift of $25,000 to establish the Ray and Sandy Gauvin Faculty Advancement Fund. Earlier this year, with the initial pledge payment of $15,000, notebook computers were purchased and presented to 18 NMCC faculty members in the arts and sciences department and the business technology department.
As a business leader and specifically as president of Advantage Payroll Services, Raynold Gauvin has hired many alumni of NMCC. He proudly boasts that most of his employees are graduates of the College, and is quick to note they have “proven to be knowledgeable, dependable, and hardworking, exemplifying the quality of education that comes from NMCC.”
Gauvin is involved in numerous civic, community and philanthropic organizations. He is a graduate of the University of Southern Maine, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
The NMCC President’s Award is presented annually to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the college, meeting the needs of students, employees and the general public, as well as assisting in moving the College toward fulfilling its mission, vision and goals.
The following students graduated May 17 from NMCC:
Department of Arts & Sciences
Early Childhood Education
Associate in Applied Science Degree: * Lisa M. Bosse, St. Agatha; * Melinda S. Clark, Caribou; Molly B. Burton, * Melissa L. Duchardt, and * Suqi Yu, all of Presque Isle; * Charity D. Keenan, Clifton.
Certificate: Danielle R. Long, Ashland; Marci L. Page, Westfield.
Liberal Studies
Associate in Arts Degree: Mark J. Goodale, Littleton; Brittany R. Sincyr, Skowhegan.
Business Technology Department
Accounting Information Systems
Associate in Applied Science Degree: Erica J. Cyr, * Kristina A. Kenneson, and Melinda R. Stitham, all of Presque Isle; Jacob H. Doucette, Van Buren; Amanda G. Doughty, Fort Fairfield; Dora M. Leavitt and Linda L. McKinney, both of Caribou; Misty A. McMinn, Mapleton; Melissa S. Spooner, Ashland; Lindsay A. Stewart, Linneus; * Yu Wang, Montville, N.J.
Business Administration – Management
Associate in Applied Science Degree: Michelle A. Boutilier, Oakfield; Paige L. Corbin, Caribou; * Kristina A. Kenneson and Alyssa R. Murchison, both of Presque Isle; Bradley R. Kinney, Bridgewater; Amelia A. Langley, Orono; Alysa H. Snow, Ashland; Lacey J. Snyder, Perham; Brent A. Willette, Chapman.
Computer Information Systems
Associate in Applied Science Degree: * Justin J. Boucher, Caribou; and Brad N. Greenlaw and * Kemuel J. LaChance, both of Presque Isle.
Executive Secretarial Science
Associate in Applied Science Degree: Jessica M. Chambers, Fort Fairfield.
Information Technology
Associate in Applied Science Degree: Sandra L. Albaugh and Alexander S. Purvis, both of Limestone; Daniel D. Chute, Caribou; James C. Willette, Presque Isle.
Legal Office Administration
Associate in Applied Science Degree: * Gretchen L. DeLong, Mapleton; Helen M. Fox, * Jane M. Gagnon, and Jamie-Lyn S. Pelkey, all of Presque Isle; and Kim N. Hammond, Easton.
Medical Coding
Certificate: * Whitney L. Dick, Mapleton; Christina M. Merrill, Cary Plantation; * Lindsey D. Parker, Odell, N.B.
Medical Office Administration
Associate in Applied Science Degree: Jenny L. Blackstone, Easton; Lisa A. Dickinson, Helen M. Fox, Holly E. Fulton, and * Jane M. Gagnon, all of Presque Isle; * Gretchen L. DeLong, Mapleton; Toni M. Libby, Winterport.
Office Assistant
Certificate: Starr A. Flewelling, Presque Isle.
Nursing & Allied Health Department
Emergency Medical Services
Associate in Applied Science Degree: Christopher P. Desjardins, Madawaska; Kurt J. Soucy, Eagle Lake.
Paramedicine
Certificate: Eric W. Dickinson, Stockholm; Eric P. Mailman, Houlton.
Nursing
Associate in Science Degree: Nicole E. Bennett, Linneus; * Tonya D. DuVal, Caribou; * Louise A. Hamlin, Tammy L. MacDougall, Abby R. McLaughlin, Jolene M. Paul, Tracy M. Rossignol, all of Presque Isle; Mallory L. McKeil, Woodstock, N.B.; Jillian A. Miller, Littleton; William R. Milliard, Fort Fairfield; Jane M. Moody, Houlton; Rebecca L. Palmer-Bugbee, Mapleton; Andrea J. Pratt, Chapman; Shelli D. Sanders, Oakfield; Amy N. Savage, Patten; Heidi D. Smith, Limestone; * Trudi J. Smith, Mars Hill; Nicholas N. Taxiarchis, and Erik J. Vaughn, both of Washburn; Alison M. Willette, Linneus.
Trade & Technical Occupations Department
Automotive Body Repair
Diploma: Christopher J. Bissonnette, New Sharon; Ryan R. Brooks, Augusta; Lee T. Devoe, Eagle Lake; Mitchell S. Pruett, Eliot; Brandon J. Quirion, Winslow; Justin C. St. Claire, Gouldsboro; Brad L. Staples, Trenton.
Certificate: Joshua T. Michaud, Presque Isle.
