Cameras flashed, hugs were exchanged and graduates chattered excitedly awaiting that final walk in front of family and friends marking the end of their college experience at Herkimer County Community College.
The 40th commencement ceremony at the college marked one of celebration and sadness for many of the graduates, faculty and staff.
HCCC’s president, Ronald Williams, was recognized by the college’s Board of Trustees with an award in honor of his 22 years of leadership and service to the college. Williams is officially retiring from the college next month.
Williams recognized Bruce Caskey, assistant professor of Social Science for his 18 years of service. Caskey will be retiring as well.
“Like Mr. Caskey, I leave Herkimer this evening, retiring after 22 years as president, having personally signed 11,672 diplomas for graduates during that time. I have encountered many amazing students who were energetic and inspired to succeed, thereby making a better future for themselves and their families. These students have inspired me each fall as a new school year begins, and I thank them for providing that inspiration not only to me but to our entire faculty as well,” Williams said.
The college also bid farewell to two members of the HCCC community this year.
Ted Schiros, instructor of Information Science/Computer Network, at the college died in a car accident earlier this year.
“Ted was beloved by his students and colleagues alike. It is because of Ted’s hard work and forward thinking that the college is able to provided coverage of tonight’s ceremony live on the Internet for family and friends around the world,” Williams said. “The empty chair on the dais this evening is usually filled by a representative from the college’s professional association. This evening, that chair reminds empty in Ted’s honor. I’m pleased to share with you that the Herkimer County College Foundation is providing full tuition scholarships for each of Ted’s four children to attend HCCC when they are of college age.”
At the end of April, Allan Knapp, a three-year employee of the faculty student association and an employee of the college’s dining center passed away.
“He took great pride in his work as part of the HCCC family. A kind and gentle man, Allan enjoyed the daily contact with our students and he will be greatly missed,” Williams said.
A moment of silence was then held for both men.
Graduating senior Cheryllyn Tallman gave the student address at the ceremony and talked about “passion.”
“Find your passion. Tomorrow you will wake up and realize your dream has finally come true. You are a college graduate,” Tallman said in her speech. “Find passion in helping others. And most importantly find that special someone and love him or her passionately.”
“Why?” Tallman continued. “Because at the end of the day it’s not how much money you make, how big your house may be, or whether you belong to some exclusive club. It’s about whom you love and who loves you.”
Student Government Association President Rebecca Neary also addressed her fellow graduates.
“As graduates of HCCC we have become a team, a team who thrived because of our belief in each other. We have achieved our goals through our mutual determination to succeed and this college community’s belief in our potential. As a student at HCCC for the last two years, I have seen the strength that the support of others can bring. We have lived through this shared experience called college, helped each other along the way, and accomplished more than we ever dreamed we could,” Neary said. “Because college is not just about the textbook education that we came here for, it’s about more. College is about learning to be open to new people, new ideas, and new challenges. It’s about believing in yourself and your dream, and knowing that even when you don’t believe in yourself, there’s still a college full of people who do believe in you.”
“Tonight you have seen some of Herkimer’s best and brightest, past and present, showcasing the endless possibilities that are achieved by our students,” Williams concluded. “It is with pride that I introduce to you the class of 2008.”