ACC had 353 candidates for graduation this year, compared to 299 in May 2024.

After a welcome from the ACC Board of Trustees Chairman John Briggs and introductions by ACC President Don MacMaster, several awards were given to students, an alumnus, and a former ACC staff member.

The Jesse and Anna Besser awards were given to two outstanding students in the Class of 2025. The Besser Awards are the highest recognition of academic achievement given at Alpena Community College, and 2025 is the 53rd year they have been presented.

The Anna Besser award was awarded to Cassia Marchinski for her contributions to the college as a tutor in the student success center, her participation in the student leadership commission and outdoor club, and her position as treasurer of ACC RISE, a group that spreads awareness about the risks associated with drug and alcohol use.

News Photo by Reagan Voetberg Carter Upper received the Jesse Besser award for his contributions to the college and community at the Alpena Community College Commencement Ceremony Thursday night.

She was also a part of Heroes, a local non-profit designed to help those with special needs. She served on the teen advisory board at the Alpena County Library and created the Beyond Differences club. Marchinski participated in the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan community impact grant board as well.

The Jesse Besser award was awarded to Carter Upper for his contributions to the college through his participation on the cross country team, as treasurer of ACC’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, as vice president of ACC’s Sigma Zeta group, and as an academic tutor in the student success center.

He also volunteered as an assistant track coach for the Alpena high school and junior high school track teams, as an event volunteer for Science Olympiad, and as a clean-up volunteer with Great Lakes, Great Responsibility. Upper volunteered in the Alcona County Coffee for Veterans group and as a head camp counselor for 4-H camp outdoor adventures.

The Fellow of the College Award was given to former ACC Dean of Students Max Lindsay. The award recognizes someone who, through a sense of purpose, community concern, and leadership, has enriched the educational, cultural, and/or economic lives of the citizens of Northeast Michigan. Mary Eagan, Executive Director of the ACC Foundation, presented the award.

Doug Field, a 1984 graduate, was the recipient of the Distinguished Graduate award this year for his contribution to society through a successful career. ACC Director of Alumni Relations Rob Enslen presented the award.

News Photo by Reagan Voetberg Cassia Marchinski received the Anna Besser award for her contributions to the college and community at the Alpena Community College Commencement Ceremony Thursday night.

The commencement address was given by newly retired utility technology instructor Todd Artley.

The announcement of his name was met by raucous applause from the ACC graduates.

His talk was casual and conversational, and he acknowledged comments made by graduates during the speech.

Artley discussed a simple phrase often discussed by his parents: “because it’s the right thing to do.” He encouraged students to practice generosity.

“So, when you’re going through life, you’re going to be chasing through, you’re going to have options here and there,” Artley said. “Maybe you’re going to have a snag here and there. Or something’s just not going to be working right, maybe you’re down in the dumps or something like that, just reach out to somebody, and just know that these little twists and turns and things that happen to you in life, that’s actually really worth a treasure.”

After Artley’s commencement address, the graduates were presented by Paige Gordier, vice president of instruction. Students lined up to receive their degrees and certificates to conclude their time at ACC.

Students processed out of the ceremony to pomp and circumstance after a benediction by the Rev. Thomas Orth of Grace Lutheran Church and the retiring of the colors by the Alpena fire and police departments’ honor guard.