More than 200 Northwest Technical College students celebrated the completion of their certificates, diplomas and degrees at the college’s annual Commencement ceremony.
NTC’s 214-member Class of 2018 included:
- 66 associate of science degree recipients;
- 45 associate of applied science degree recipients;
- 51 diploma recipients; and
- 52 certificate recipients.
Eighty-one of the college’s 214 graduating students graduated with honors, reserved for students with cumulative grade-point averages of 3.50 or higher.
NTC President Faith C. Hensrud
After giving NTC’s Class of 2018 one final assignment — to take out their phones and send a message to someone who had helped support their college journeys — President Faith C. Hensrud said the graduates had shown through their achievement that they understand the value of an education and the difference it can make in the world.
“Through your hard work, you have shown you understand the importance of acquiring new skills and knowledge,” she said. “Whether you have studied accounting, dental assisting, electrical construction, childcare, automotive technology – or any number of other fields – your newly acquired expertise and abilities are essential to the well-being of the people and communities where you will live and work.”
She gave the graduating class a few points of advice as they celebrate their accomplishments: to work hard and keep learning every day; to continually seek new responsibilities as they gain experience and confidence; to step outside of their comfort zones when opportunities arise; to make time for loved ones and themselves; and to be active, involved members of their communities.
Addressing the Graduates: Minnesota State Trustee Roger Moe
Roger Moe, a trustee of the Minnesota State colleges and universities, greeted graduates on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Chancellor Devinder Malhotra and the faculty, staff and students at its 54 campuses.
“We have come together because we believe in you,” he said. “It wasn’t easy for any of you. Your hard work has paid off and each of you has earned the right to call yourself graduates of Northwest Technical College.”
The Addressing the Graduates: NTC student Matthew Fank
Matthew Fank, a graduating child care & education student who sported a mortar board adorned with Princess Leia buns for Star Wars Day, congratulated his fellow graduates, calling on the group of new NTC alumni to take their unique experiences and the bonds formed over the last few years into the real world.
“Today is a very special day. For most of us here, it is the culmination of years of hard work and determination,” he said. “Each of us has taken a journey to be here today — some longer than others, but every one worth the struggle.
“From the friendships among classmates to the role models we have looked up to, we take everything we have learned and experienced with us. Although our skills and interests may vary across the programs and our lives, we each are taking the next step towards our personal success — together.”
Jerry Bauerly Commencement Address
Retired Minnesota state legislator and construction executive Jerry Bauerly delivered NTC’s Commencement address.
He challenged NTC’s graduating class to “find their why” — their purpose in life — and to keep it front and center in all they do. Then, by recalling a situation that dramatically changed the direction of his own life, he encouraged the graduates to stay alert for life’s curveballs.
Bauerly shared Mark Twain’s quote, “the two most important days in our lives are the day we are born and the day we find out why.”
“I challenge you to think about your whys,” he said. “Is it building something that will serve others? Is it building a better product, a better machine, or a better app? Is your why caring for young people at risk or for elders in need? Is it to make a better world? What’s your purpose? What will get you up and get you energized to go to work every morning? Find it and keep that promise, that passion. Keep it front and center as you build your life.”
Bauerly, who at first said he found his “why” as a high school teacher and coach, shared the story of a 1968 auto accident which claimed the life of his father. That accident, his curveball, put he and his brother on a path to ownership of a construction company to help their mother support the family’s nine children.
“We started with four employees and grew the company,” he said. “When we retired, we had over 800 employees. My father’s early death was a curveball for sure; it changed my career path. For me, my ‘why’ became leading and coaching in business — to help a team of employees light up when they work well together and set new standards for productivity and excellence.”
Northwest Technical College, located in northern Minnesota’s lake district, is an open, inviting technological learning organization. For more than 40 years, the college has valued life-long learning and the worth and dignity of all people. The college serves 900 students with a high-quality education, an open-enrollment policy and affordable tuition. NTC offers nearly 60 degree, diploma and certificate programs in areas such as business, health, human and protective services and environmental and industrial technology. Classes are offered on the Bemidji campus, online, or as a combination of both. NTC is a member of the Minnesota State system of colleges and universities.
2018-N-L-016