A jubilant crowd congratulated 78 graduates of the Steamboat campus of Colorado Mountain College at its spring commencement on Saturday morning at the Strings Music Pavillion.

Opening remarks were made by JC Norling, vice president & campus dean, who highlighted the outstanding leadership qualities and individuality of the graduates. After recognizing the faculty in attendance, Norling emphasized that it was important to “celebrate the collective achievements of all graduates.”

Faculty of the year awards were given to adjunct professor Katrina Coreseti and full-time professor Patrick Day.

Staff of the year awards were presented to part-time staff member Libby Foster and full-time staff member Lexi Gretzky.

Two student speakers were selected to address the graduates. Associate of Arts graduate, Isabel Zamora, told the class that “The world awaits.” Bachelor of Arts speaker Holly Fox opened her remarks by saying that “I am so stoked to be here today. We made it!” Fox then presented JC Norling with a painting of the campus for his mentorship. She said her painting “Symbolizes the light and brightness that CMC provides.” Fox went on to say that CMC provided the basis for students to achieve “great determination to learn new skills.”

Carrie Besnette Hauser, president and CEO of Colorado Mountain College, was commemorating her eleventh year and final graduation with CMC. Hauser announced her retirement earlier this year. She implored the graduates to remember that it “took an entire village to get you here.”

The featured commencement speaker was Pat Milbery, a former professional snowboarder who has turned his attention to art and mental health advocacy. His street murals can be found throughout Colorado.

Milbury, who was in a near-fatal car accident on Red Mountain Pass in January, discussed his career, challenges and life risks.

“Roles we take in life can test our ability as a human,” said Milbery, who encouraged the graduates to take risks and face new challenges.

Growing up in St. Paul, Minnesota, Milbery cited his mother as an inspiration. Staying in Minnesota for college rather than relocating to Colorado in order to support his mother, who was dying of cancer, Milbery spoke of the inspirational message she gave him.

“No matter what is going on in life, wear your smile.”

Milbery also told the graduates to “think about what you have rather than what you don’t.”

Colorado Mountain College has 11 campuses that cover 7,500 square miles in eight counties in Colorado. Steamboat Springs hosts one of the three residential sites. The college offers over 70 programs of study, including nine at the bachelor’s level.