Gogebic grads implored to be 'authentic'

By MEGAN HUGHES

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Ironwood - Gogebic Community College celebrated its 89th commencement ceremony on Friday evening, with families, friends and faculty celebrating the achievements of this year's graduating class.

The commencement presented 195 certificates and degrees, spread across multiple departments. Some students earned multiple certificates and-or degrees.

The ceremony began with the processional, as students walked to their seats to "Pomp and Circumstance" played by the Gogebic Range Concert Band. The star spangled banner followed, led by 2023 graduate Jennifer Holcomb.

"Graduates, this is truly your stage," said College President George McNulty as he welcomed the assembled.

"Commencement is, of course, the biggest event of the academic year because it showcases the education that has taken place from numerous perspectives and disciplines," said McNulty. "Because of your educational career here at GCC, we send our graduates better prepared to the next stage in their lives. Graduates, we are proud of you. This is a time your family, friends, your community and college take great pride in your accomplishments."

McNulty introduced the board and faculty members on stage, who spoke at the event, including the guest speaker, Steven Wesselhoft, Dean Emeritus, who served 26 years at GCC as dean of students and other roles.

Wesselhoft spoke about the importance of being present and being yourself in everything you do. He spoke about an experience he had recently, where as part of a church service, he was to write a single word on a white stone that represented something important to him. The word he chose was "be."

He encouraged the audience and the students to be present and authentic to themselves, and to aim to be the absolute best version of themselves possible.

"I believe that authenticity is central to your long-term success in life. It is quite simply about being true to who you really are, even when it's difficult. It is increasingly difficult to be authentic in today's world," said Wesselhoft. "It is all so easy to become confused about who we really are, and where we fit in."

He spoke about the challenges posed in a modern world, with regards to authenticity, and how people are so easily influenced by social media, those around them, and even things like artificial intelligence.

"Follow your inner voice until that voice becomes an intimate private ear that can truly listen to another," he said.

Following a musical selection by the band, Jennifer Sabourin, vice president of student services and athletics, presented this year's honors students.

David Darrow, vice president of academic services, announced the names of graduates as they took to the stage for the presentation of the diplomas. Susan Beals, chairperson of the Board of Trustees, presented the graduates with their diplomas and certificates.

After the program, students and their families were encouraged to attend a gathering in the second floor lounge of the Lindquist Student Center, where a number of students took photos with their classmates. Some gathered outside for photos with friends, family and GCC signs.