College confers degrees on 87

May 8, 2005

KATELYN BALDWIN/For the Frontiersman

MAT-SU - On Friday night at Colony Middle School, the world opened its arms to welcome 87 new college graduates.

Those sitting in caps and gowns formed a diverse group. From young adults to mothers to grandparents, members of Mat-Su College's class of 2005 whooped and hollered with enthusiasm when asked if they were ready to graduate.

Parents of graduates watched, and children in the audience showed their excitement as their mothers and fathers walked across the stage to accept their diplomas. An occasional "Hi Mommy!" prompted laughter when it slipped from the mouth of a graduate's young child.

The Mat-Su College Community Band and Community Choir performed at the commencement

ceremony. The band, led by director Phil Munger, performed "Pomp and Circumstance" as the class of 2005 entered the gymnasium.

Among those in attendance were University of Alaska President Mark Hamilton and University of Alaska Chancellor Dr. Elaine Maimon.

The student speaker for the class of 2005 was Suzanne Allen. Introduced as a nontraditional student speaker, Allen has a teenage son, is a two-decade Valley resident, and spent 11 semesters in attendance in order to receive her associate's degree in applied science. Paul Dauphinais, director of MSC, said Allen "personifies the mission of this college."

In her commencement address, Allen gave credit to the dedicated professors at MSC.

"We haven't gotten here by ourselves. We have all benefited greatly from the effort put forth by our teachers," she said.

Mat-Su College is an extension college of UAA. It opened its doors in 1958 as the Palmer Community College and has since grown to serve almost 1,650 students per semester. The 950-acre campus of MSC offers various associate's degrees and a foundation to pursue a baccalaureate through UAA or another institution.

Monique Harvey, who received an associate of arts degree, said she chose MSC because it is close to family, affordable, and expanding every year.

"Mat-Su is bringing in a lot more teachers and programs. That means more jobs for the Valley," she said. The next step for Harvey is to earn a bachelor's degree while staying close to family.

Commencement ran for 90 minutes. Credit goes to MSC's small size for the short and sweet ceremony; at larger universities, ceremonies can last for up to six hours.

Filled with emotions, ranging from bittersweet to ecstatic to nostalgic, each new diploma holder takes home a different feeling from commencement.

"It hasn't really sunk it yet, but it's exciting to think about what's ahead," said graduate Theresa Thomlin.

Because MSC is a small college that includes a range of community members, students' experiences are enriched by the diversity of the student body.

"I find it fascinating that even great-grandparents come to get their degrees here," Thomlin said.

Receiving a college diploma is a landmark event in life. With their degree qualifications, these fresh college graduates hope to be better able to compete for jobs.

Pam Geary, a mother who went back to school to get her associate's degree in early childhood education, said her next step is earning a bachelor's degree.

"Education sets you up with many opportunities. There is always something to learn, even though you're older," she said.

MSC allows for people of all ages to continue their education at a college where the small student-teacher ratio encourages intense class discussions. It is predicted that in less than 40 years, the Mat-Su will exceed Anchorage in population. MSC plans on growth in all academic sectors to accommodate the rising Valley population.

Graduate Dana Dodds had many words of praise for the college. "Mat-Su is so close-knit. This graduation feels like a big family celebration."

The next step in the lives of these college graduates is to make their mark on the world.

Allen summed up the meaning of college commencement in her student address. "No matter our gender, race, age or where we stand on issues, we are all united on this night as 2005 graduates."

Katelyn Baldwin is a senior at Colony High School who will attend Stanford University in the fall.