Instructor Daniel Hotham, who is NMCC’s longest-serving employee, first joined the campus community in 1974 as a coordinator of residential life, and has served the better part of his 35 years teaching communication classes and instructing and directing the first-year seminar. In preparation for his commencement address, he contacted 60 of his former students who have graduated from the college over the years and asked them to reflect on their experience, as well as to share any advice.
“Northern Maine Community College has meant an awful lot to me and my family. I have spent most of my life within a 5-mile radius of where I am standing. For the past 34 years, I have been fortunate to work with a dedicated and caring faculty and staff who come to work each day for one purpose – to help you make it to today so that you will have the opportunity to reach your goals and dreams,” said Hotham. “Without exception, every former student who sent me comments to share with you today took a moment to say something positive about their experience with the faculty and staff at NMCC.”
Hotham, citing the success of many alumni who earned NMCC degrees, including members of his own family, challenged the graduates to use the knowledge and skills they learned as students to better the lives of others.
“Educational attainment means a higher level of prosperity in terms of income, opens doors to a wider range of career opportunities, and gives you the chance to do what you love. Your accomplishment we are celebrating today and the heights it will enable you to attain will encourage others within your sphere of influence to continue their education in order to make a better life for themselves and their families,” said Hotham. “Yes, whether you realize it or not, your achievement today has indeed changed your family tree forever.”
The graduates were encouraged by Hotham to become lifelong learners.
“You are all natural learners and have been doing so since you were born. In school, you have refined the skills needed to become a self-directed learner by understanding that your preparation for the real world is not in the answers you have learned, but in the questions you have learned how to ask,” he said. “As long as you remain inquisitive, self-aware, willing to take risks, and willing to change, you have everything you need to rediscover the natural learner within yourself every day.”
Also speaking at commencement was Charles Zappone, NMCC’s “Student of the Year.” The 38-year-old associate degree nursing program graduate and father of two served as president of Phi Theta Kappa honor society, as a member of the Student Nurses Association and has volunteered to assist with several projects during his tenure as a student.
“One thing is for certain; we are not the same people that we were when we started. We have grown. We have learned. And we have succeeded. Sometimes it felt like we wanted to run down the hall screaming, maybe other times weep, or perhaps shout out loud when we ‘aced’ a difficult test,” said Zappone. “These things have taught us that with work, determination and a wee bit o’luck that success can be achieved.”
NMCC President Timothy Crowley conferred 177 associate degrees and 41 certificates to members of the graduating class. In his remarks prior to presenting the awards, Crowley encouraged the students to forge ahead despite the difficult economic conditions.
“The challenges the economy present to you are significant; as you move forward you need to keep this in perspective. You live in one of the richest countries in the world. Reflect on the position our country has in the world and know that, even in these difficult times, opportunity exists,” said Crowley. “Quality work and persistence over time are keys to success. I want to encourage you to be a committed professional in all that you do. Use your ability to work as a team member to contribute to the betterment of your profession and your community. Take care of your family – they are at the center of your happiness and strength.”
In addition to the graduates, Crowley also honored a member of the NMCC campus community with the President’s Award, which is presented annually during commencement exercises.
Wendy Bradstreet of Bridgewater, an accountant in the college business office, was lauded for her service to the campus and volunteer work in the local community. Among other things, she is the founder, spokesperson and lead board member of Megan’s Fund, a non-profit organization named in honor and memory of her 5-year-old daughter Megan, who died as a result of injuries she sustained after being hit by a car within sight of the family’s home on U.S. Route 1 in Bridgewater in July 2005.
In the four years since the organization began, Megan’s Fund has raised thousands of dollars to support education and training initiatives for local paramedics, which have been offered through the emergency medical services program and continuing education division of NMCC. In addition, funds raised have been used to purchase needed pediatric emergency medical equipment for local emergency medical transport units and county area hospitals.
At NMCC, Bradstreet has served on numerous committees, including serving as chairperson for several, serves on the President’s Council and is actively involved with the NMCC Foundation. She also serves as an adjunct faculty member for the business technology department and is a 1992 graduate of the college business administration program.
“Wendy Bradstreet is an outstanding example for students, faculty and staff members to follow. She has delivered high quality work over an extended period of time. She has overcome obstacles to do this and has emerged as a leader on this campus and in her community,” said Crowley. “Her commitment to tasks she undertakes is remarkable and her willingness to take on new challenges is most impressive.”
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 16 from NMCC:
Department of Arts & Sciences Early Childhood Education
Associate in Applied Science Degree: Emily A. Chandler, * Melissa L. Duchardt, Jessica A. Bolstridge Graham, * Ronnette M. Griffin and * Anna M. Parker Saucier, all of Presque Isle; * Ashlee M. Ouellette and * Katherine M. Wilcox, both of Caribou; Tricia A. Daigle, Madawaska; Tamara M. DeOliveira, Hamlin; * Lacy J. Dickinson, Oakfield; * Diane C. Landeen, New Sweden; Deborah D. Lavoie, Frenchville; * Jerica L. O’Bar, Linneus; and Keilee J. West, Blaine.
