May 20, 2013 at 8:26 p.m.
Over 500 graduate from Nicolet College
New grads set out to serve, succeed, and never stop learning
Over 500 graduate from Nicolet College
It is a common sight at the end of commencement ceremonies - relieved and jubilant graduates tossing their caps high into the air in celebration of the completion of their studies. The tone was different at Nicolet, however, as the graduates mixed celebration with a determination to give back to the community and continue to learn.
"This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter in our lives," said student speaker Miranda Moren. "All of us had our times of frustration, times when we wanted to throw in the towel. It seemed like every new semester, there was a more challenging instructor or project or class. But, we made it, and usually with a newfound respect for those instructors and (ourselves). Now, it's time to go out and use what we have learned to continue to better ourselves and our community. Our work here is done, but a new chapter begins, one where we will serve our community and continue to strive for success and continue to learn."
Moren also had a message for those who are currently debating whether or not it is possible to go back to school and get a degree.
"It was very scary coming back to school at age 38, ... but even though at times it seemed impossible to get to the finishing line, Nelson Mandela said it best, 'It always seems impossible until it's done.' My desire was to set an example for others and I have accomplished just that," she said.
"It doesn't matter where you're coming from in life or if you have challenges of any type, you can earn a degree. If you're thinking about going to back to school, I encourage you to take the first step towards a better life. It's never too late," she added.
Nicolet President Elizabeth Burmaster, after congratulating the graduates on their success, mirrored Moren's message to never stop learning.
"As a college community, we come together this weekend to celebrate the accomplishments of the 550 students who will graduate from Nicolet College this year. We commend all of our graduates for going the distance. Many of you took a risk in coming back to school. Many of you had to balance work, family, and your education. Many of you had to make sacrifices to get to this point, but all of you did it. You set the goal and you have now achieved it," Burmaster said.
"Our wish for you today is that the experiences, the relationships, the knowledge, skills, and core abilities that you developed at Nicolet will prepare you to be a bold pioneer. A pioneer who is open to new ideas, responsive to the many changes that surround you, and prepared to seize every opportunity before you. As a Nicolet grad, not only will your education enhance you as an individual, but you will enhance the greater good of the Northwoods community as an educated citizen of our democracy. Use your education to serve others as well as yourself. Join the unbroken tradition of Nicolet graduates who are committed to the greater good as active, productive citizens. How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and the strong, because some day in life, you will have been all of these."
Marcus Nesemann may be reached at [email protected].
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