GCC holds virtual graduation

By CHARITY SMITH

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Ironwood — Gogebic Community College held its 86th annual commencement in a virtual style due to social distancing guidelines on Friday.

“Although this may be a new experience for all of us, I can assure you that everyone here at GCC has worked very hard to find the best way to honor all you have accomplished here and to make this occasion very special,” instructor Maria Sokol said in her commencement address as part of the online presentation.

The Governor’s stay-at-home order due to the coronavirus pandemic forced the college to hold a different kind of ceremony this year.

The ceremony, which was live-streamed, opened with the national anthem sung by Kristina Kendall and Rachael Hendges, and also featured speeches by college President George McNulty, GCC board chair John Lupino.

“I think it was nice that they didn’t just have one person talking, that they had a wide variety of people talking,” said one of GCC’s newest alumni Makenzie Marshall of Ironwood. She spoke to the Daily Globe Monday.

The event started at 6 p.m., but beforehand, the webposting included photos of students on campus through the year while “Pomp and Circumstance” played.

“This is a moment in time when we celebrate students success to the fullest extent,” said McNulty.

Approximately 175 students were awarded with degrees and certificates.

“I really, really liked the ceremony. I think that Gogebic put a lot of effort into making it something that not only the students but family and friends could all enjoy too. I think they did a really good job with the short amount of time they had to figure out a way for us to celebrate graduation,” said Marshall who graduated with an Associate of Science degree.

During the ceremony, which ran a little more than an hour, the names of the honors graduates were read by Vice President of Student Services Jeanne Graham and the names of all graduates were read by David Darrow, vice president of academic services and Erik Guenard, vice president of business services.

“The challenge now is to find and define your own success after you graduate,” Sokol told the graduates. “Your situation and perspective are unique try not to compare it with anyone else. Own it. Accept it. Embrace it. Value it and nurture it. ... Now its time for your own success. Maybe it is changing the world or maybe it’s changing your own reality. Either way be grateful for the opportunity to write your own story. That is a gift that education gives us.”

Graduate Jacob Lane said he thought they did a good job of putting the ceremony together.

“I thought it was very different, but it covered everything. It seemed like they took a lot of time to put it together and do the right thing,” Lane said.

Sokol reminded students that in life there are good times and bad.

“There will be good and bad. Ups and downs. Embrace the unexpected because life happens. We all learned that lesson this past year,” Sokol said.

“Congratulations to you all continue to make bold choices in advancing your future goals,” said Lupino.