Certificate: Lynn C. Jewell, Houlton.
Liberal Studies
Associate in Arts Degree: Joshua M. Boyles, Jonathan A. Cole, S. Joane Maingrette and * Dustin G. Punches, all of Presque Isle; Kyle C. Deschaine, * Elena R. Dumond, * Marina Grivois and Meggan M. Pratt, of Van Buren; * Jenise L. Albert, Drummond, N.B.; * Tamara E. Dayringer, Easton; Jacob T. Graham, Mapleton; Ashley N. Gray, Mars Hill; Amber L. Hill, Limestone; Rosemary S. Moody, Perham; and Candice M. Rivera, Bridgewater.
Business Technology Department Accounting Information Systems
Associate in Applied Science Degree: * Kay D. O’Clair and Sheri L. Pryor, both of Presque Isle; Michelle D. Parady, Fort Fairfield; and Sharon M. Philbrook, Hodgdon.
Business Administration – Management
Associate in Applied Science Degree: * Julie A. Clark, Dannielle D. Cronin and Melinda R. Morrow, Presque Isle; Stephen D. Burtchell and * Karen E. Tompkins, Mars Hill; Joseph N. Johnson, Mapleton; Bradley R. Kinney, Bridgewater; Eileen Kinnear, Ashland; Meggan M. Pratt, Van Buren; * Misty L. Robinson, Masardis; and Jeri L. St. Peter, Caribou.
Computer Information Systems
Associate in Applied Science Degree: Timothy R. Levesque, Presque Isle.
Information Technology
Associate in Applied Science Degree: Alexander S. Purvis, Limestone.
General Technology
Associate in Applied Science Degree: * Angela L. Howe, Caribou; Gregory D. Jewell, Houlton; and Toni M. Libby, Presque Isle.
Medical Coding
Certificate: * Tasha L. Boyce, Lori A. Carrier, * Ashley M. Cash and Michele R. Gauvin, Presque Isle; * Karen A. Hardy and * Melissa R. Sabattis, Houlton; Nicole M. Bechard, Madawaska; * Antoinette L. Caron, Caribou; Belinda C. Kennedy, Fort Fairfield; and * Katie M. Sargent, Bridgewater.
Medical Office Administration
Associate in Applied Science Degree: Nicole L. Poulin and Evelyn D. Sock, Ashland; Tracey M. Patterson and * Janet Tang, Caribou; Nicole M. Bechard, Madawaska; Claire M. Dow, Dover-Foxcroft; Megan L. Mills, Lincoln; and Brandy L. Willette, Presque Isle.
Office Assistant
Certificate: * Patsy Ann Carlson, Presque Isle.
Nursing & Allied Health Department Emergency Medical Services
Associate in Applied Science Degree: Christopher Desjardins, Madawaska; and Matthew P. Perry, Presque Isle.
EMT – Intermediate
Certificate: Tyler D. Argue and Justin P. Hathaway, Perth-Andover, N.B.; Allen R. Bernier, Grand Falls, N.B.; and Kristin M. Cyr, Van Buren.
Medical Assisting
Associate in Applied Science Degree: Katelyn E. Crane, New Limerick; * Clarissa L. Gallagher, Staceyville; Pamela J. Gorneault, Stockholm; and Clarence H. MacPherson, Presque Isle.
Nursing
Associate in Science Degree: Chelsae R. Cambridge, Janna R. Johnson, Jennifer R. Knowles, * Shannon R. Marquis, * Megan McHatten, * Kelley L. McLaughlin, Wendy L. Samaroo, Joshua W. Tompkins and Heather J. Trainer, all of Presque Isle; Nikki R. Dailey, Amanda M. LeTourneau and Jaymie F. St. Peter, Ashland; * Laurie G. Hartley, Julie A. Ellis and * Charles C. Zappone, Caribou; Katelyn H. Chadwick and Melanie D. Howard, Calais; Elizabeth L. Gaug and Tarrah M. Hall, Perry; Jennifer L. Hill and Brittany J.F. Seeley, Baileyville; * Charles R. Ouellette and Vicky L. Ouellette, Van Buren; Damon L. Stone and Clarissa E. Webber, Houlton; Malissa M. Boynton, Mars Hill; Amber M. Broome, Summerside, P.E.I.; Joyce A. Burgoyne, Perth-Andover, N.B.; Stephanie M. Burtt, Washburn; Holly C. Corlett, Woodstock, N.B.; Beth A. Curtis, Edmunds Township; Nicole E. Daye, Lubec; Kirsten E. Dobson, Rockland; Stacey D. Doten, Baring; Bethany E. Johnson, Machiasport; Nancy L. Kinney, Danforth; Lynn T. Levesque, Crystal; Tracy L. Parker, Jonesboro; Lisa M. Savage, Limestone; Pamela S. Shoemaker, Plaster Rock, N.B.; * Christina A. Stadig, Oxbow; Jennifer N. Voisine, Fort Kent; and * Heidi S. Warman, Linneus.
