GCC graduates urged to 'Go bold'

IRONWOOD - Graduates were encouraged to "Go Bold" at Gogebic Community College's 81st commencement exercises on Friday evening.

The "Go" theme stands for both Gogebic and setting forth in the future.

College president James Lorenson thanked guest speaker Ken Bowman not only for his service to GCC as a teacher, but also for serving his country in the Air Force.

It all started for Bowman, a creative writer and also former English teacher at Luther L. Wright High School, in a one-room schoolhouse in Advance, Wis.

A 22-year veteran of the military, including working in the White House in communications, Bowman told the graduating students they shouldn't be afraid to make mistakes along the way, citing a few of his own blunders.

He warned the 250 two-year degree or single-year certificate recipients "you may run into some bumps in the road along the way."

On one occasion, while working as a telephone officer at Truax Air Force Base in Wisconsin, Bowman unintentionally hung up on Gen. Curtis LeMay, who just so happened to be the Strategic Air Command leader, although Bowman added, "I never got caught."

Bowman told the graduates what is most important is "the skills you've learned along the way." He said, "Now you are ready for your learning to really begin."

GCC board chair John Lupino conveyed the emeritus status on Bowman after his speech. Bowman had been named a distinguished GCC faculty member in 2013, Lorenson said.

Dean of students Jeanne Graham, who announced honor students, told the graduates, "Please keep in touch with us."

Lorenson noted the students included not only Gogebic Range area residents, but also residents of the Copper Country.

Degrees were conferred by dean of instruction Ken Trzaska and dean of business services Erik Guenard and diplomas were handed out by Lupino.

The Gogebic Range Concert Band performed throughout the ceremony under the direction of Larry Gabka and Luther L. Wright High School ROTC students retired the colors.