A first-of-its-kind graduation ceremony happened Wednesday at the Forest County Potawatomi Community Auditorium east of Crandon.
More than two dozen tribal members received a certificate in Professional Communication from Nicolet College. The idea for the classes began with tribal administrator Eugene Shawano who was looking for ways to expand professional development opportunities for employees.
As Nicolet College President Dr. Richard Nelson says this was a unique graduation for the college...
"....this is the first time we've had a ceremony like this off campus. We were especially proud because the cohort of students stuck together as a group, their persistence was great. Almost everyone who started finished yesterday...."
The classes were held at Potawatomi facilities, enabling people to continue at their jobs. Dr. Nelson says this type of schooling might be more common in the future....
"....these graduates are all employed. They really don't have the option of taking a time out from their lives and going to school full time."
The certificate course was a four-class, 12-credit certificate. All the employees work at tribal enterprises, including the casino, tribal government, local newspaper, health clinic and child care center. The tribe paid for the tuition.
