Saturday, June 11, 2011, marked Dunwoody College of Technology’s first Commencement held off campus — in the beautiful and historic Orpheum Theatre in downtown Minneapolis.
More than 1,350 family members and friend attended the Commencement to support their graduates.
Construction Project Supervision graduate Steve Domeier took the podium as the student speaker.
“Being in college was not always easy for me,” Domeier said. “I was able to overcome many of the obstacles with the support of the Dunwoody staff, fellow students and family.”
Domeier encouraged his fellow grads to contribute their talents in the workplace and community.
A 1956 Graphic Arts graduate, Howard Siewert, served as the keynote speaker. Howard is the founder of Ideal Printers.
Siewert’s words provided humor and perspective. The key messages of his speech included the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, taking advantage of opportunities and developing friendships -. He ended with this note:
“Believe me, and I say this with a bit of prejudice, if I’m out applying for a job, I would much rather have Dunwoody College of Technology on my resume …Congratulations to all of you for sticking with your chosen career plan and receiving your degree today. I am sure 50 years from now you will feel as I do, it was a good thing to have done. ”
Graduates receiving attendance awards, Latin honors, and honor society members were recognized by President Rich Wagner. After all 287 graduates in attendance received their degrees and recessed from the theatre, a gauntlet of faculty and staff applauded and congratulated them as they exited on to Hennepin Avenue.
Afterward, grads could be seen in their regalia throughout downtown Minneapolis celebrating with family and friends.