IRONWOOS — On Friday, Gogebic Community College held its 92nd commencement ceremony at the Lindquist Student and Conference Center Gymnasium on the campus of Gogebic Community College in Ironwood. Approximately 220 degrees and certificates were awarded, including 43 Associate of Arts, 53 Associate of Applied Science, 12 Associate of Applied Business, 9 Associate of Applied Technology, 7 Associate of Science degrees, 80 Certificates of Completion and 17 Occupational Certificates.

The graduating class had 33 students graduating with high honors, which means these students achieved an overall grade point average of 3.75 or higher, and 28 students are graduating with honors, which means that these students graduated with a grade point average of 3.5 to 3.74.

This year’s commencement address was given by Mark Jurakovich who grew up in Wakefield and graduated from Wakefield-Marenisco High School in 2005. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, completed Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal in January 2007, earning the coveted Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Badge, and was subsequently stationed at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware.

After separating from active duty in 2010, Jurakovich joined the Minnesota Air National Guard and enrolled at Gogebic Community College graduating in 2013 with an Associate of Arts Degree in Education. During his time at Gogebic, he was an integral member of two Region 13 Championship basketball teams, maintained a perfect 4.0 grade-point average and was awarded the National Junior College Athletic Association Pinnacle Award for Academic Excellence in 2013.

In 2015, he transferred to the University of Michigan, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education. In 2016, Jurakovich returned to active duty and was stationed at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. He served as the Functional Area Manager for the Air National Guard EOD program, overseeing 17 units and 150 personnel while managing a $3.2 million budget. In recognition of his leadership and performance, he was named the 2018 Air National Guard Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.

GCC President, Christopher Patritto, presided over the ceremony. Musical selections were presented by the Gogebic Range Concert Band, directed by Anthony Hanson-Lynn.