Skip to main content

College News

44th Commencement conducted at Northeast

44th Commencement conducted at Northeast

NORFOLK, NE – The Cox Activities Center at Northeast Community College in Norfolk was filled to capacity on Saturday as family and friends watched as hundreds of graduates received their diplomas during the College’s 44th annual commencement ceremony.

The 871 students listed in the program earned 923 degrees; 29 students earned two degrees, 10 earned three degrees, and one earned four degrees.

Dr. Michael Chipps, president, told the graduates that this has been an exceptional year for them as well as the College, citing the recent recognition by the Aspen Institute in naming Northeast as one of its Top Ten community colleges in the nation.

“The Aspen award, presented every two-years, has been established as the ultimate recognition for high achieving community colleges. So, think about it graduates, your class is the first to graduate with this new distinguished recognition. You are now graduating from one of the top ten community colleges in the nation. Your successful completion is a direct reflection of why Northeast is in America’s Top Ten!”

In his message to the graduates on behalf of the faculty, Richard Chrisman, information technology instructor, said commencement is a day to celebrate their achievements that have been made possible through hard work, dedication and perseverance.

“Graduates, you are winners! You have accomplished a goal set one, two or more years ago. The degree or certificate bestowed upon you today does not expire. You will always be a graduate of Northeast Community College. Congratulations!”

“Going through college has made me thankful for the little things,” said Estefany Mendivil Rodriguez, in her student address. “That rush of confidence after doing well on a test, the relief of turning in a paper after laboring over it for weeks, the little twinge of excitement after learning something new. Some of you are going on to continue your education and some of you may be done with college. In both cases, our hard-earned degrees will open new doors of opportunity for us.”

Mendivil Rodriguez, Norfolk, excelled academically at Northeast. She was named to the President’s and Dean’s honor lists, served as a peer tutor in chemistry, math and physics and earned membership in Phi Theta Kappa, an international community college honor society.                                                                                                                                                       

She plans to transfer to the South Dakota School of Mines in Rapid City, SD, and pursue and bachelor’s degree in civil engineering with a goal of one day working to develop viable housing and transportation options.


                                                              --###--

 

PHOTO CUTLINE

 

Layne Roth, Norfolk, receives her diploma from Dr. Michael Chipps, president of Northeast Community College, during Northeast’s 44th Commencement Ceremony in Norfolk on Saturday. The 871 students listed in the program earned 923 degrees; 29 students earned two degrees, 10 earned three degrees, and one earned four degrees.