Graduation is a time of celebration

By Steve Koehler

Bob Schieffer, host of TV’s “Face the Nation,” said it best Sunday when he talked about college graduation and the celebration of achievement.

 “Graduations are good for what ails you. If you’re feeling a little out of sorts and want to feel better, here’s a thought: Find a graduation and go to it,” he said.

We couldn’t agree more and hope the public will join us Thursday, May 14, to watch hundreds of students graduate from Ozarks Technical Community College and take a giant step into their future.

Thousands of family members and friends, along with the College’s Board of Trustees, administrators, faculty and staff, will gather in the JQH Arena at 6 p.m. for this annual celebration of students who have worked hard to better themselves through education.

Graduation is a remarkable family event. For every student receiving their degree, there are four, five, even 10 or more family members and friends in the audience cheering their loved one’s success.

The graduate’s “second family” — the board members, administrators, faculty and staff at OTC — is overjoyed to see the students receive their degrees, too.

“It’s a proud time. It means a lot to all of us to see students walking in together with faculty,” said OTC President Dr. Hal Higdon.

Taxpayers should be happy, too, and join the celebration as they see their investment in OTC produce graduates who will join the tax-paying workforce.

This year’s graduating class will include more than 50 who carried a perfect 4.0 grade point average. Degrees will be conferred in all program disciplines, including: early childhood development, nursing, applied science, culinary arts and health information technology.

Dr. Higdon said the public should attend the commencement to remind themselves of a hopeful future.

“If you want to feel good about humanity, come to a community college graduation,” he said.

Steve Koehler is coordinator of publications at Ozarks Technical Community College.