Mat-Su College graduates 88, diverse in their course of study

PALMER— On Friday, May 11, the Glenn Massay Theater bustled and filled nearly to the brim for the Mat-Su College 2018 graduation ceremony.

“Congratulations to our graduates. It’s a big deal to get the commencement. It’s a pivot point for the college and pivot point for your life,” said MSC director, Talis Colberg.

88 students graduated with their associate degrees this year and about 50 walked. Five University of Alaska Anchorage students graduated with their Bachelor’s degrees but opted to attend the MSC ceremony, staying in touch with their Mat-Su Valley roots.

Akin to the MSC campus population, the graduating classes’ ages ranged as much their degrees, from associate degrees to undergraduate and occupational endorsement certificates. The categories varied from Associates of Applied Science degrees to Refrigeration and Heating Technology.

“You have succeeded,” student speaker, Daniel Luther said to the graduates.

Some of the graduates were seen wearing colored lanyards, each representing a specific educational honor or indication, including veterans.

“10 percent of our student body has been veterans for some years now,” Colberg said.

While a fair number of the 2018 graduates may be ready to use their education now and start their career, several others see this as a stepping stone to their continued education, the end game.

“Our slogan is ‘Opportunity Starts Here.’ Part of that it is an optimistic phrase that implies a concept that it has to something to do with place and I believe it does,” Colberg said.

The community-driven, volunteer orchestra, the Mat-Su Concert Band played live music throughout the event. This ceremony was a milestone for all the graduates to varying degrees, filling nearly every seat in the theater with adoring fans.

“I honestly like the atmosphere at Mat-Su better. It's not so crowded. It's in a nice spot for just hanging out, and the people seem to be a lot friendlier,” said MSC 2018 graduate, Megan Green.

Green obtained her Associates of Arts and her next step is the University of Alaska Anchorage to get her Bachelors of Arts degree.

“It feels less expensive than UAA, too, and it feels more relaxed that way I guess,” Green said.

2018 marked several milestones for the MSC. This is the school’s 60th anniversary. MSC faculty and guests joined the graduates in the traditional cap and gowns. Among them were three long-term faculty members, including two English teachers — Dr. Joan O’Leary and Dr. Peck and Assistant Professor Counselling, Kim Bloomstrom. The three, combined, have 63 years of service for this campus, according to Colberg.

“The three of them have been a significant part of the history of the school. Dr. O’Leary has played a key role in the creation of the Student Showcase program which encourages, highlights and recognizes outstanding student achievement in many disciplines,” Colberg said.

Guests from UA and the community included the important members in the educational community, including Beth Kerttula and Dr. John Stalvey, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences for UAA.

“Dr. Stalvey is wearing a bowtie which is why I’m wearing a bowtie. I would not want him to feel alone in the Matanuska Valley. I can say between the two of us, we represent most of the people wearing bow ties in the state of Alaska this afternoon,” Colberg kidded.

Beth Kerttula is the daughter of Jay Kerttula. Posthumously, Jay Kerttula still stands as the longest-serving member of the Alaska Legislature, having served in the House from 1961 to 1963 and 1965 to 1973 and in the Senate from 1973 to 1995. Beth was also a state representative for 15 years.

Beth is a Palmer-bred, original “colony kid” who grew up on a farm and with a loving father who if anything wanted to advocate the value of education but even more important than that, she said, the time spent with those you love.

She was thankful to be the guest speaker at the campus who named a building after her father. Colberg said that when they excavate the original land where she grew up, two of the family apple trees, over 60 years old, will be transplanted outside the Kerttula Hall.

As she wistfully weaved through her nostalgic memories of her famous father, she emboldened speech and implored the graduates to take heed of the work done before them and to body fill the roles the community needs.

“This is a time when we need you the most,” Beth said.