NICC Celebrates 2026 Commencement Ceremony

Your contribution today guarantees Decorah News is asking the questions tomorrow. Act now. DECORAH — Northeast Iowa Community College celebrated its 2026 commencement ceremony by honoring graduates for their academic achievements while encouraging them to carry small-town values, resilience and community spirit into the workforce and beyond. NICC Board of Trustees Chair Jim Anderson welcomed graduates, families and community members to the ceremony, praising students for balancing work, family and school while pursuing their education. "Tonight is not your destination, but rather a new beginning for each of you to reach your dreams," Anderson said. The ceremony featured a commencement address from Steve Slessor, chief administrative officer at WinnMed. Slessor highlighted the close relationship between NICC and regional employers, especially in health care, saying the college has played a critical role in developing the local workforce. "It is an unbiased fact that we couldn't have done any of that without NICC," Slessor said, referring to WinnMed's growth and success. Slessor told graduates that rural communities need skilled workers and leaders willing to stay and invest in their hometowns. He encouraged students to value compassion, humility and gratitude alongside technical ability. "People will remember how you respond to hardship," he said. "They won't remember the mistake." Drawing on his own career experiences, Slessor spoke about overcoming self-doubt and learning to focus less on competition and more on appreciation for others. He urged graduates to remain engaged in their professions and communities through mentorship and service. Student speaker Mallory Mohn reflected on the challenges she faced balancing work, extracurricular activities and academics during her time at NICC. Mohn served as vice president of the Ag Club and competed nationally as a dairy specialist. She also participated in the Community College Alliance for Agriculture and presented a project to the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington. Following graduation, she plans to attend Iowa State University to study animal science with minors in international agriculture and agricultural communication. In her speech, Mohn centered on the phrase "pressure is a privilege," describing how a change in mindset helped her manage demanding schedules and responsibilities. "Pressure means something matters," she said. "Pressure means people trust you. It means you care, and it means you are doing something meaningful." Mohn recounted waking up before dawn to work, participating in athletics and extracurricular activities, and traveling throughout Wisconsin representing agriculture through various ambassador roles. She said she eventually learned to view those demands as opportunities rather than burdens. "With this mindset and thanks to NICC, I had opportunities I never thought were possible," she said. The ceremony concluded with NICC Vice President of Teaching and Learning Kathleen Nacos-Burds formally presenting the graduating classes of 2025 and 2026 for their degrees. NICC President David Dahms conferred the degrees before graduates crossed the stage to receive their diplomas. Be in the know, always! The free newsletter delivers local news, features, and tips directly to you—perfect for busy readers.