North Central Michigan College will mark the end of another successful academic year with two important ceremonies on May 9.

The college will hold its 65th annual commencement exercises at 7 p.m. inside Petoskey Plastics Arena in the college’s Athletic Center. More than 295 graduates will receive their diplomas. A reception for graduates and guests will follow the ceremony.

“Commencement is a momentous occasion that honors the dedication and perseverance of our graduates,” said NCMC President David Roland Finley. “We are proud to celebrate their achievements and look forward to seeing the impact they will make in their communities and careers.”

Beth LaForestBeth LaForest, chief of staff at Livonia’s Schoolcraft College and a proud NCMC alumna, will deliver the commencement address to the Class of 2025.

LaForest brings more than 18 years of experience in higher education leadership. She has worked across multiple areas of community college administration, including facilities management, campus safety, information technology, library services, student housing, strategic planning, finance, and the president’s office.

A strong advocate for the life-changing impact of community colleges, LaForest’s own educational journey began at North Central, where she earned an associate degree in 2008 before obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Lawrence Technological University and a Master of Business Administration from Ferris State University.

“Within North Central’s walls, I fell in love with community colleges and the important mission they hold — so much so that I never left,” LaForest said. “I was supported by amazing faculty, knowledgeable staff and a vibrancy of student life that allowed me to take risks, learn leadership skills and understand that no door was barred to me. I am unbelievably honored to be invited back to be a part of this momentous occasion for the Class of 2025.”

During the ceremony, college officials will award honorary degrees of Community Service to Stafford Smith and Dudley Marvin, two visionary leaders whose dedication to hospitality, business, and community has shaped the fabric of Northern Michigan.

Stafford SmithStafford Smith, a Northwestern University graduate, purchased the Bay View Inn in 1961, launching Stafford’s Hospitality, a legacy that grew to include The Pier Restaurant, The Weathervane Restaurant, The Perry Hotel, The Gallery, and Crooked River Lodge.

Smith’s leadership has shaped tourism and economic growth in the region, earning him Michigan’s Hotelier of the Year honors in 1995. In addition, Smith was the first recipient of the Stafford Smith Award, an honor bestowed by Select Registry for his exceptional contributions to independent innkeeping. As a distinguished organization representing over 300 premier inns, bed and breakfasts, and small hotels across North America, Select Registry upholds the highest standards of hospitality, ensuring each member property meets its rigorous 200-point quality assurance inspection.

Dudley MarvinDudley Marvin, a Michigan State University graduate and U.S. Naval Reserve veteran, joined Stafford’s team in 1964, becoming president of Stafford’s Hospitality in 1980 and guiding its success until his retirement in 2010.

A dedicated community leader, he has served on the Emmet County Zoning Board of Appeals, the Springvale Township Planning Committee, and the Pickerel-Crooked Lakes Association while preserving the historic Pointer Boat in Harbor Springs.

“Together, Stafford Smith and Dudley Marvin have defined hospitality in Northern Michigan, creating spaces that have welcomed visitors for generations and leaving an indelible mark on the region’s economic and cultural landscape,” Finley said. “Their contributions to business, community service, and tourism have strengthened the fabric of Northern Michigan, making them deserving recipients of the college’s highest form of recognition.”

2025 Nurse Pinning Ceremony

North Central’s nurse pinning ceremony, the annual tradition that marks the completion of students’ nursing coursework, will be held immediately prior to commencement, at 4 p.m. in Petoskey Plastics Arena. Twenty-two student-nurses will receive their pins. A reception for nurses and their families will follow the pinning ceremony.

Kara Evans, who graduated from North Central’s nursing program in 2015, will deliver the keynote address to the 2025 nursing graduates. Evans has built a dynamic career in healthcare, spanning critical care, leadership and education. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain University in 2017, further strengthening her expertise in the field.

Evans began her nursing journey as a nurse and team leader in McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital’s cardiovascular unit, where she developed her critical care skills while taking on leadership responsibilities. She later expanded her experience at Munson Healthcare Charlevoix Hospital, serving as a medical-surgical nurse and house supervisor, overseeing hospital operations and managing a range of patient care needs.

Committed to shaping the future of nursing, Evans has also served as an adjunct clinical instructor at North Central, sharing her knowledge and passion with the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Both nurse pinning and commencement will be livestreamed for those unable to attend.  For more information about both events, including a list of graduates by academic program, visit www.ncmich.edu/commencement.