North Arkansas College will conduct its second ever December Commencement ceremony at 6 o'clock, Friday night, Dec. 8. Pioneer Pavilion usually tops over 2,400 for graduation, leading to limited seating and parking. In past years, graduates received tickets to give to family members to limit attendance. Many times, they had more family and friends than tickets.
When Dr. Rick Massengale became president, he took notice. “I didn’t want any student to have to choose which family member would get to see them walk across the stage.” The college held the first December Commencement last year and it was a rousing success. Graduates have eagerly been anticipating the upcoming graduation.
Having a December ceremony also helps students experience receiving their diploma before they enter careers. When only a May ceremony was held, students would finish in December and wait several months. Sometimes their jobs took them to another town, causing them to forgo the memorable experience of celebrating a huge achievement by walking across the stage.
Northark will present diplomas to 85 students. Two graduates were selected to deliver speeches by faculty members. Jennifer Cline of Huntsville is the first speaker. Jennifer is the daughter of Dale Byers and Margaret Struble and the wife of John Cline. She has three children: Blake, Brady, and Bailey. She will receive an Associate degree in Nursing. Jennifer’s goal is to provide high quality nursing care to her local community.
The second student speaker is Maranda McGhee. Maranda is the daughter of Stephanie Verge and the late Bryan Verge. She is the wife of Tanner McGhee and the mother of Henslee. She will receive an Associate of Nursing degree. Her future goal is to work in the field of pediatric nursing.
A reception will be held after the ceremony to honor the graduates for their achievements.
