NORFOLK, Neb. – Graduates of Northeast Community College were told Friday that it’s OK to not have it figured out right away -- even after college.
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
That advice from Brandon Keller, Northeast Ag instructor, was borrowed from Teddy Roosevelt, a conservationist, a president, and “a man so tough that after being shot in the chest before a speech, he kept talking for 90 minutes.”
Keller provided the faculty commencement addresses Friday at 9 a.m. and noon, encouraging graduates to make an impact.
“You don’t need to have everything figured out,” Keller said. “You don’t need to wait for the perfect moment. Start now, with whatever tools you have, and build from there.”
Keller encouraged students to keep three things in mind: 1. Take Your Shot. 2. Resilience is Everything. 3. Be Prepared. He based the advice from such historical figures as Alexander Hamilton, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Lord Baden-Powell, who founded the Boy Scouts of America.
Keller, who is an Eagle Scout, servant leader and passionate international traveler, advised graduates to build upon the skills they have learned all their lives, including those outside of the classroom.
“Now, this doesn’t just mean knowing how to start a fire or pitch a tent, although both could be useful skills if your post-graduation housing plans fall through,” Keller said. “It means being ready for whatever life throws at you.”
Parker Clausen of Norfolk, who gave the student commencement address at 9 a.m. and noon, discussed the strengths of Northeast and how it impacted him and other graduates. He also reflected upon resilience, especially if one wants to make an impact.
“As we step into the next chapter of our lives, I want to share a reminder: life is not a race. It’s more like carving your own path through a vast, open forest. There’s no clear trail to follow, no set speed you have to keep. Sometimes you’ll move quickly, sometimes you will feel like you're standing still — but you are never ahead or behind. You are exactly where you are meant to be. Every twist, every turn, every quiet moment is part of your journey. Trust in the path you are creating, even if you can’t see where it leads yet, because it’s yours and no one else's,” Clausen said.
Clausen received an Associate of Arts degree with a concentration in business administration.
“Graduates, we are here today because we showed up,” Clausen said. “We put in the work. We supported each other. We made an impact — big and small — on our campus, in our classrooms, in the community, and in each other’s lives. And we did all of that in just two years. That may seem like a short time, but looking back, it holds a lifetime of memories, challenges, and growth.”
Leah Barrett, president, had her own message of perseverance, resilience and making an impact.
“Some question, ‘Is college really worth it?’ I stand before you today and say ‘Yes!’ – Northeast is worth every minute and every dollar you spend! The graduates that sit before us have learned to write better and think better. They are not asked to just memorize information so they can forget it 24 hours later. They must master their discipline, they must master their trade, they must be prepared for the workforce or to transfer to a four-year college. Our employers tell us our graduates are ready to work, ready to excel.”
Barrett said the success of Northeast students when they transfer is better than those that begin at a four-year college or university.
“Northeast Community College is worth every dollar and every hour spent going to class, studying, or applying knowledge in practical experiences. We are creating the future of our great state. More than 90% of these graduates sitting before you today, stay in our state – to live, to work, and to prosper.”
She noted the role and responsibility as the community college in Northeast Nebraska is to provide the diversity of its learners with opportunities that meet their educational and workforce needs.
“That includes our dual enrollment students to our English language learners to our first-generation college students and to those who are returning to college to take courses to prepare them for a promotion or a new career,” she said.
The Class of 2025 was celebrated as the 52nd in the college’s history. Nursing graduates received their nurse pins and participated in commencement at 3 p.m. in the day's final ceremony. Madison Hampton, O’Neill, who was awarded an Associate Degree in Nursing, was the student speaker.
A total of 959 graduates, including some who earned more than one degree, and those who completed their studies this past summer and fall, were listed in the commencement program.
Alberto Cartela of Norfolk, a Northeast graduate who majored in art, sang the National Anthem at all three ceremonies.
Jeff Scherer of Beemer, chairperson of the Northeast Board of Governors, said Northeast is dedicated to the success of students and the region it serves.
“I am proud to say that Northeast Community College is a world-class rural community college that includes outstanding academic programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and dedicated employees,” Scherer said.
All three ceremonies were recorded by members of the Northeast Community College Media Arts – Broadcasting, and Media Arts – Audio Recording Technology programs. Ceremonies may be viewed early next week online at team1sports.com/northeastcc/ and click on demand.
Brandon Keller speaking
Northeast Community College celebrated its commencement on Friday with three ceremonies. Shown here providing the faculty address is Brandon Keller, Northeast Ag instructor. Also shown (left) is Northeast President Leah Barrett. (Northeast Community College)
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