#InverGrad15
Nearly 800 students graduated from IHCC on Thursday evening, May 14. The Inver Hills Community Band and the Inver Hills Community College Choir sang Forever Inver Hills and This is the New Year as graduates entered the IHCC auditorium. Faculty was led into the auditorium by student-elected Outstanding Faculty of the Year Award recipient, Richard Jewell.
Tim Wynes, President of IHCC, provided the welcome message and introduced the 2015 Outstanding Alumni and Commencement Speakers, Jim Collins of Unisys and Bath Asmussen from Hennepin County. Collins reminded students that “There is no elevator to success–you have to take the stairs.” Asmussen shared her three tips for success, based on fast food slogans. She encouraged students to “Eat Fresh!”by staying current on worldwide events; “It’s better here!” to get involved in your community and “Come hungry-leave happy!” by enjoying time with family and friends. Student Speaker, Rosie Bielejewski, who graduates from high school and IHCC this spring, encouraged her fellow graduates to “”Go and live your dream and do your part to change the world.”
President Wynes recognized the 60 veteran graduates as well as all veterans in the audience. A pinning ceremony for the graduating Veterans prior to commencement.
Dr. Christina Royal, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, acknowledged the Phi Theta Kappa 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.
IHCC’s Steel Drum Band played the recessional as the 2015 graduates exited the auditorium. A reception was held in the College Center for graduates and their guests.
