NMC sends off 120 new graduates in annual rites

Northern Marianas College president Sharon Y. Hart challenged the institution’s new graduates Saturday to “never stop learning” and to use the competency and skills they have acquired to make a difference in the CNMI or elsewhere.

Hart’s message resonated with the 120 associate and bachelor degree graduates and 42 high school and GED diploma holders from the only community college in the CNMI.

The college’s 32nd Commencement Exercise ceremony, held at the Marianas High School Gymnasium, was twice as special on account of the investiture ceremony of Dr. Hart, who became the college’s president last year. Board of Regents chair Juan Lizama presented Hart with the specially designed chain and medallion signifying the “temporary embodiment of power, authority, and autonomy” of the president, while board chair Elaine Orilla handed her the college mace.

“I am pleased to serve as your president of Northern Marianas College,” said Hart as she accepted the college symbols, which she would now be required to wear during formal academic functions. Hart is the 6th president of the CNMI’s community college.

Hart, who has served as president for over 10 months now, congratulated the graduates and maintained that there is no greater public treasure than a “highly educated, creative, and energized group of graduates.”

She emphasized the need for the CNMI to embrace the principle that an educated workforce can transform the local economy and internationally.

This year’s keynote speaker, Liberal Arts Program coordinator Velma Deleon Guerrero, shared her own personal challenges during her college years at NMC but pointed out that she chose to make a difference rather than excuses. “I urge you all to continue making a difference…We need more people like you,” she addressed the graduates.

During the ceremony, academic excellence awards were presented to the graduates with the highest grade point averages. They are Roman A. Cabrera III, Jaynelle C. Taitano, Celina Kyna Sanchez Biado, Hilma Marie Persson Castro, Raissa Belle Alarca Ferrer, Joy Bariso Lacorte, and Claudia Pangelinan Palacios.

Student leadership awards were bestowed on Dyenina Ruth Abelinde Diaz and Patrick John M. Alepuyo. The community service award was given to Rosa R. Kaipat.

Saturday’s ceremony was witnessed not only by family members and friends at the venue but also by those watching the live streaming of the graduation via the Internet.