Additional Commencement coverage
• Photo Gallery: Back Stage • Photo Gallery: Mortar Board Art

Northwest Technical College celebrated its graduating class of 2025 — which included its largest ever class of 54 Native American graduates — during May 9 commencement ceremonies.

Student Speakers

Christian Monroe, an automotive service and performance graduate from Deer River, Minn., addressed NTC’s graduating class as a representative of the student body.

He shared the story of his own path to NTC, which began at a four-year university before he realized that he needed to seek an alternative. A timely breakdown of his vehicle, along with reminders from his grandmother and a good friend that he enjoyed fixing cars. Their question, “have you thought about becoming a mechanic?” led him to NTC.

“I knew that when two people, who are among the most important people in my life, are asking me the same question, that means I should take it seriously,” he said.

He encouraged graduates to not shy away from their own opportunities to take risks.

“It’s scary to step into the unknown, but I can assure you the rewards are totally worth it,” he said.

BSU President John L. Hoffman

Dr. John L. Hoffman, president of NTC and Bemidji State University, reminded graduates that the stories they had created during their college years within the halls and walls of the campus and the land and water of the surrounding community and region were leading them into a new world — a world where they were joining a community of NTC graduates who came before them.

“They, too, overcame amazing odds and hurdles to get to this space,” he said. “They had faculty and staff who went an extra mile to invest in them to help them succeed. But our alumni will also tell you that next part of the story, the NTC story. Because what ties every NTC story together is this: NTC changes the lives of people who change lives.”

“We know that each one of you has talents and gifts and abilities that our society needs,” he said. “And your talents and gifts and abilities are tied to your unique identities and cultures, your families, and your life experiences.”

He asked gathered graduates to remember the lessons learned from the stories they will tell about their time at NTC and apply those lessons to the lives and careers ahead of them.

“Remember the relationships, the friendships, the involvement, the leadership. Take that as you create families and build communities,” he said. “Give back, pay it forward and live lives that will lead the world, the land, the water, the walls, the halls, and the people within to be better off tomorrow than they are today.”

NTC IMPACT Award Recipient

Justin Sherwood, fire chief of the City of Bemidji, addressed NTC graduates as as the inaugural recipient of the NTC IMPACT Award.

Sherwood opened his remarks to NTC’s Class of 2025 by recalling Kendrick Lamar’s performance at this year’s Super Bowl, featuring his hit “Not Like Us.”

“It’s powerful,” he said. “It’s more than a comparison — it’s an invitation to reflect on the different paths people take in pursuing and finding their purpose, passion and professional fulfillment.”

He shared his own educational pathway, which began at Bemidji State University until the September 11 attacks moved him to change direction and join the Bemidji Fire Department.

“I didn’t find my path through careful planning,” he said, “but through purpose, faith and a call to serve. This journey has led me to be here with you today.”

He reminded graduates that their decision to invest in a college education would pay dividends for the rest of their lives — but only if they reflected on what education truly means.

“Too often we define education by the number of years spent in school, the accumulation of diplomas, certificates and degrees,” he said. “Others define it by life lessons and personal experiences. Some of our most impactful leaders and innovators who truly shape organizations and communities don’t always follow a traditional path.

“They don’t measure success in titles or test scores,” he added. “They measure it in impact.”

He told students that NTC has played an integral role in his own path, and that it certainly would play a similar role in their futures as well.

“My time at NTC helped shape my path, my life,” he said. “It put me where I was supposed to be. It was an investment in my self that continues to pay dividends — even today.”

He also reminded NTC graduates that today was not their finish line, but the beginning of their next chapter.

“Your degree, your diploma or certificate is not the finish line,” he said. “It’s your entry pass into the building. It permits you to step into the dirt, the noise and the vulnerability of real work. Because now, graduates, the game begins.”

NTC’s Innovation, Mastery, Progress, Achievement, Community and Technology (IMPACT) Award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional innovation through creative problem-solving, mastery of technical skills and outstanding academic performance. The award acknowledges the application of technology to develop practical and ethical solutions to problems, while also recognizing individuals for their association with and contributions to NTC.

Greeting from the Board of Trustees

George Soule, chair of the Board of Trustees for the Minnesota State system of colleges and universities, shared remarks meant to “celebrate your achievements, but also to renew our support for public higher education in Minnesota” and congratulated graduates for their success.

“Graduates, you are — and will be — living proof of the value of higher education,” he said. “Not just dollars and cents, but by the friends and family you’ve made, the experiences you’ve had, and the learning and growth that you have experienced inside and outside of the classroom. These will last a lifetime.”

Welcome to the Alumni Association

Graduates were welcomed into the community of NTC alumni by Brad Olson, chair of the NTC Foundation Board.

“I’m here as someone who cares deeply about this college, this community and — most importantly — you, our graduates,” he said. “We’re here to celebrate.”

He shared information with the graduate on the NTC Foundation and its role in supporting the college and its students, including its recent efforts to launch an emergency fund to support students during times of crisis, to develop the Student Success Center and to award scholarships to deserving students.

“Many gradates in this room have directly benefitted from these efforts,” he said. “It’s a powerful reminder of what happens when a community comes together to invest in education.”

He also congratulated graduates for their efforts to reach their goal of completing their diplomas, certificates and degrees.

“While the Foundation can offer support, it’s your determination, grit and hard work that brought you here today,” he said. “We’re proud to have played such a small part in your journey.”

Class of 2025 By the Numbers

NTC’s class of 2025 earned:

• 27 associate of applied science degrees
• 111 associate of science degrees
• 95 diplomas
• 51 certificates

In addition, 172 graduates were recognized as Honors Graduates for completing their academic careers with grade point averages of at least 3.50.

NTC also recognized 14 graduates who are current or veteran members of the military.

Fall classes begin Monday, August 25, 2025. To learn more or to register for classes, visit NTCMN.edu.