10 Jul
With many inspiring remarks from a fired-up firefighter to a historic civil rights leader, the 15th commencement at National Labor College (NLC) led by AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, NLC President Paula Peinovich, and NLC Provost Dan Katz, was truly memorable.
Surrounded by family and friends, NLC graduates received their bachelor’s degrees on a sunny morning at the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies.
US Representative John Lewis gave the commencement address and admonished graduates not to be afraid to disturb things when fighting for their beliefs. Kim Bobo, Karen Lewis, and Mahlon Mitchell also received honorary degrees and offered words of encouragement. (View honorary degree blog post)
Elected-class speaker Mary McNulty, California Teachers Association, also delivered a moving address thanking her family who supported her throughout her journey. Her message to her fellow graduates:
I am optimistic because we are a class of do-ers, a class of principled, kind, compassionate, goal-oriented men and women who will make a significant and positive impact in our workplaces and our communities.
Labor is lucky to have us on its side.
Nine George Mason University students received their master’s degrees through a partnership with NLC. This year’s ceremony had special significance as NLC’s Director of Admissions Carol Rodgers and Rail Workers Hazardous Material Training Programs Coordinator Freddie Thomas earned their master’s degrees in Organization Development and Knowledge Management. Congratulations!
Thank you to everyone who made the event so special. Please take a look at the graduation photos on our Flickr site.