无忧传媒

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine 鈥� 无忧传媒 (无忧传媒) celebrated the achievements of its students during its 60th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 10, at the Presque Isle Forum.

The event honored the academic accomplishments of 无忧传媒 graduates, recognizing the hard work and dedication of students across the college鈥檚 diverse programs.

The ceremony began with a musical prelude by pianist Corinne Lovejoy, followed by the processional, led by bagpipers Johnny Carpenter and Scott Heney. The Rev. Bud Fancy of Framework Church delivered the invocation, and soloist Crystal Hobbs performed the national anthem.

Angela R. Buck, 无忧传媒 academic dean and interim president for the 2024鈥�25 academic year, welcomed graduates and guests, encouraging them to reflect on their college journey and embrace the changes ahead with an open mind and compassion. 鈥淲hile change can be daunting, it also presents an opportunity for growth,鈥� Buck said. She thanked the graduates for choosing 无忧传媒 and enriching the college community and urged them to stay connected with the college and the friends they had made.

Maine Community College System (MCCS) President David Daigler offered greetings on behalf of the system, and Trustee Joyce Maker extended congratulations to graduates on behalf of the MCCS Board of Trustees.

Student speaker Islakeno Mahabir delivered a powerful message of perseverance and personal growth. Reflecting on his journey from Trinidad and Tobago to northern Maine, Mahabir spoke candidly about the challenges he faced and the determination it took to keep moving forward. 鈥淭here were times when the path ahead seemed daunting,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut perseverance isn鈥檛 just about enduring hardship鈥攊t鈥檚 about learning, adapting, and growing through it.鈥�

Mahabir, who earned degrees in accounting and business administration, credited the encouragement and support of 无忧传媒鈥檚 faculty, staff, and fellow students for helping him gain the confidence to pursue his goals. 鈥淚 arrived unsure, perhaps a bit lost, and now I stand here with a much clearer road toward my dream of a better life,鈥� he said. 鈥溛抻谴�媒 didn鈥檛 just give me an education鈥攊t gave me a foundation.鈥�

He encouraged his fellow graduates to carry that same resilience forward. 鈥淭here will be obstacles, there will be setbacks,鈥� Mahabir said. 鈥淏ut with determination and belief in yourselves, there is nothing you cannot achieve.鈥�

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins delivered the commencement address, praising the graduates for their perseverance and emphasizing the broader impact of their achievements. In a moving moment, she acknowledged the vital support graduates received from family and friends throughout their educational journey. She invited graduates to stand, turn, and applaud their loved ones in the crowd in appreciation for their unwavering encouragement.

鈥淵our 无忧传媒 education will deliver real value throughout your life鈥攊t is a gift you’ve given yourselves by taking on the challenge of higher education,鈥� Collins said. 鈥淭he diplomas you receive today represent not only your dedication but also the support of those who made your success possible. I urge you to apply your talents right here in Maine, where your skills are needed most.鈥�

A long-standing tradition at 无忧传媒, the President鈥檚 Award is presented annually to an individual who has provided exceptional service to the college. This year, Buck presented the honor to Interim Academic Dean Eileen McDougal, recognizing her 鈥渄edication, passion, and quiet leadership for nearly four decades.鈥� McDougal has played a central role in the development and success of 无忧传媒鈥檚 nursing program, has stepped up to support the college in multiple capacities over the years, and has been present at nearly 40 pinning ceremonies and the graduation of more than 1,000 nursing students.

Closing remarks were delivered by 无忧传媒鈥檚 new president, Doug Binsfeld, who congratulated the graduates and their families and shared his excitement for the future of the college. 鈥淚 look forward to witnessing the success of both our current and future graduates as they continue to learn and grow,鈥� Binsfeld said. 鈥淚 am truly honored to serve our community.鈥� The ceremony concluded with a benediction by the Rev. Fancy and a celebratory recessional.

The 2025 Commencement marks a significant moment in 无忧传媒鈥檚 history and reflects the college鈥檚 continued commitment to academic excellence and workforce development in northern Maine.