Community college moves commencement off-campus

THIS GRAD’S DAD’S A GRAD — Rebecca Doustou, left, and her father, Ron, both of Presque Isle, were among the 274 Northern Maine Community College graduates who received associate degrees and certificates at commencement exercises which were held May 14 at The Forum in Presque Isle. Rebecca received her certificate as an office assistant, while Ron earned his associate in applied science degree in business administration.
By Scott Mitchell Johnson
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — For the first time in its history, Northern Maine Community College held its commencement ceremony off-campus to allow more family and friends to witness the momentous occasion. On the heels of the Anah Shrine Circus, graduation exercises were held May 14 at The Forum in Presque Isle.
“We talked about having a circus theme for the commencement ceremony, but I refused to wear the top hat and red coat,” joked NMCC President Timothy Crowley.
Staff photo/Scott Mitchell Johnson
GERARD CHASSE, president and chief operating officer of Bangor Hydro Electric Co., was the featured speaker at Northern Maine Community College’s commencement ceremony. “As the president of a Maine business, I feel confident in the future of our state knowing there is high-quality education available to our students. I know that you all have the knowledge, skills and ambition to succeed,” he told the graduates.
At the ceremony, 274 graduates were awarded associate degrees and certificates. The class of 2011 included 14 graduates from the wind power technology program. The academic offering is the first of its kind at a post-secondary education institution in New England.
Also comprising one of the largest-ever graduating classes in the five decades since NMCC was founded in 1961 were 18 former displaced workers who began their studies at the college in March of 2009. At that time, NMCC offered an entire special semester of course offerings tailored to laid-off workers. The classes were designed mainly for those in the forest products industry who had received furlough notices in the days before or weeks after the traditional start of the college’s spring semester that January.
Staff photo/Scott Mitchell Johnson
VERNON EASLER, of Washburn, was among the 14 students that graduated from Northern Maine Community College’s inaugural wind power technology program May 14. Here, Easler receives his associate in applied science degree from NMCC President Timothy Crowley.
Sharing advice and words of wisdom with the graduates was featured speaker Gerard Chasse, president and chief operating officer of Bangor Hydro Electric Co. Bangor Hydro is owned by Emera Inc., the Halifax-based energy services company that acquired Maine Public Service Co. late last year. Operating as sister utilities, Bangor Hydro and Maine Public Service Co. serve more than 150,000 customers in northern and eastern Maine.
Prior to his appointment as president and COO, Chasse served as Bangor Hydro’s executive vice president of operations. He joined Bangor Hydro in 1990 as an electrical engineer in the substation engineering department and has held numerous positions of responsibility within the engineering group.
Staff photo/Scott Mitchell Johnson
POSING FOR A QUICK PHOTO OP before marching into Northern Maine Community College’s commencement ceremony were, from left, front row: Robyn Graham of Blaine, Wendy Deeves of Washburn and Lisa Plucker of Caribou. Back row: Tina Campbell of Van Buren, Amanda McNeal of Woodland, Kalya Shorey of Blaine and Jessica Pelletier of Presque Isle. They graduated with associate in applied science degrees in early childhood education.
“Education is the foundation of a progressive and prosperous society. It is also one of the cornerstones of a vibrant and growing economy,” Chasse said in his address. “Today you are helping to cement Maine’s future as a healthy, prosperous economy. Today also marks the end of your student life here at Northern Maine Community College and the beginning of a long career filled with optimism and opportunity.”
He spoke of twists and turns along the way and new opportunities on the horizon, such as renewable energy.
“Changes in the energy landscape, both in Maine and the region, are abundant and promising. Those who help create or adapt quickly to these changes will benefit from the opportunities that result,” said Chasse. “You obviously all know about hard work and ambition, having completed your degree programs. It is important to always keep the same ambition that allowed you to excel in your education, to propel you through your life both personally and professionally.
Staff photo/Scott Mitchell Johnson
DUSTIN GRAHAM, of Mapleton, who was recently honored as Northern Maine Community College’s “Student of the Year,” was the student speaker at this year’s commencement exercises. Graham earned an associate in arts degree in liberal studies. Pictured with Graham are, from left: Dennis Albert, uncle; Cindy Albert, aunt; and parents Heidi and Tim Graham. Dennis is a welding and metal fabrication instructor at NMCC, Cindy is a secretary in the counseling office, while Heidi is a financial aid representative at the college.
“There will be plenty of opportunities no matter what path you are on; however, it will be up to you to see the possibilities, push the doors open, seize the opportunities, and believe that you are a valuable asset,” he said. “As the president of a Maine business, I feel confident in the future of our state knowing there is high-quality education available to our students. I know that you all have the knowledge, skills and ambition to succeed.”
Also speaking at commencement was NMCC’s “Student of the Year,” Dustin Graham of Mapleton. The 21-year-old earned an associate in arts degree in liberal studies. He was recently honored along with six other students from Maine Community College campuses across the state at a ceremony in Augusta.
“Northern Maine Community College is not only a first college experience for a student such as myself, it is also a place for second chances, or even third or fourth chances. One thing I have learned while at NMCC is that it is never too late to learn or to receive an education,” said Graham to his fellow graduates. “The graduates here today range from the age of 19 to 62, which proves that age shouldn’t stand in the way of learning.
Staff photo/Scott Mitchell Johnson
MARIAH LeMIEUX-LUPIEN and her husband, Patrick Lupien, both of Presque Isle, recently graduated from Northern Maine Community College. Mariah received her certificate in computer-aided drafting technology, while Patrick earned his associate in applied science degree in computer electronics. Pictured with the graduates is son, Samuel Guyan.
“If there is one piece of advice I could give today, it would be whatever you take on in life from this point forward, whether it be your job or something else you become involved in, do it with passion. Don’t do it for the glory, or the credit, do it because you truly enjoy it and it makes you happy,” he said. “Living life complaining and doing something you hate keeps you down, but living life with passion, a positive attitude, appreciation for the little things, and always having a smile not only makes you a person easier to be around, but will get you a pursuit of happiness.”
Crowley conferred 223 associate degrees and 67 certificates to members of the graduating class. In his remarks prior to presenting the awards, Crowley encouraged the students to become engaged citizens.
“These are challenging times for many people in this country. How you approach your future determines to a great extent your success. I wish you the best and encourage you to see your cup as half full. Be confident in knowing that you have the ability to make a difference and expect great things,” he said. “Your community, your state and your country need you to be engaged. Participate in our democracy; it is your right and your responsibility.”
In addition to the graduates, Crowley also honored a member of the NMCC campus community with the President’s Award. The honor is presented annually during commencement exercises.
Crowley presented the award to Ronald Fitzgerald, who most recently has served as NMCC’s interim academic dean. The respected faculty member and administrator, who has served NMCC for the better part of three decades, was appointed to the top academic post on campus last year by Crowley.
“With his outstanding dedication to NMCC and its students for nearly three decades, Ron has been a cornerstone for this college from its technical institute days through its evolution to a community college,” said Crowley. “Leadership, compassion and high standards are hallmarks of Ron’s work.”
Fitzgerald, of Presque Isle, first joined NMCC as a general education and math/science instructor in 1981. In addition to his 29 years in the classroom, Fitzgerald is an experienced administrator, having served as department chair for the arts and sciences (formerly general education) department since 1988, as trade/tech area coordinator for four years, and as acting dean for adult and industrial education for a year. He is the first individual to be honored with the President’s Award on two occasions.