Accomplishment was celebrated Friday afternoon as Rainy River Community College graduated 94 students during the 45th annual commencement ceremony.
RRCC Provost Ken Simberg applauded the graduates and encouraged them to use the ingredients of intelligence, ability to solve things, hard work, and education for a recipe to their successful futures.
“Today, we wish you well,” Simberg told the group.
Cheryl Dickson, trustee of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, said the MnSCU system is made up of 31 colleges and universities across the state and Rainy River Community College is one of the best community colleges in the United States.
“You could say ‘We’re so little, we can’t possibly be the best,’ but size doesn’t matter — you are the best,” Dickson said to the students, faculty and staff of RRCC.
Dickson reminded graduates that getting a degree is something that cannot be taken away from them.
“A college degree is something not only to be proud of, but to treasure,” she added. “You will carry (RRCC) in your heart for the rest of your life.”
Sue Collins, president of the Northeast Higher Education District, concluded Thursday’s commencement speeches by expressing the pride she has in the college.
“Rainy River Community College truly demonstrates the meaning and value of the words access and opportunity,” she said. “These graduates today are a testimony and are beneficiaries to those words.”
Collins acknowledged 76 students graduated with an associate arts degree, two students received an associate in science degrees, seven earned their practical nursing diplomas, six students received industrial technology diplomas, and three students earned certificates. Five students will graduate with more than one degree, she said.
In addition, Collins said 22 students graduating from Rainy River Community College will also graduate from Independent School District 361 as part of the post secondary enrollment option program.
“Graduates, I ask you to truly be in this moment,” Collins concluded. “Fully appreciate your accomplishments and those of your fellow students.”
