Search | Menu 2023 Fall Madison College Graduates Celebrate With Excitement for the Future
What does it mean to be a 2023 fall Madison College graduate?
For sure, it is excitement, and of course, a feeling of accomplishment, but it is a whole lot of other things, as recent graduates will tell you.
At the 2023 fall commencement, commencement speaker Emily Dolan anticipated the excitement of her new status among the flashing of iPhone cameras and the loud cheers of family, friends and college faculty.
“The opportunities are endless for each of us moving forward, and today is the first day of the rest of our lives,” Dolan told fellow graduates. “I hope that you go forward with excitement and positivity and always remember that it is never too late to make your dreams come true! Congratulations Class of 2023!”
The fall commencement class was truly unique.
Most graduates ranged from 23-year-old to 39-year-old, but there were also 50s, 60s and beyond. Females outnumbered males, and more than half held down part-time and full-time jobs while studying. More than 30 percent were first-generation college students, and 13 percent had already earned a bachelor’s degree or higher.
This fall, students earned 502 technical diplomas, 449 associate degrees, 74 certificates, 430 embedded programs and completed five apprenticeships.
In addition to commencement, several programs held individual ceremonies to recognize graduates.
Ronald Ponick, a new Dane County Sheriff Department deputy, rallied his 25 fellow grads during last Friday’s Madison College Law Enforcement Academy graduation ceremony.
“Each of you has worked diligently to complete an arduous process to become the select few to wear the uniform,” Ponick said. “Remember this and take great pride in yourself, the profession, and your organization. It is an exciting opportunity for all of you and I applaud you all for taking a step for a career in this profession. It is not easy to be a police officer today and I encourage all of you to stay the course and follow your dream.”
At the Reedsburg Campus, Associate Degree Nursing (RN) program students celebrated in a pinning ceremony at Cal Center. They completed 66 credits in the classroom, online, nursing skills lab, nursing simulation lab and direct patient care in the clinical setting. "Many patients and families will benefit from your hard work, kindness, and caring. Congratulations on this momentous achievement! Best wishes as you begin this new journey," Reedsburg Nursing Faculty Colleen "Katie" Chalgren told students.
President Dr. Jack Daniels congratulated all 2023 graduates, encouraging them to use their education to uplift others.
“The next chapter you want to write will be up to you - the difference that you want to make, the lives you want to change, the good you want to create for your community,” Daniels said. “It will also represent your values, your character, and your courage. Graduates—owning your story is your superpower. Don’t keep it to yourself. Let it inspire others.”
Want to share 2023 Madison College fall commencement news? Contact Communication Specialist Jennifer Fetterly at jfetterly1@madisoncollege.edu.
