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Father of 7, Chinese-born woman lead NMC graduates
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Posted on May 21 2006
A 43-year-old father of seven and a Chinese-born woman led nearly 200 other graduates in the 26th Commencement Exercises of the Northern Marianas College Saturday afternoon.
Thomas Mark Erickson, a Tinian resident working at the Commonwealth Utilities Corp., and Mei Cheng Reedstrom, whose family flew in from China to attend her graduation, were conferred highest honors for their academic achievements.
Erickson graduated with an associate degree in business administration, with emphasis on business management. A father of seven, he encouraged the young and old to set goals and pursue them.
“I began my educational journey later in life than most, but as they say, it’s better late than never. I did fulfill my goals though, and with that came great satisfaction,” he said in his valedictory speech.
For her part, Reedstrom credited the Commonwealth’s diversity for providing her with opportunities.
“We strive to maintain the traditions and the values of the Chamorro and the Carolinian people in the face of globalization. Yet we have embraced diversity,” she said in her speech, which was interrupted by a brief, but heavy downpour.
“Thank you to all of you and especially to my wonderful family who are here today from China, who allowed me to reach outward and upward,” she added before ending her address in Chinese.
A total of 197 students from NMC Saipan, Tinian and Rota received diplomas, certificates and degrees during the commencement exercises held Saturday at the American Memorial Park.
The graduates included Adult Basic Education’s diploma students, 18 for General Educational Development, and 20 from the NMC Adult School.
Student Leadership Awards were presented to associate degree graduate Agatha Ketebengang and bachelor’s degree graduate Reanna Takai.
Dr. Debra Tudela, a social sciences and fine arts instructor at the college, delivered the keynote speech. She urged the graduates to pursue further education.
This year’s graduation theme will be “Education: Another Step Closer to Tomorrow.”