Automotive Technology
Associate in Applied Science Degree: * Michael A. Corella, Portage; Steven B. Pierson, and Aaron T. Willard, both of Presque Isle; * Daniel J. Robertson, Caribou; Samuel D. Semones, Fairfield.
Diploma: Brad D. Godin, Connor Township; Jared L. Peaslee, Waterville.
Certificate: Chasellor F. Burris, Anson; Lee W. Grivois, Grand Isle.
Computer-Aided Drafting
Associate in Applied Science Degree: Christopher J. Duchardt, Presque Isle; * Curtis W. Harrison, New Limerick; Kristina M. Lento, Limestone; Erik S. St. Peter, Mapleton; Patrick M. Sawyer, Merrill.
Diploma: Joshua R. Clayton, Mapleton; Daniel B. Haines, Caribou.
Certificate: Robert D. Underwood, Presque Isle.
Computer Electronics
Associate in Applied Science Degree: Duane A. Whittle, Van Buren.
Certificate: Allen F. Spinney, Bristol.
Diesel Hydraulics Technology
Associate in Applied Science Degree: * Nicholas J. Bryant, Nobelboro; Christopher A. Burns, Edgecomb; * Michael A. Corella, Portage; Robin N. Gamblin, Fort Fairfield; Mitchell D. Holmes, Pemaquid; * Rafe J. Longver, Franklin; Samuel D. Semones, Fairfield.
Diploma: Christopher E. Gagnon, Van Buren; Shane B. Grindle, Belfast; Kyle B. Keene, Belfast.
Certificate: Derek M. Frost, North Vassaloboro; Lee W. Grivois, Grand Isle; Lucas R. Powell, Peru.
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Associate in Applied Science Degree: Adam J. Butler and George A. Glew, both of Fort Fairfield; Justin L. Cusack, Scarborough; Taylor A. Inman, Mars Hill; Jonathan P. Jandreau and Hunter M. Maxcy, both of Mapleton; * Coleby R. Lamoreau, Presque Isle; Scott A. Morgan, New Sweden; Kyle C. Nunley, Raymond; Jeramy J. Voisine, Fort Kent.
Diploma: Danesh Azarkadeh and Douglas W. Bailey II, both of Presque Isle; Travis P. Devoe, Eagle Lake; Shawn T. Lay, Moscow; Nicholas A. Tardiff, Eddington.
Certificate: Justin J. Jones and * Joshua S. Rolland, both of Corinth.
Machine Tool Technology
Certificate: Russell W. Dahms Jr., Presque Isle; Kyle J. Guerrette, Frenchville.
Plumbing & Heating
Associate in Applied Science Degree: * James A. Day, West Stewartstown, N.H.; * Stas’ L. Ginish, Danforth; Andrew L. Poland, Round Pound; * Henry A. Rauschnot, Patten; David R. Whitman, Greenville; Cody F. Wilson, Bucksport.
Diploma: * Jeremy M. McCluskey, Wilton; Scott A. McLaughlin, Carmel; Michael J. Sterling, Scarborough; Matthew J. Tribou, Hodgdon.
Certificate in Heating: Steven L. Graves, Fort Fairfield; * Taylor W. McLaughlin, Mars Hill; Timothy J. O’Neill, Ellsworth; Jeremy R. Perry, Orneville.
Certificate in Plumbing: Aaron D. Cowan and Russell W. Dahms Jr., both of Presque Isle; Steven L. Graves, Fort Fairfield; * Taylor W. McLaughlin, Mars Hill; Timothy J. O’Neill, Ellsworth; Jeremy R. Perry, Orneville; Joshua R. Violette, Farmington.
Precision Metals Manufacturing
Associate in Applied Science Degree: Robin N. Gamblin, Fort Fairfield; Jared W. Hand, New Limerick; * Justin R. McBreairty, Caribou; Robert D. Underwood, Presque Isle.
Residential Construction
Associate in Applied Science Degree: Nickolas C. Gagnon, Van Buren; * Curtis W. Harrison, New Limerick; Niklas H. Roble, New Sweden; David R. Whitman, Greenville.
Diploma: Adam K. Bloom, Castle Hill; Daniel J. Ford, Hope; John F. Kennedy, Castle Hill; Brandon S. Smith, Mapleton.
Certificate: Benjamin D. Goupille, Perham; Franklin G. McCullough, Limestone; Shawn C. Raymond, Windsor.
Welding & Metal Fabrication
Certificate: Kyle D. Allen, Timothy K. Brewer, * James D. Estey, all of Presque Isle; * Jeremy W. Boutilier, Oakfield; Stephen R. Bowers, Bangor; * Brandon J. Davenport, Easton; Michael R. Guerrette, Frenchville; * Heather C. Hafford, Newburgh; Nicholas A. Libby, Caribou; * Andrew J. McCluskey, Smyrna; Josh H.T. Naples, South Berwick; Joseph R. Nason, Limestone; Joel M. Pickens, Castle Hill; Mitchell S. Pruett, Eliot; Patrick M. Sawyer, Merrill; Kyle T. VanScotter, Lincoln.
Editor’s note: Graduates with an asterisk (*) preceding their name have attained honors status with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or greater.
