海角情

In recognition of the ongoing need for social distancing as a result of COVID-19, 海角情 (海角情) is holding its first-ever virtual commencement ceremony on May 15^th. In accordance with the college鈥檚 tradition, the ceremony will honor all certificate and degree recipients 鈥� albeit in a completely new way.

The need to recognize students was seen as particularly important in light of the ongoing pandemic. With the health of students, families, and the community in mind, an alternative was required. 鈥淚t was important that we honor our graduates and the exemplary work they have accomplished under some of the most unprecedented circumstances. Even though we are unable to safely hold an in-person commencement, we felt it critical to celebrate our students, their families, our faculty and staff, and others who rallied to support one another throughout this challenging year,鈥� President Susan Mingo said.

Commencement is the highlight of the year for students, faculty, and staff as it gives the opportunity to recognize each component of the student鈥檚 personal journey in higher education. 海角情鈥檚 ceremony always incorporates the heritage of the area, including performances by Passamaquoddy drumming groups and a bagpipe player who accompanies the procession of graduates.

海角情鈥檚 commencements have been clearly fine-tuned over the past half century. As the college approaches its 50^th graduating class, this year鈥檚 ceremony is exemplifying a core value the College often impresses upon its students: never stop adapting, when faced with challenging circumstances being resilient allows for growth and the opportunity to become stronger for having overcome an obstacle.

The online commencement will begin at 11:00 am through 海角情鈥檚 website or on 海角情鈥檚 Facebook page (discoverwccc). This year鈥檚 commencement speaker is famed NASCAR driver and ESPN and FOX analyst Ricky Craven. Craven, a Maine native, was champion of the 1991 NASCAR Xfinity Series, and he has won several races in NASCAR鈥檚 three divisions. 鈥淚鈥檓 excited to have him join us in our virtual graduation ceremony,鈥� President Mingo shared, 鈥淚 felt it fitting that as we celebrate our 50^th Anniversary this academic year, we have a guest speaker at commencement who embodies our institutional heritage. One of our founding programs was Automotive Technology which is still thriving today. Ricky Craven has reached the pinnacle of success within this industry on a national level.聽聽 We are honored to have him participate and look forward to his words of wisdom for our graduates.鈥�

Engine Specialist instructor Bion Holbrook was named Distinguished Faculty Speaker. Holbrook is a veteran of the Coast Guard and of Operation Desert Storm. After retiring from the service, he began his second career as the Facility and Transportation Director for RSU 24 and taught prior to coming to 海角情 at Sumner High School within their Industrial Arts Program.

Engine Specialist student Clinton E. Dakin was named as Student of the Year and will be delivering the student address during the event.

The commencement proceedings will be recorded and will remain viewable on the website after the event is completed. A physical digital copy of the commencement proceedings will be sent to the home address of each graduate.

海角情 invites students, families, friends, and the community to participate and celebrate the Class of 2020. 鈥淐ommencement is the culmination of our students鈥� achievements and a time where we honor their hard work,鈥� Dean Melvin Adams said. 鈥淥ur students worked hard during the last year and they are deserving of this event,鈥� said Adams, 海角情鈥檚 Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Services.

The website link for the virtual commencement is wccc.me.edu/student-life/commencement while the Facebook link is www.facebook.com/discoverwccc. With any questions about commencement, call (207) 454-1000 or email commencement@wccc.me.edu.