ALPENA – Alpena Community College has 369 candidates for graduation, and around 140 of them marched into the ACC gymnasium Thursday evening to take part in their commencement ceremony. This year’s ceremony included musical performances by the Besser Chorus and the posting of the colors by the Alpena Area Public Safety Honor Guard.

Brian Siegert, vice-president of manufacturing for Besser Company, presented the 2015 Besser Awards to graduates Mary Myers and Brennan Casler. These awards are the highest recognition of academic achievement given at ACC, and this is the 43rd year they have been presented. Each year the Besser Awards are presented to one male and one female student who have made outstanding contributions to the life of the college through scholarship, leadership and expression of responsibility in solving social problems. Besser Company also includes a $500 stipend along with a framed certificate to each winner. The students will also have their names engraved on the Besser Award plaque near the Stephen H. Fletcher Library at ACC.

“Jesse and Anna Besser always gave back to the community through sharing their time and their visions, along with their wealth,” Siegert said. “These students have given back to the community through all that they have done while at ACC, and they have made a difference for the good.”

Myers served as captain of the ACC Volleyball team, played on the women’s basketball team, was the Vice-President of Phi Theta Kappa, a Student Ambassador and tutor, a member of the Clery Committee, a member of the Utility Technology student’s first place Lineman Rodeo team and received the State of Michigan Breaking Traditions Excellence Award for 2015.

Casler served as the President of Phi Theta Kappa, was a Student Ambassador and student services tutor, and a Phi Theta Kappa All-Michigan Academic Team member.

Craig A. Kus, President and Chief Operating Officer of First Federal of Northern Michigan was named as the 2015 Fellow of the College, an award that recognizes someone who, through a sense of purpose, community concern and leadership, has enriched the educational, cultural and economic lives of the citizens of Northeast Michigan.

“I am honored to be recognized for this very prestigious award,” Kus said. “Economic development in Northeast Michigan has always been a passion of mine, and it is my goal to be a net importer of talent, talent like those graduating tonight.”

The Distinguished Alumni Award was presented to Kurt Golder, a graduate of the ACC Class of 1974, who is currently the Univeristy of Michigan Men’s Gymnastics Head Coach. This award is presented to an ACC Alumnus who has impacted the world in their realm of expertise, and with his many accolades within the gymnastics world, Golder has done that and more.

The commencement address for the evening was delivered by ACC Trustee Joseph Gentry, who encouraged graduates to go out into the world with a caring and loving attitude.

“My petition is for each of us to love more, care more and seek the highest good in all people,” Gentry said. “Take your heart with you in all that you do.”

The John M. Grand Front Runner Awards were presented to graduates Terry McKenzie and Christopher Atkins. These awards are given annually to two graduating non-traditional students who have demonstrated unusual dedication in the pursuit of higher education.

The ceremony ended with students becoming graduates as they walked across the stage to accept their degrees. Tassles were turned and the ACC Class of 2015 became Alumni.

Nicole Grulke can be reached via email at ngrulke@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5687. Follow Nicole on Twitter @ng_alpenanews.