Homer Alaska - News -

Photo by McKibben Jackinsky Terri Leman shares a hug with her daughter, Brie, who received an associate of arts degree at Kachemak Bay Campus graduation ceremonies May 7.

For Mike Franklin, a 47-year-old single father, the evening marked the culmination of his long journey to receive a general education diploma. He was motivated by a desire to set an example for his 13-year-old daughter, Michaela.

The cords swinging from Annamaria DiCola�s neck signified her cum laude status, evidence of hard work and hours of study. With graduation out of her way, DiCola was already focusing on her wedding later in the week.

In spite of completing coursework and studying for finals, graduate Michelle Simpson was one step ahead of DiCola. Her husband Caleb, whom she married last month, was in the audience, applauding her accomplishments.

Among the honors and recognitions noted during the ceremony was associate of arts graduate Crystal Dosser�s selection as a New Century Scholar. Dosser was Alaska�s top-scoring applicant for Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society�s All-USA Academic Team.

The graduates were a mixed bunch, with a wide range of backgrounds and plans for the future. But Wednesday night they shared having stayed the course, completing the necessary classes and reaching their goal.

"We did it," associate of arts graduate Jamie Gregoire told her classmates. "The final stretch was the hardest part. But tonight, I can truly say, is stress free for the moment."

Cameras flashed and the audience cheered as one by one the graduates walked across the stage to receive their diplomas.

"Commencement is a milestone in your life," Carol Swartz, KBC director, told students receiving general education diplomas and associates of arts degrees. Also being honored at the May 7 ceremony at Mariner Theatre were KBC students who had completed coursework for the associate of applied science nursing degree, the state of Alaska nurses aide certification courses and requirements for welding certification.

"The path has been long, eventful and productive," Swartz told them. "Tonight celebrate what you have accomplished � You are an inspiration to your friends and family."

No matter what the future holds � more formal education, transition into the work place or other opportunities � Swartz asked them to "please keep open the door; keep learning."

A final assignment came from University of Alaska President Mark Hamilton. He challenged the students to thank three people, beginning with themselves.

"Good for you for keeping on," Hamilton said.

He also asked them to thank the individuals who encouraged them to continue their studies.

"Write their name on your heart," Hamilton said, adding that they may need to call upon those people again in the future.

Thirdly, he charged them to thank someone who, along the way, "believed in you more than you did."

"Find them. Thank them. We�ve got to encourage that kind of kindness," Hamilton said.

Talis Colberg, attorney general for the state of Alaska, delivered a personal greeting and congratulations from Gov. Sarah Palin. Drawing from his own experiences, stories that brought repeated laughter from the graduates and audience, Colberg illustrated "a real value to being curious about the world." From such curiosity come lessons that can�t be learned inside the classroom, he said.

William Spindle, UAA vice chancellor, let the words of Marie Curie, a pioneer in the field of radioactivity and a two-time Nobel laureate, be his source of advice and encouragement for the graduates.

"Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood," the quote ended.

And finally, Gary Turner, Kenai Peninsula college director, brought the evening to an end with a famous and fitting line from Ralph Cramden, the bus-driving character portrayed by the late Jackie Gleason.

"How sweet it is," Turner said, looking at the students. Referring to a KPC statistic that only 19 percent of students pursuing a degree actually achieve it, he added, "You�re amazing."

McKibben Jackinsky can be reached at mckibben.jackinsky@homernews.com.