17-05-2025
'We fought for it:' RCC holds 84th Commencement
May 16—Over 300 students were on the stage Friday night, taking part in Riverland Community College's 84th Commencement in Knowlton Auditorium at Austin High School.
The number was just over half of the 633 total students across RCC's three campuses to earn diplomas this school year, marking another turn of what President Dr. Kat Linaker termed as being transformational in her speech.
"You dared yourself to come to college and clearly you are successful," Linaker said before later in her speech adding that they were center stage in their own journeys. "You've arrived standing here today as the star of your own story.
As she did last year, Linaker made a point of recognizing each graduate's journey by asking them to stand after asking questions of the challenges they faced in getting there.
While hoping it becomes a tradition at Riverland, Linaker used the moment to demonstrate to all in attendance the time spent forging their own educational path.
"Please share your journey," she asked the graduates. "The world needs your voice. The world needs you."
Two of the graduates spoke during Friday night's ceremony including Cassandra Britt of Owatonna, whose poignant journey spoke of nothing less than perseverance and resilience, both of which she shared in her speech.
"This journey has been deeply personal," an emotional Britt said. "Life has a way of giving us second chances."
After first applying to RCC's Cosmetology program in 2015, the mother of five didn't feel the time was right as she faced challenges that included homelessness, mental health struggles and addiction.
However, she returned in 2024 and even overcame academic suspension to stand on stage.
"I fought hard for a second chance," she said, calling her own graduation story a pivotal moment that demonstrated the commitment of the school's teachers.
She included this milestone with her fellow graduates, recognizing what they all achieved this year.
"We fought for it," she said.
Michael Grabrick, a first-generation college student from Austin, used his time on stage to laud those very same students, commending them for making it to this point.
He shared very little of his own story, which included an active campus life, choosing instead to direct the graduating class's achievements back on them.
"You who worked your butts off and got to walk across this stage," he said. "You are who matters here today. I wish you luck and happiness."
