Barton Community College’s 44th commencement ceremony recognized the achievements of hundreds of students Friday, but Barton President Dr. Carl Heilman said each individual has his or her own story of success.
It was a message repeated by Dean of Student Services Angie Maddy, as friends, family and the faculty and staff of BCC celebrated the completion of associate degrees, professional certificates and Kansas State High School diplomas.
“I’ve told many students over the years that they will each leave some kind of footprint here at Barton,” Maddy said. “And they will take some of Barton with them.”
This year’s Outstanding Graduates, Holland Mosier and Jordan Klima, also received recognition from the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) national honor society. Each of the honorees addressed their fellow students.
Mosier urged her classmates to create a future motivated by what they are passionate about.
“I challenge you as you move on from Barton and on to the next chapter of your college or professional career to do what makes you happy and what makes you a better person, not what others expect,” she said. “Forget society’s idea of success and find what inspires you and pursue it — then you will be truly successful.”
Klima reflected on the Barton marketing slogan, “What drives you?” and encouraged his classmates to avoid negative influences as they move forward.
“Life is too short to be unhappy. Cut out your negative influences and be that positive influence on others’ lives. Be that person to drive the people around YOU to be better people, just as this college has driven us to take on the world with full confidence.”
He also thanked those who have been a positive influence in his life, at church and at work, family and teachers. “There is not a community college out there that cares more about their students than Barton,” he said.
Mosier received an Associate in Arts degree. She is the daughter of Tamara and Robert Mosier. During her Barton career, she participated in choir, Student Ambassadors, Hilltop Singers and was the PTK President this year. She will participate in the Disney College Program and will later transfer to Wichita State University where she will pursue a bachelor’s degree in business.
Klima, who received an Associate in Science degree, is the son of Rhonda and Dennis Klima. While at Barton, he has competed for the Barton Forensics Team, served as a board member for the Community Service Student Organization and was the Vice President for PTK. He is employed at Sunflower Bank in Great Bend and will transfer to Fort Hays State University where he will pursue a bachelor’s degree in finance. His career goals include working in the banking industry and eventually becoming a Chief Financial Officer.
The college represents a door of opportunity for students to open, Heilman said. While congratulating the graduates, he also thanked their friends and family who supported them and sometimes made sacrifices to help them reach their goals. There was also special recognition for faculty and staff, Barton trustees and longtime supporters. Among the faculty who attended the ceremony, a seat was left empty in remembrance of chemistry instructor Guy Causey, who died Oct. 4, 2013, at his home in Great Bend. He had been an instructor at Barton since 2007.