May is such an extraordinary time of the year to recognize and celebrate the success of our campus community!
We began the month with a powerful reminder of community impact. On May 2, North Hennepin Community College hosted the 2025 Building Strong Communities graduation ceremony recognizing 112 graduates, the largest graduating class in its history, who will enter careers in the trades in Minnesota. A big thank you to all the partners who made this opportunity possible, including Xcel Energy Minnesota Power Up Program, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Minnesota Department of Transportation, the Minnesota Department of Labor and Energy, the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council and the Fair Contracting Foundation.
Just over a week later, on May 13, we celebrated a remarkable academic milestone for eight biology transfer pathway students who earned their bachelor’s degree through Bemidji State University right here on NHCC’s campus. Two days later, on this column's publication date, we are set to honor 50 of our nursing students during the traditional pinning ceremony.
These events lead to one of the most anticipated moments of our academic year, celebrating NHCC’s 2025 graduating class of 650 students on their huge accomplishment! Several hundred students, along with their families and friends, faculty and staff, will join us for a celebration at the Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center on Monday, May 19.
Among the highlights of the evening will be the address by Oluwaseun Sule, who will represent the Class of 2025 with a heartfelt speech, “This Moment Was Always Ours.” Her words remind us about resilience and that time is not your enemy, it is your greatest companion.
Oluwaseun’s story is particularly inspiring, graduating with both her high school diploma from Park Center and an associate of arts degree from NHCC. This fall, she will continue her academic journey at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
For those who were unable to attend, a full replay of the ceremony is available thanks to CCX Media at nhcc.edu/graduation.
Beyond the formal ceremonies, we took time to recognize individual excellence through the annual Student Life Awards.
Second-year student Olivia Eckes accepted the Outstanding Club/Organization Member of the Year Award for being an indispensable member of the Student Environmental Association.
The Student Employee Excellence in Service Award went to Faesal Okanlawon and Oluwatomiwa "Tomi" Ogundare for their commitment to customer service.
Nursing faculty Monica Stanton accepted the Advisor of the Year Award for mentoring and providing opportunities for the Student Nurses Association. When reflecting on the award, Monica said, “I love supporting our students as they grow in their learning of the nursing profession. Our world needs more compassionate and skilled registered nurses, and I’m very proud of our NHCC nursing graduates! They will be excellent nurses!”
Mike Mui, a mental health therapist, accepted the Staff Member of the Year Award. He credits the CARE Center team for all the great work they get to do for students, including stocking the food cupboard, running support groups and providing one-on-one counseling sessions. When asked what keeps him motivated, Mike said, “Honestly, I remind myself of the mission of NHCC: to engage students and change lives. It's about helping students continue their education and move forward in life. That purpose keeps me grounded.”
Of course, these annual celebrations and recognitions would not be possible without financial support from the Minnesota Legislature. Our state’s investment in public higher education helps maintain our campus infrastructure and provides essential resources for student success. We appreciate the work of our elected officials who review, discuss, negotiate, collaborate and make difficult decisions on the state’s budget.
As we close this academic year, I am filled with appreciation—for our students, our partners, our faculty and staff, and our broader community. Thank you for helping make NHCC a place where futures are built and dreams are realized!