A historic graduation for Minnesota North’s Rainy River Campus.
Graduation ceremonies on Friday were the first for the International Falls college under its new name.
Minnesota North was created by the merger of five northern colleges, including Rainy River Community College, last fall.
Director of Operations Brad Krasaway told grads that faculty and staff are extremely proud of their accomplishments.
“And it wasn’t always easy. And to be honest, it’s not supposed to be because that’s where the learning and the growth happen. We are honoured that you chose us in this community to continually help you on that journey,” said Krasaway.
He also reminded them that graduation was not necessarily an ending but the start of a new chapter in their lives.
“But keep in mind that the rest of your life’s book has not yet been written, and you get to do that. Use the experiences that you’ve lived, the lessons that you’ve learned, and the relationships that you’ve forged to write the next chapter and the chapters after that. Learn that every day. Pursue your goals. But if you ever need a helping hand, know that Rainy River will always be here for you,” said Krasaway.
Minnesota North president Michael Raitch is also proud of the grads accomplishments.
“You deserve to be distinguished. As I said before, you came with dreams, you set goals, you persevere hardships, you took risks, and you’ve earned the right to do this, to dress in ill-fitting robes and funny-looking hats so that you are distinguished from others,” said Raitch.
Over 50 students make up this year’s graduating class.
Sixteen were those from the college’s nursing programs.