Lakeshore Technical College Holds Winter Commencement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

12/22/2017

CLEVELAND, WI —

Lakeshore Technical College awarded degrees to over 230 to students following its winter commencement ceremony December 16. This commencement marks the 87th graduation Lakeshore Technical College has held at its Cleveland campus since 1974. Over 30,000 people earned their LTC degrees during that time period.

Dr. Paul Carlsen, LTC President, welcomed the graduates and their guests.

"I am proud to be here. Today marks a great accomplishment for each and every one of you," Carlsen told the graduates. "You have already started achieving great things by getting to this moment. I know when you leave here you will continue to do great things in your lives, however you define greatness. When I look out at this graduating class, I see unlimited potential for unlimited things."

Jay Torke, President of Torke Family Coffee Roasters, served as the keynote speaker. Torke has over 15 years of experience in the coffee industry and is also the current president of the LTC Foundation.

 "You have all accomplished something that took a lot of courage and brave thinking. Your life and career will have starts and stops, zigs and zags, you'll experience good economic times, bad economic times, political unrest and world corruption," Torke told the graduates. "But remember this, no one can ever take away your education and all of you should stand tall and be proud of what you accomplished. I challenge you to take your education, your bold and courageous thinking and inspire those around you to reach higher levels as well. Then you will have made an impact on the world in which you live today."

Taylor Harlin of Manitowoc was the student speaker.  Harlin graduated from the Quality Assurance Technician program and earned dean's list honors each of his semesters at LTC.

 "Growing up, grade school taught me to work smarter, not harder. The problem with that is that I love to work hard, and I enjoy a challenge. I have always wondered, why not work smart and hard," Harlin told his fellow graduates. "Grade school had taught me that if I wanted to be successful, I had to go to Ivy League school and become a doctor or lawyer. Life has taught me that is not true! I have discovered for myself the value, joy, and pride that can be found in a career in the technical field; the vast knowledge that technical experts have and the importance of these roles."

During his time at LTC, Harlin balanced attending full-time with working full-time as a Learning Coordinator at Johnsonville Sausage. After graduation, Harlin plans to continue his education at a four-year university beginning in fall 2018.