Trade & Technical Occupations Department
Automotive Body Repair
Associate in Applied Science Degree: Beau G. Brackett, Auburn; Randy D. Caron, Fort Kent; * Alicia R. Doyle, North Berwick; Gary A. Latuscha Jr., New Gloucester; Ryan P. McGinnis, Marshfield; * Casey M. Savage, Sherman; and Seth H. Swanson, Mapleton.
Certificate: * Amilio C. Samaroo, Presque Isle.
Automotive Collision Repair
Certificate: Joshua D. White, Presque Isle.
Automotive Technology
Associate in Applied Science Degree: * Kyle J. Chasse and Steve D. Poitras, Van Buren; Travis A. Bartley, Houlton; Mitchell B. Blodget, Presque Isle; * Joshua P. Goodale, Caribou; Joshua J. Ledger, Hodgdon; Ryan P. McGinnis, Marshfield; Rick J. Morton, Ashland; Brandon S. Raven, Thorndike; * Seth T. Sjolander, Wheelock, Vt.; and Shawn Michael Smith, Mapleton.
Computer-Aided Drafting Technology
Associate in Applied Science Degree: Joshua K. Akerson and * James D. DuVal, Caribou; Jared B. Buck, Presque Isle; Michael T. Condon, Ashland; Edward D. Drost, Woodland; Patrick M. Sawyer, Merrill; and Robert J. Williams, Perham.
Certificate: Kenny R. LeTourneau, Ashland; and * Brian J. Nadeau, Connor.
Computer Electronics
Associate in Applied Science Degree: * Travis E. DeWitt and Chad D. Guerrette, Fort Fairfield; Johnathan J. Langley and Matthew D. McDonald, Caribou.
Diesel Hydraulics Technology
Associate in Applied Science Degree: Kyle S. Chapman and Colby R. Lauritsen, Presque Isle; Derek J. Gerow and Thomas R. Wright, Clinton; Ralph E. Heath and Christopher T. Sides, Sherman; * William A. Belanger, Portage Lake; Andrew A. Brown, Warren, N.H.; Aaron J. Conroy, Caribou; Travis J. Drost, Washburn; David Fitzherbert, Easton; Andrew G. Fuller, Belgrade; Tyler J. Pelletier, Millinocket; Paul E. Soucy, St. Agatha; Kruger B. Tyler, Blue Hill; and Nathaniel E. Webster, Vienna.
Certificate: Donald Hafke, Tobique First Nation, N.B.; and Justin B. Matt, Sanford.
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Associate in Applied Science Degree: * Ryan L. Corrigan and Tyler R. Giles, Caribou; Steven W. Benn, Fort Fairfield; Brooks L. Brewer, Mars Hill; Daniel P. Dionne, Grand Isle; Joseph S. Giberson, Winthrop; Benjamin J.T. Gowen, Bath; * Shane K. Ireland, Chapman; * Amber R. Libby, Hollis; Samuel L. Petrie, Old Town; and * William H. Skelton, Windham.
Certificate: Jesse G. Caron, Caribou.
Plumbing & Heating
Associate in Applied Science Degree: * Kyle T. Damboise and Anthony T. Huston, Caribou; Shawn D. Cote, St. David; * James W. Elliott, Limestone; Owen S. Harding, Ellsworth; * Lucas W. Jarrett, Fort Kent; Mitchell F. Panati, Presque Isle; and * Mathew S. Pelletier, Eagle Lake.
Certificate in Plumbing: Joshua L. Miller, Mapleton.
Precision Metals Manufacturing
Associate in Applied Science Degree: * Joshua J. Bolster, Perth-Andover, N.B.; Kenny R. LeTourneau, Ashland; Nathan C. Manning-Harris, Easton; and Mitchell J. Small, Oakfield.
Residential Construction
Associate in Applied Science Degree: * Derek A. Clair, Presque Isle; * James D. DuVal, Caribou; Benjamin D. Goupille, Washburn; and * Brian J. Nadeau, Connor.
Welding & Metal Fabrication
Certificate: Keith A. Crouse and * Michael D. Fitzsimmons, Limestone; * Todd A. Doody Sr. and Lucas J. Hafford, Washburn; Trent T. Legassie and Glen C. Tranbarger, Presque Isle; * Edward E. Bellanceau, Ashland; Thomas L. Berry, Turner; * Sean M. Brogan, Leeds; Joshua R. Clayton, Mapleton; Travis A. Collins, St. Agatha; Dave A. Flint, Houlton; * Stas’ L. Ginish, Weston; Brad J. Harvey, Fort Fairfield, Jamie R. Ouellette, Caribou; William A. Palmer, Stockholm; and Patrick M. Sawyer, Merrill.
Editor’s note: Graduates with an asterisk (*) preceding their name have attained honors status with a cumulate grade point average of 3.5 or greater.
