Allen County Community College graduates were sent off with pride Saturday morning for the 85th annual commencement ceremonies.
The students filed into the ACC gymnasium, donning their traditional robes. Some had interesting designs adorning the top of their mortar boards — a sequined “2013” and “Hi Mom” were some of the standouts among the crowd.
President John Masterson had the honor of making introductions during the ceremony. First, Student Senate President Hannah Blackwell took the podium to address her fellow classmates.
“Keep moving forward, the best is yet to come,” she said as she spoke about her time with the college. Her speech reflected on the trepidation of new ventures, and the hope of life’s next steps.
The majority of the ceremony was taken up by the 2013 Distinguished Alumnus and speaker, David Zornes.
Masterson introduced Zornes by sharing with the audience a laundry-list of his accomplishments.
Zornes graduated from ACC in 1967. He, along with his six siblings, are all ACC alumni. After transferring to and graduating from Emporia State University, teaching for four years in physics and chemistry and then studying for his master’s of science degree at Emporia State, he worked for Conoco-Phillips for 35 years.
He has traveled the world working for the oil industry, and is currently a reservoir technology adviser for the University of Texas.
While he said he could have given a speech on his experience in the oil industry, Zornes decided to go back to his roots while addressing the students. He gave his “Top 10 Lessons I Learned at Allen County:”
1. Hard work pays off.
2. Education and training are valuable.
3. Never underestimate the power of teamwork.
4. Life = people.
5. Life = sales, “you are always selling something.”
6. Work hard, but play hard.
7. Family is important.
8. Life is not always fair.
9. Learn to respect and honor your roots.
10. Hang tough.
“Growing up in a small community gave me lots of opportunities,” he said to the students. He reiterated that it is important to recognize where you come from, and hold on to the values that are instilled by your community and family.
“Determination and perseverance are critical to success,” Zornes said. “You are all part of the Allen success story.”
ACC holds commencement
