The Daily Nonpareil - IWCC Awards Degrees to Record 754 Grads

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by Scott Stewart

Chairs were at a premium Saturday morning in the Kanesville Arena.

Iowa Western Community College graduated a record number of students in a commencement ceremony, with a capacity crowd spilling out into the hallway at the standing-room-only celebration.

"We thank you for your attendance," said Iowa Western President Dan Kinney before cautioning the crowd to expect a traffic jam and suggesting photos on campus while the congestion cleared. "It is probably going to be a bit slow."

Each of the record 754 graduates, including more than 350 who walked in the ceremony, was invited to return to campus in the future, and alumni of the college were recognized during the opening remarks.

"The world is ready as you go out into careers or continue your education at the next level," Kinney said. "Even though the world is ready, we're sincere in saying you're always going to be welcome back at Iowa Western Community College."

U.S. Rep. David Young delivered a commencement address to the crowd, as the college staff helped seat people in the few spots left in arena.

His talk stressed the importance of working hard to achieve success.

"You should be proud of what you've accomplished," he said. "Certainly, you've taken enough tests, right? But there are more tests to take -- life's tests."

Using quotes from Winston Churchill and Calvin Coolidge, Young said the graduating students have what they need to find their own way in life, and he offered a prayer at the end of his comments.

"You've got grit, that rugged determination that keeps you going when the going gets tough," he said.

"Once you graduate, you don't get another syllabus."

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