U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen To Speak at WMCC Commencement
Katharine Eneguess, President of White Mountains Community CollegeAt White Mountains Community College it is our pleasure to have for our commencement speaker U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen. The Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2009 take place under the big white tent on the lawn of our Berlin Campus at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 15.
Throughout her career in public service Senator Shaheen has been passionate about continuous improvement in all schools and colleges. As Governor from 1997 to 2003 she advocated for public kindergarten in all New Hampshire school districts, effectively making the case for investment in statewide early education. So, too, did she champion lifelong education, knowing that not only does it make good economic sense for the state to have a well-educated and skilled workforce, but also that education makes a big difference in the quality of life for the residents of the state.
It was under Senator Shaheen's leadership that the Community Technical College System of New Hampshire began its evolution into become what we are now, the Community College System of New Hampshire. Key to this evolution was Governor Shaheen's push to develop an articulation agreement with the University System of New Hampshire. This came to fruition in 2001, and I cannot overstate the importance of this agreement to the college and university systems, and to the students who take advantage of the benefits of this agreement. Simply put, it allows students to start their college education at one of our community colleges and then transfer seamlessly to one of the state's four-year institutions. The credits earned at our community colleges are now accepted at those four-year institutions, something that was not always the case.
The White Mountains Community College graduating class in 2004 was 100. This year, the Class of 2009 is 176 strong. On May 15 we will be giving out over 200 degrees and certificates, as some of those graduating students have earned more than one degree. The Community College System of New Hampshire continues to see large increases in enrollment, as residents not only see the colleges in the system as offering an affordable education, but also a relevant education.
It was also during Senator Shaheen's governorship that the NH Job Training Grant program was created. Having assisted the then Governor in creating this program as representing the business community in my previous job, NH still sees the importance of this program, which couples employer funds with state funds to upgrade the skills of workers. Our community colleges are the preferred provider for these training opportunities, further cementing our system's strong relationship with the state's businesses and their workforce and enabling so many across the state to get the skills, training, and education they need to live prosperous and fulfilling lives.
During her break from elected office, Senator Shaheen continued to focus on education, serving as director of Harvard University's Institute of Politics at the Kennedy School of Government.
I can personally attest to Senator Shaheen's passion for education, having worked with her in Concord when I was representing the Business and Industry Association's perspective on educational policy and she was serving as a state senator and then as governor.
Much as we appreciate Senator Shaheen agreeing to be our commencement speaker, I'm sure she will agree with us, the real stars of the evening are the graduating members of the Class of 2009. To the Class of 2009 - we look forward to celebrating your success on Friday night!
Back to News List© White Mountains Community College. 2020 Riverside Drive, Berlin, NH 03570. Tel: (800)445-4525 or (603)752-1113.