#DCTC2015
Nearly 900 DCTC graduates, as well as family and friends, gathered at Grace Church in Eden Prairie for this year’s Commencement program.
Nanci Al-Kordi, Student Senate Vice President, began the ceremony with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a welcome from President Tim Wynes. President Wynes asked all graduating veterans, as well as all veterans in the audience, to stand and be recognized and acknowledged.
Louise Sundin, member of the MnSCU Board of Trusteees, greeted the crowd and noted that over 40,000 students from the state college system were graduating this year. Sundeen told the DCTC graduates that they have the power to change lives. She also acknowledged their hard work and dedication to get to graduation, recognizing that many of them were working full-time jobs and raising families while also working on their degrees.
Interim Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs, Mike Opp, recognized the Phi Theta Kappa honor students. Established in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa serves to recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students with a grade point average of 3.25 and higher. A student graduating with a 3.5 grade point average , or higher, qualifies for high academic honors. Interim Vice President Opp also acknowledged the Student Senate members, who achieved the Star Senate recognition. DCTC is the only school to have received this award for five years in a row.
Greg McCalley, Dean of Student Affairs, announced this year’s Dave Schroeder Outstanding Students; Branko Tambah and Miriam Vergara. Each year DCTC recognizes outstanding graduates in honor of the college’s former president, Dave Schroeder, who served from 1970 – 1999. Students are nominated by faculty and staff for their involvement and participation at the college, academic performance and service to the community.
President Wynes recognized Adjunct Faculty of the Year Award recipient, Kerry Ringstad; Faculty of the Year Award, Ron Gruenes; Board of Trustees Excellence in Teaching Outstanding Educator, Margaret Noirjean; Spirit of DCTC Award, Charlotte Kodner; DCTC Advocacy Award, Lee and Barbara Kopp/Kopp Foundation; Outstanding Alumni Award, Matt Lijewski and Rising Star Award, Kristin Paschka.
President Wynes then introduced and awarded Harold Gifford an Honorary Doctorate of Letters Degree for his lifelong quest for knowledge. Gifford, 91, dropped out of high school to serve in World War II. Gifford progressed to an officer level in the Air Force without a high school or college degree, progressed to the rank of First Lieutenant when he was honorably discharged in 1946 and to Lieutenant Colonel for Meritorious Service when he was discharged in 1972 from the Air Force Reserves. He also served as commander of the tactical airlift wing based at the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport, flight instructor and advocate for veterans for tuition assistance he has also received multiple commendations and citations from the Air Force. In addition to his military experience Gifford was a real estate broker, owned a restaurant and a bowling alley and published author.
Gifford served as Commencement speaker and encouraged graduates to find a job they love and they will be good at it. He received two standing ovations from the crowd for his inspiring and motivational speech.
DCTC’s Photography Department managed Commencement photography and will make sure that each graduate receives a free professional photo, compliments of the Photography Department and the DCTC Alumni Association. To view more pictures of the event, visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/dctc/sets/72157652856004869
