North Central Missouri College 2024 Commencement was held on May 4, 2024, with two ceremonies; the morning ceremony at 9:00 a.m. honoring all associate degrees and certificates that are non-nursing, and the afternoon ceremony at 1:00 p.m. honoring nursing certificates, degrees, and pinnings. Both commencement ceremonies were held at the Ketcham Community Center on the Main campus located in Trenton, Missouri. Commencement was also live-streamed at piratesdigitialmedia.com.
2024 marks the 97th NCMC commencement ceremony, with 502 degrees and certificates awarded to 449 individual graduates. 109 associate in arts, 36 associate in arts in teaching, 198 associate in applied science, three associate in general studies, 11 associate in science, and 145 certificates. The average age is 24, with the oldest graduate 59 and the youngest 17. Graduates come from California, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, Oklahoma, and Texas, and the countries of Canada, the Dominican Republic, Kenya, Panama, the United States, and Venezuela.
Distinguished Alumni and former President of State Fair Community College, Dr. Joanna Anderson, and Mike Poore, CEO of Mosaic Life Care, delivered the commencement addresses. Dr. Anderson spoke at the 9:00 a.m. ceremony and Mike Poore at the 1:00 p.m. ceremony. Faculty Senate President Amy Guthrie led the processional, and the Army National Guard 548th Transportation Company presented the colors. Faculty Marshals included Sarah Bird, Maryellen Harman, Korynn Skipper, Sophia Swink, Janna Ingram, Jack Green, Vel Westbrook, and Abby Bilby. NCMC student Sarabeth Michael sang the national anthem for both ceremonies. Sawyer McCallon, Student Senate President, provided the welcome and invocation for both ceremonies. Dr. Tristan Londre, Vice President of Academic Affairs, presented the class. Dr. Lenny Klaver, President, conferred the degrees alongside the President of the Board of Trustees. Dr. Kristen Alley, Vice President of Student Affairs, led the turning of the tassel, while Chris Hoffman, trustee and alumnus, welcomed the alumni.
The Vicki Wheeler Honors Brunch was held on Saturday, recognizing twenty-two NCMC graduates for their accomplishments. The NCMC Outstanding Student Award is given annually to one student in each degree program, selected by faculty based on academic merits, campus involvement, and leadership in the classroom.
Honored Students Table
| Name | Award | Location | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kelsey Gibler | Associate in Arts | Trenton | MO |
| Craig Schachtele | Associate in Science | Lexington | MO |
| Kaylor Farris | Associate in Arts in Teaching | Trenton | MO |
| Joshua Eckert | Agriculture & Natural Resources, AAS | Chillicothe | MO |
| Brenna Pierce | Criminal Justice, AAS | Lamoni | IA |
| Kaci Persell | Business, AAS | Trenton | MO |
| Gannon Phelan | Computer Science & Information Systems, AAS | Oregon | MO |
| Kody Cokerham | Applied Technology, AAS | Meadville | MO |
| Jaclyn Pappert | Early Childhood, AAS | Conception Junction | MO |
| Alexis Brown | Behavioral Health Support, AAS | Unionville | MO |
| Ethan Shirk | Industrial Technology, AAS | Clarksdale | MO |
| Michael Jones | Medical Lab Technician, AAS | Chillicothe | MO |
| Madisen Hays | Medical Assistant, AAS | Chillicothe | MO |
| Areona Hamilton | Occupational Therapy Assistant, AAS | Bethany | MO |
| Morgan Finley | Surgical Technology, AAS | Hardin | MO |
| Jaycie Griffin | Radiology Technician, AAS | Trenton | MO |
| Mackenzie Meek | Associate Degree of Nursing – Trenton | Osborn | MO |
| Roy Babcock | Associate Degree of Nursing – Savannah | Saint Joseph | MO |
| Blake Roberts | Associate Degree of Nursing – Online | Novinger | MO |
| Brylie Brincks | Practical Nursing Certificate – Trenton | Rosendale | MO |
| Mia Roush | Practical Nursing Certificate – Savannah | Maryville | MO |
| Kaitlin Gossling | Practical Nursing Certificate – Bethany | Stanberry | MO |
The NCMC Honors brunch is named after longtime NCMC faculty, the late Vicki Wheeler.
