NCHC to celebrate graduates on May 20

From the NCHC President

First and foremost, I want to extend well-deserved congratulations to all of our students for making it through what has been a very trying spring semester. And then, I want to more specifically congratulate ALL of our graduating two- and four-year school students for all of the work it has taken to reach this moment. We are so proud of you and your accomplishments.

The NCHC is an organization built by and for the honors community, and it’s a delight to share in our achievements together, all around the country, even while isolated from each other. When I served as chair of the NCHC Annual Conference last fall in New Orleans, the theme I chose: “Disrupting Education: Creativity and Innovation in Honors,” provided no foresight into the way the academic year was going to progress. I wrote, “If creativity and innovation have lost their places in American life and education, but are deemed necessary, then honors can and should provide solutions.” And now, the creativity and innovation I’ve seen from our honors community during the biggest disruption we’ve ever experienced together is truly inspiring.

Faculty, students, staff, and administrators have adjusted to remote learning and community building in way unimagined to this point: using Zoom, Collaborate, online chat rooms, and traditional distance learning to continue to learn, grow, and share.

Running an honors program at a community college in downstate New York, I know first-hand how painful and difficult this spring has been. While we struggle to ensure academic continuity, we also all are dealing with the realities of home confinement, sick relatives, worry for family and friends, emotional fragility, and even loss. To every one of you, I say: allow yourselves the time and space to mourn, grieve, and express fears, anger, and doubt. And then, share friendship and love for family and friends, give thanks to those who keep our country functioning and those who have helped you on your path, and finally, and certainly no less importantly, celebrate your remarkable achievements in a time of unparalleled crisis.

Students, you have persevered in what may well be the most difficult period of your lives. You should be proud. Know that we are all proud of you!

I want to send a special thank you to the faculty and staff who have supported our students on their honors journey. The leadership, versatility, and commitment of these professors, administrators, and professionals are key components not only to this class of graduates, but also to the ones who follow in their footsteps. Another shout out goes to the NCHC office staff who have helped all of us in honors keep the flame burning brightly in a time of uncertainty, challenge and change.

Everyone has worked incredibly hard to get through this spring and for our graduates even more to reach this significant milestone. Finishing this academic year and especially graduating deserve recognition and celebration—even if from our own homes. While we may be separated physically, we can come together in spirit and through technology and our love of honors education. As always, honors program students, faculty, staff, and administrators continue to do our best for one another, our programs, our institutions, and even our nation.

We may not know what the immediate future holds, but in honors, we know what we do best: lead, share, create, and evolve with the times.

Be well, be strong, and CONGRATULATIONS to the graduating class of 2020!

Orange County Community College