PRESQUE ISLE – Sen. Susan Collins urged graduates of Northern Maine Community College Saturday to stay in Maine, and to apply their enthusiasm here to improve the lives of others while getting involved in their communities.

She singled out Joey Cyr of Van Buren, with whom she shared the podium, because of his service to his country as a member of the U.S. Army before continuing his education at NMCC.

“I am especially delighted and honored … his performance in the classroom has been outstanding; his service to America is inspiring,” she said. “Thank you, Joey.

“We are all grateful for your commitment to our nation,” she said just before a round of applause for the 22-year-old automotive technology program graduate.

NMCC awarded 148 associate degrees, 38 diplomas and 29 certificates to 210 students at the school’s 44th commencement.

“Stay in Maine,” she urged the graduates to yet another round of applause from the 1,200 people in attendance. “The diplomas you receive today represent a great deal of hard work on your part,” she said. “They also represent a great debt you owe to those who made it possible.

“There are many ways you can repay this debt,” she said. “I urge you to apply your talent, energy and enthusiasm right here in Maine. Whether at the beginning of your career or later on, Maine needs what you have to offer.”

She told graduates Maine needs entrepreneurs and innovators to become risk-takers to create the businesses and jobs of the future.

She said they also need to become volunteers as firefighters, ambulance crews, helping in hospitals and schools or becoming involved as town officers, members of planning boards or as participants in service clubs.

Get involved, she urged.

By doing these things, graduates were told, they would be furthering the values of northern Maine – determination, optimism, hard work and community spirit. She said northern Maine values are also those of NMCC and the values of the members of the graduating class.

Cyr, who served in Korea while in the military, told his classmates that an education is “something none of us can take for granted.”

He told a story of having a close friend, Patrick, while in the military in Korea. Together they talked of furthering their education after their military time was completed.

Cyr did. Patrick, however, received orders to deploy to Iraq where he was killed by enemy fire.

“Keep in mind how lucky we are,” Cyr told his classmates. “An education is an opportunity for a better future. It is a gift.”

Timothy Crowley, president of NMCC, also told graduates that they have the responsibility to give back.

“To improve the lives of others, your country needs you to be involved,” he told the students of his campus.

Near the end of the ceremony, Crowley presented the annual President’s Award, given to an NMCC staff member for distinguished service to Betsy Harris. Harris is registrar at NMCC. She started her career there on the clerical staff in 1977. She is a member of several campus communities including the Curriculum, the Strategic Planning and the Self-Study Steering Committee.