Milligan urges State Tech graduates to continue to learn

By Neal A. Johnson, UD Editor
Posted 6/3/20

Eric Milligan, a 2007 graduate of State Technical College with a degree in Industrial Electricity, told more than 600 graduates at three ceremonies on Saturday that learning never stops, and …

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Milligan urges State Tech graduates to continue to learn

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Eric Milligan, a 2007 graduate of State Technical College with a degree in Industrial Electricity, told more than 600 graduates at three ceremonies on Saturday that learning never stops, and encouraged them to utilize the foundation built at the top-ranked two-year college in the country.

“Please use your degree for many things to come, whether you go into the workforce or further your education, your degree will always be working for you,” said Milligan. “Over the years, I’ve been blessed to have great leaders, mentors and opportunities. I ask as you leave here today, please allow yourself to continue to learn. There will be so many great teachers and mentors to help further your knowledge and growth for many years to come.”

Milligan said he understands from personal experience how much it takes to earn a degree and build a successful career, which starts with a good education.

“I hope that all of you are proud of the hard work you put in to get here, and I hope this is one of many great things to come for all of you,” said Milligan, who was an intern at Unilever during his time at State Tech.

Milligan told graduates that prior to his time at State Tech, he was enrolled at another college, but could not define a career path. “I remember taking classes and getting credit hours, but I had no focus on what I wanted to study,” he said. “I looked at majors and had no desire to take my career in that direction.”

At one point, he came across State Tech on the web, and he noticed the Industrial Electricity program. All of the words were in bold, and the entire description seemed to resonate with Milligan, who began his studies at the Linn college in the fall of 2005.

“The programs here are very comprehensive and build a good foundation toward any future you wish,” said Milligan. “I also created many friendships during my time at State Tech.”

After graduation, he accepted a position as an electrical technician at Unilever’s Jefferson City location.

“It was here that I put my degree to work,” Milligan said. “I frequently used my core knowledge from the classroom.”

All of the skills he learned at State Tech enabled him to move up the ranks to controls engineer, and from there, automation and controls supervisor, and finally, to his current role as engineering manager. He oversees automation and controls strategies for Unilever at four factories in North America in the personal care division.

Since graduating from State Tech, Milligan has added to his education, with a Bachelor of Science in Technology in 2014, and a Master of Science in Industrial Management in 2016, both from the University of Central Missouri.

State Tech President Dr. Shawn Strong told graduates that while commencement is his and the staff’s favorite event of the year, this one will go down in history.

“A hundred years from now, when someone mentions the year 2020, I suspect it will still have some significance,” he said. “You will be one of the first in the country to have an in-person graduation this year. In the history of State Tech, you will be the first to graduate outside. Fifty years from now, when you come back for a reunion, I suspect others will look at you in disbelief as they know the class of 2020 as the tailgate graduation class.”

Dr. Strong added that some may find the circumstances less than ideal, due to social distancing.

“Some don’t have a great view, but I hope most of you will appreciate this little bit of craziness for what it is: making the best of a challenging situation. I’m very proud of the State Tech faculty and staff. They moved mountains to move to remote learning. The board and I are grateful for all they have done to enable this graduation.”

Dr. Strong commended graduates for their commitment to reach this point in their lives, acknowledging that the change to remote learning after spring break was a challenge. “We know you didn’t attend State Tech with the intention of finishing remotely. We know you came to the best two-year college in the country to get a hands-on education. We are proud of the way you responded to adversity, and this will serve you well later in life. It’s our life experiences that shape us. You will look back on this year and your time at State Tech as a defining time in your life.”

One of this year’s graduates is in the unique position of being employed by State Tech as she studied for her degree.

Angie Cole, of Linn, earned an Associates Degree in Civil Engineering Technology after giving up on higher education after graduating in 1988 from Linn High School.

“I went to Lincoln University for two semesters right out of high school, but I was not a successful student,” Cole said. “It has always been a dream of mine to go back to school and complete my degree. While working at State Tech with students and seeing them learn, I knew I wanted to be a part of that. The opportunity was there and I jumped right in, with the encouragement of some of my colleagues and most importantly the support of my family.”

As a nine-month employee of the college, Cole took advantage of having the summers off, and enrolled with a full class load last summer.

“That helped speed things along,” she added. “I wanted to get my degree finished as quickly as I could.”

It took three years to complete, and Cole was due to graduate the same weekend as her son, Andrew, who will receive his diploma June 21 from Linn High School.

“The pandemic changed that of course, but I am still excited that we are both 2020 graduates,” said Cole. “It took me a little longer than many of my original high school classmates, but I finally got it done.”

Cole said she was impressed with the tailgate graduation.

“The way State Tech approached the graduation was amazing,” she said. “It exemplifies the problem-solving skills and innovation that is taught in the classroom. State Tech thought outside the box: adapt and overcome. They made this happen for us. In the middle of a pandemic, they found a solution to show how important State Tech students are. I am thankful they made it happen. I cannot think of one negative thing to say about the tailgate experience. If weather permits like it did this year, I hope they continue to keep the ceremony outside, but with hugs and handshakes. That was a little tough.”

Vice President of Development Shannon Grus told graduates they are now part of an elite family — the State Tech family.

“Like any family, we do have some expectations,” she said. “First, we support each other. You support us, and we support you, whether that’s help you find a job, or reaching out to an advisor. You support each other as well. Second, we want you to stay informed. In this world, we know how quickly things can change, and the more informed you are about what’s happening at State Tech, the better family member you’re going to be. Last, we want you to stay involved. Don’t let graduation be the end of your involvement with State Tech; let it be the beginning of a lifetime of involvement.”

Regents President John A. Klebba congratulated graduates for their hard work and achievements, and asked them to come back and visit the college.

Haley Hughes earned this year’s President’s Award, which is given based on the student’s demonstration of leadership, citizenship, character, and service to the college.

“This year’s recipient is no exception,” said Dr. Strong.

A former State Tech faculty noted that Hughes is always willing to go the extra mile to help other fellow classmates/students at State Tech. “She always has a smile on her face and snacks in her tool box, if you ask her. Her upbeat spirit will always brighten your day,” this faculty member said.

Hughes has done amazing things during her time at State Tech including Phi Theta Kappa, volunteering for school events, and being a State Tech champion at National Skills USA. 

“Nothing will stand in her way of pursuing her dreams and she will achieve great things in her career,” said Dr. Strong on behalf of the faculty member. “She has been a great contribution and ambassador for State Tech in so many ways.”

Hughes is a past graduate of the Powersports Technology, Precision Machining Technology, and will soon be a graduate of the Electrical Power Generation program this summer. 

“She will be one of our next generation of State Tech success stories that continues to make our graduates the employer’s choice,” Dr. Strong said in his presentation.