BANGOR – Eastern Maine Technical College’s 36th commencement Saturday featured some “firsts” and one “last” in the school’s history.

EMTC’s Class of 2003 joined the last “technical college” graduates around Maine as the state’s network of technical colleges prepare for the transition to a community-college system July 1.

Saturday marked the first time EMTC held two ceremonies – one in the morning and another in the afternoon – due to the continued rise in the numbers of graduates.

This year’s class totaled 257.

Also for the first time, EMTC granted emeritus status to two longtime faculty members, both of whom are retiring. Recipients were mathematics instructor Loring Kydd, who has been with the college since its founding, and Warren Southworth, an English instructor for 35 years.

In another first, EMTC’s graduating class included students from the Penquis High Education Center in Dover-Foxcroft – a joint venture with the University of Maine.

Student of the Year for 2003 was Thomas Maynard, a member of the Beta Beta Omicron Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. In his address, he noted that nothing in life is certain, citing as examples the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and job losses in Maine’s once-stable shoe and paper industries.

Maynard urged fellow grads to pursue the careers of their dreams, as he did when he left a job in sales to seek an associate degree in refrigeration, air-conditioning and heating. Despite juggling school, work and family life, he said, returning to school was well worth doing, for HIS family, himself and his state.

“We are the future, and Maine needs every one of us to help rebuild its economy,” he said.

The state’s need for an educated work force also figured into the afternoon commencement address delivered by Joyce Theriault, an area businesswoman who has held leadership posts in several area service and professional groups as well as EMTC. She noted that a state Department of Education study forecasts that two-thirds of future jobs in Maine will require a minimum of two-year degrees.

Former state legislator Catharine K. Lebowitz delivered the morning address.

The following students earned excellence in technology awards: Robert Thew, automotive technology; Russ Lozefski, building construction; Tina Gagnon, business management; Ryan Rancourt, computer-aided drafting and design; Jason Light, computer systems technology; Lynna Higgins, culinary arts; Allen Chartier, diesel, truck and heavy equipment technology; David Milton, early childhood education; and David Larlee, general technology.

Other recipients were: Mark Withee, telecommunications; Robert Fago Jr., automation technology; Daniel Cole, precision metal manufacturing technology; Patrick O’Kane, applied metal manufacturing; Jennifer Petrell, medical radiography technology; Thomas Maynard; refrigeration, air conditioning and heating technology; Ernest Coolong, welding technology; Theresa Bray, nursing; Garnett Rutherford, pipe fabrication.