FVCC’s class of 2023 will help change the world

Flathead Valley Community College will celebrate the class of 2023 at our 55th annual commencement on the FVCC campus in Kalispell on Friday, May 12. This year we honor 268 graduates receiving 288 degrees and certificates.

We are tremendously proud of the class of 2023 for achieving their goals. Graduates have overcome challenges, forged new career paths and built a strong foundation for further higher education opportunities. These students will help change the world.

I admire how each student has worked incredibly hard to be here today. Like FVCC alumni before them, these graduates will earn advanced degrees, research ground-breaking new scientific discoveries, and will be entrepreneurs and leaders in our community.

One such student is Aizel Eayrs, a Running Start student graduating with her associate of arts. The first college attendee in her family for two generations and a home-school student, Eayrs was nervous joining a classroom for the first time but quickly found inspiration in her instructors. She will take her invaluable FVCC experience and useful tools for success with her when she transfers to a four-year university.

Thirty-two-year-old Michael Bruner came to FVCC to fulfill his dream of culinary school after working in restaurant settings. He was able to fully commit to college and focus solely on his education without putting financial strain on his family thanks to FVCC scholarship support. Bruner will graduate with honors with his associate of applied science in culinary arts and catering. He is eager to share his passion for food and local ingredients with his community.

Whatever the next steps of their journey, I am proud of each one of our graduates as they leave FVCC equipped for success in their future.

In addition to honoring our graduating class, I want to thank our FVCC board of trustees, our outstanding faculty and staff and our community for your commitment to FVCC and student success. With your support and partnership, our students can quickly enter the local workforce, serve in our military, or continue their education while building a professional network that will serve them as they become community leaders.

I am grateful to all of you who donate to the FVCC Foundation, mentor students, attend campus events and support our students as they pursue their education. It truly takes a community to grow our educated, skilled workforce and our future leaders. We could not do it without your ongoing support.

To our 2023 graduates, you have already shown that you are dedicated and determined to make a difference in your life and in the lives of others. Whatever path you choose, you have earned the education you need to succeed in any endeavor. I admire you and your accomplishments, and am honored to recognize you, the class of 2023.

Congratulations, graduates!

Jane A. Karas is president of Flathead Valley Community College.