At the May 12 Cambridge Campus Commencement, ARCC students, faculty and staff, families and friends gathered at the Cambridge-Isanti High School Auditorium to salute 154 candidates for graduation.

ARCC President Patrick M. Johns paid tribute to the journey that graduating students have only just begun.

“Many of you will leave Anoka-Ramsey Community College and start your careers, while others will continue on with your education,” Johns said. “Whichever path you choose, aim for continued success. Keep on dreaming, keep on learning.”

James H. McCormick, Chancellor of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, challenged new graduates to work on behalf of Minnesota.

“As a community college graduate, you now can play a significant role in spreading the word about the importance of making college possible for all Minnesotans,” McCormick said. “Tell others about the great education you received here, and remember to contribute your time and talent to maintaining its excellence.”

Keynote Speaker U.S. Rep. James L. Oberstar turned the spotlight on the state of education in the United States, noting that 2006 marks the 40th anniversary of the Higher Education Act and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Instead of honoring those achievements, Oberstar said, our society is putting less emphasis on education, cutting federal funding for schools, colleges, and financial aid. Communities must respond, he said.

“The practice of education must involve the whole community,” Oberstar said. “Education must reflect the values of the entire community.”

ARCC student Anna Driscoll, a 2006 graduate, reminded students that the college experience is what you make of it. She said her involvement in extra curricular activities like Student Senate, Drama Club, and the Ink Spot school newspaper taught her time management and responsibility, while providing fun and lasting friendships.

ARCC 2006 graduate Michael Jones, speaking on behalf of non-traditional students, pointed out that the blend of traditional and non-traditional students make the educational experience at Cambridge unique. He praised the faculty and staff for their knowledge and talent.

Prior to graduation, outstanding students, faculty and staff on the Cambridge Campus received recognition at an Awards Night Ceremony.

A total of nine students were honored for achievements in academic disciplines, and 30 students were honored for their contributions to campus activities. The highest honors, Student of the Year Award, went to Gary Steffenson of Cambridge, Minn. A 2006 graduate, Steffenson has already begun taking classes at St. Cloud State University and plans to transfer there full time and earn a degree in Special Education. While at ARCC, he served as president of his Phi Theta Kappa honor society chapter and chaired the chapter’s Relay for Life team. In addition, he was selected for the 2006 All-Minnesota Academic Team.

Three faculty members received Teachers of Excellence awards: Math Faculty members Dave Roddy and Tom Thomas, and Psychology Faculty member Claudia Kittock. The Diana Hacker TYCA Award went to English Faculty member Kathleen Hoffman and Academic Support Director Darla McCann. The Staff of the Year Award went to Faculty Support administrators Pam Peterson and Tina Venneman.