MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Five hundred and thirty students received their degrees during Northern Michigan University’s fall graduation on Saturday.
Students from all over the country and world walked across the stage, including some from the recently closed Finlandia University.
“It feels really good going from a fake school to a real one,” said Darren Shykes, who only spent one semester at NMU after transferring from Finlandia.
The graduation is President Brock Tessman’s second at the helm of the school. During his remarks, Tessman put an emphasis on recognizing not just the graduates, but also the families and loved ones who have supported them.
“It’s like life, where you can get through some things on your own, but most of the time you need to rely on friends and family, and that is what Northern is all about,” remarked Tessman.
The ceremony was a time for families and friends to reflect upon the accomplishments of their students. For some, it’s an emotional moment, but all of them feel the same way when seeing the person they came to support walk across the stage.
“It feels like my heart is going to burst out of my chest, I’m so excited. I’m so happy for my wife. I am very proud of her,” commented Roberto Hernandez
Graduation represents the beginning of a new chapter in someone’s life. Whether it be a move on the horizon or starting a new career, the possibilities are endless.
“I’m excited to work and finally make some money,” added Shykes.
For parents, seeing a son or daughter receive their diploma can be a highlight of life.
“It’s watching my baby girl, my little bitty girl, finally get her masters degree and keep going. It astounds me that this little person, the size of a cabbage patch doll, when she was born, turning into this amazing person,” said Robin Galazka.
