ARCHBOLD -- A record number of 435 Northwest State Community College students will graduate on Saturday with former president Dr. Larry McDougle as the commencement speaker.
NSCC's number of graduates is 100 more than last year, and according to NSCC president Tom Stuckey, a positive benchmark.
"The record illustrates how more people in the region are recognizing that a college diploma is vital for today's economic conditions," said Stuckey.
"This is the highlight of the year for our college, and a milestone for our graduates who represent all corners of our very large service area," Stuckey continued.
"The record makes a statement about a changing shift in priorities with young adults at ages 18-24 and also for adults in their 30s and older. They are working so hard to achieve not only their dreams but gain the financial strength directly associated with earning a college degree."
The 2 p.m. ceremony will take place on the north lawn of the main campus. Bad weather will move the ceremony to Four County Career Center.
Several awards for top student achievement will be announced at the ceremony and longtime faculty member Carolyn Brown has been selected to be the grand marshal. She has taught more than 6,000 students in the business division over the past 35 years.
The ceremony will be Stuckey's first commencement as the president.
McDougle served the college for 12 years before retiring. He was named the fourth president of NSCC in 1991. His career serving higher education over the past 30 years included being a faculty member and college administrator in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. McDougle's academic degrees are from the University of Findlay, Kent State University and the University of Toledo. He is the author of more than 60 articles and has been invited to make more than 150 presentations at state, regional and national levels.
His many awards include honors such as the 1996 Phillip J. Rusche Distinguished Award from the University of Toledo and the John C. Hoyt Outstanding Leadership Award from the Toledo Area Private Industry Council.
During his leadership at NSCC, the campus expanded from a technical college campus to a comprehensive community college.
He and his wife, Ruth, live in Henry County.
Prior to the commencement event, the new members of the Northwest State Distinguished Alumni will be announced during a 12 p.m. luncheon and ceremony.