NPRC holds first in-person commencement
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The Northern Pennsylvania Regional College's second commencement -- and first in-person -- is in the books.
The event was held recently at The Dam Inn.
It was a time to celebrate the 10 students that were awarded degrees in person as well as the few that graduated in absentia.
"To all those who are receiving degrees or certificates today, I offer a special welcome," NPRC President Susan Snelick said during commencement. "It is my honor as your president to recognize your achievements and celebrate you as you embark on the next stage of your journey.
"You all have worked hard to achieve your success, and I know it hasn't always been easy. This is your moment. Today is about you and the opportunity to celebrate your accomplishments."
The ceremony began with a welcome from Sherrie Falck, one of the ten students who received their diploma on Saturday. Before the ceremony, Falck shared some thoughts on what this accomplishment as a college graduate means to her. "It still feels very surreal that it's here, but it is such a great accomplishment," she said.
Lily Morse, who graduated last fall but was presented with her diploma Saturday, was one of seven to graduate with honors.
"Morse's hard work at NPRC helped her begin her four-year degree at Clarion University after all her credits from Northern Pennsylvania Regional College successfully transferred," according to a statement from the school. "Morse started her career at Tidioute Community Charter School as the school's Business Manager."
"I'm very excited to be the speaker today," Morse said. "I actually wrote the speech a long time ago before they even chose me. I love NPRC and I am always going to have a soft spot for NPRC."
She used the opportunity to thank her family, friends and classmates as well as the staff of the college, specifically Benjamin Blood, the director of arts and sciences.
"Mr. Blood is the kindest, most dedicated professor I have had the pleasure of having. Not to mention, he has a way of teaching that makes things just click.Not only did Mr. Blood teach me how to be an outstanding writer and how to survive college, most importantly, he believed in me."
The commencement speaker was John Schlimm, an author, educator and artist originally from Elk County.
"I wish the same for you when you encounter fear or the unknown," he told the students. "Or when the wild tassel of life comes for you. Please greet it face-to-face, and then use it as fuel to raise yourself to a new and better place. And even use it as an opportunity to not take yourself so seriously all the time. I promise you that the better place is always waiting for your arrival and it's always worth the often-bumpy ride to get there."
Those graduating on Saturday include two students receiving Associate of Arts degrees -- Sherrie Falck (Elk County) in Social Sciences and Karen Klos (Warren County) in Liberal Studies. Associate of Science degrees were awarded to Samantha Dubrawka (Forest County), Business Administration; Connor Gausman (Elk County), Criminal Justice; Benjamin Huey (Elk County), Business Administration; Zachary Kick (Warren County), Business Administration; Lily Morse (Warren County), Business Administration; River Shelander (Elk County), Criminal Justice; Allison Snell (Warren County), Business Administration and Katherine Wells (Forest County), Business Administration. Students graduating in absentia include Jessica Blank (Crawford County) and Jessica Kilmer (Mercer County) earning their Certificate Degree in General Studies.