74 grads walk in college ceremony

 

May 19, 2023

Taylor Warnes

Daniel Walker and other graduates view the procession of students.

Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College celebrated this year's graduates at a commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 11, with 74 of this year's 131 graduates walking the stage. Dr. Arne Vainio provided the commencement address, and student speakers included Valerie Zhaawendaagozikwe and Gracee Petersen.

During her welcoming remarks in the Lester Jack Bridges Cultural Center, FDLTCC acting president Anita Hanson honored the former president, the late Stephanie Hammitt.

"Yesterday and this evening were her favorite days of the school year," Hanson said, referring "specifically our events to salute the efforts of our graduating students."

Dr. Arne Vainio, Min No Aya Win Human Services family practice physician, provided the commencement address. During his speech, Vainio discussed the Seven Grandfather Teachings: humility, courage, honesty, wisdom, truth, respect and love.


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"Living by these teachings will make your life full and in balance, and these teachings apply to all of us," he said.

2023 Student of the Year Valerie Zhaawendaagozikwe reflected on the struggles that many students experienced during their academic journeys and the struggles that some in the community are still experiencing.

She discussed overcoming struggles of her own to pursue her goals and the importance of being an example for her family: "It's attainable, it's possible, to learn our language, to belong in these places ... it's not just for academics, but for everybody."

Gracee Petersen discussed the many paths her fellow students might take after graduation. "This graduation ... should be looked at as an opening to wherever the future takes you, whether that is a career, trade or continuing your education," Petersen said. "Any career that you choose to pursue matters, whatever you're good at, go ahead and do it."


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The Cedar Creek Singers provided the grand entry, honor, and recessional songs. The FDL and Combined Honor Guard presented the flags and Abrianna Schmidt sang the national anthem. The opening pipe ceremony was conducted by FDLTCC Dean of Indigenous and Academic Affairs Roxanne DeLille, and musical numbers were performed by the Oshkii Gizhik Singers and FDLTCC faculty members Calland Metts and Elizabeth Jaakola.

To watch a recording of the ceremony, visit https://fdltcc.edu/fdltcc-celebrates-class-of-2023.

Local Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College Class of 2023

Barnum

Tricia Gottschalk

Kortney Johnson

Christen Klejeski

Elise Lehto

Carlton

Alisha Broneak

Kathleen Dagger

Arianna Griak

Jenae Miller

Megan Sherman

Cloquet

Hailey Anderson

Jennifer Anderson

Winnie Benjamin-Hall

Shantell Berglund

Emma Calverly

Wing Chambers

Parker Childs

Jessica Christley

Tamara Crotteau

Jessica Dixon

Hannah Durfee

Mary Jane Eagle

Jessica Esselstrom

Maya Fairbanks

Keeanna Farleigh

Lacie Farmer

Taya Flaim

Jasmine Hale

Melissa Harper

Saul Jeanetta

Anita Johnson

Brittney Kemi

Francene LaDeaux

Kristina LaFave

Maddy Lawrey

Jordan Leimer

Donald Lokken

Reid Markfort

Alyssa Merrill

Kristina Modich

Ella Oveson

Morgan Petoletti

Brady Petite

Lynn Reynolds

Tasheana Rule-Garcia

Jake Semo

Trinity Semo

Angela Teigland

Allie Tibbetts

Mariah Willie

Esko

Addison Sertich

Jesica Wahlsten

Kettle River

Jaharai Doward

Moose Lake

Edward Couture

Taylor Warnes

Wrenshall

Joseph Bergman

Haleigh Peterson

Emma Port

Wright

Elisabeth Kachinske

 
 

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