Thousands gathered at NHTI–Concord’s Community College on Friday, May 16 for the college’s 75^th Commencement Ceremony. Students received associate degrees and professional certificates across more than 80 academic programs, ranging from early childhood education and nursing to criminal justice, carpentry, software development, and paralegal studies.

The ceremony featured two speakers from NHTI’s Paramedic Emergency Medicine Program—faculty speaker Keith Wilding and graduating senior Cylan “CJ” Gosselin. This two-year program prepares students for a high-pressure healthcare environment, where skilled workers are in high demand.

“It is a JOY to be surpassed by the person you ‘trained’ and to be able to pass the torch to them—knowing it is in good hands,” said department chair Wilding.

Student speaker Gosselin shared pride for being part of the class of 2025. “We all share something profound: We chose to become more… because we saw something worth building in ourselves, each other, and the communities we’re returning to.” NHTI president Patrick Tompkins agreed, “You have loved yourself enough to want more in life and to believe you can achieve more.”

The ceremony also featured remarks from City of Concord Mayor Byron Champlin, who delivered the keynote address. Champlin, reflecting on his unexpected career journey shared, “When you take your degree or certification into the workplace, view it as a key and not a fastened lock that bars you from going in new directions.”

Thousands of proud families, friends, and supporters gathered on NHTI’s campus in Concord for this important ceremony—many holding flowers, balloons, and hand-made signs.

As each graduate crossed the stage, they celebrated not only the completion of their programs but important next steps in their professional careers. Communities across New Hampshire and beyond are now welcoming NHTI’s newest alumni to impactful careers in diverse industries. To learn more about NHTI’s academic programs and workforce development opportunities, visit nhti.edu.

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Members of NHTI’s Paramedic Emergency Medicine Program Class of 2025

About NHTI-Concord’s Community College

NHTI is a dynamic public institution of higher learning that provides accessible, rigorous education for students, businesses, and the community. We create pathways for lifelong learning, career advancement, and civic engagement, offering 80+ academic programs to 4,600+ students annually. NHTI is a member of the Community College System of New Hampshire and since 1969 has been accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, a nongovernmental, nationally recognized accrediting agency.