GCC graduation to be held virtually

IRONWOOD — Gogebic Community College will hold its commencement ceremony virtually again this year on Friday evening.

“Due to the uncertainty of COVID-19 and to protect our students, their families, faculty and staff, we decided to host a virtual graduation ceremony to be aired on YouTube on Friday,” said GCC president Dr. George McNulty in a Monday press release. “This decision was not an easy one, and we are working diligently to provide students with a ceremony that they will remember.”

Set to air on YouTube on Friday at 6 p.m., the college will give out approximately 175 degrees and certificates this year, according to the release, including 29 Associate of Arts degrees, 52 Associate of Applied Science degrees, seven Associate of Applied Business degrees, seven Associate of Applied Technology degrees, eight Associate of Science degrees, and 71 Certificates of Completion.

There are 38 students graduating with high honors, with a GPA of 3.75 or higher; and 41 students are graduating with honors, with a GPA of 3.5 to 3.74.

2021 graduate Rylee Nicoletti, of Port Wing, Wisconsin, will give this year’s commencement address. A general science major, she will graduate with high honors and holds a 4.0 GPA. The 2019 South Shore High School graduate plans to attend the University of Minnesota-Duluth in the fall to study health care administration. Her goal is to become a hospital administrator and make a difference in people’s lives, according to a college press release.

Nicoletti is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, a mentor in the TRiO Peer-Mentor program, and prior to the pandemic was active in the GCC basketball program.

Each graduate will receive “soon” a box with a cap and gown, diploma cover and other memorable items to assist in their celebration, said a college spokesperson.

Members of the class of 2020 and 2021 will be given the chance to participate in the 2022 in-person ceremony. The college encourages everyone to do so, according to a press release.

“These students have persevered through a pandemic and emerged stronger, wiser, and bolder for it. We are excited to see what their future holds and the doors that will now be open as a result of their education at GCC,” said McNulty.

The virtual ceremony will be available at youtube.com/channel/UCyJCvrhANkMoAkayEP3rMQw.

—Charity Smith