LINN — State Tech celebrated a major milestone during Thursday’s Health Sciences commencement ceremony at the Klebba Activity Center, honoring graduates while also recognizing that the Physical Therapist Assistant program became the college’s first health sciences program three decades ago.

“What began as a single program 30 years ago has grown into an outstanding health science division we celebrate today,” said State Tech President Dr. Shawn Strong, who noted the Class of 2026 represented several important anniversaries across campus, including the 35th graduating classes for Automation Robotics and Electrical Technology, 30 years for Commercial Turf and Grounds Management, 25 years for Civil Engineering Technology, and 20 years for Nuclear Technology.

Health Sciences commencement speaker Elizabeth Gordon, a 2023 graduate of State Tech’s Radiologic Technology program, shared her journey from Missouri to working at Johns Hopkins Hospital, where she now serves patients in radiography and computed tomography.

Gordon told graduates she moved to Baltimore shortly after graduation, despite never having visited Maryland, knowing no one there, and never seeing the hospital before accepting the position.

“I packed up my four-door sedan and moved 1,000 miles to start a job at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore,” Gordon said. “I had never been to Maryland. I didn’t know a single soul. And I had never even seen the hospital before I accepted the job.”

She described leaving behind her comfort zone in Missouri and embracing uncertainty. “Some people say what I did was brave or bold,” Gordon said. “I’ve always just said I’m naturally curious about what could happen and maybe even a little impulsive.”

Gordon said confidence gained during her time at State Tech helped make that leap possible.

“A big part of that confidence was built right here at State Tech,” Gordon said. “This school is hard and fast-paced. Learning the demanding curriculum, the clinicals — it’s a lot.”

She called completing the program one of the hardest accomplishments of her life. “Getting through my program was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done,” Gordon said. “And that’s exactly why I’m so proud of it.”

Gordon added that the college provided more than technical knowledge.

“This school doesn’t just teach you; it transforms you,” Gordon said. “Yes, I learned medical terminology and pathology, but more importantly, my instructors taught me confidence. They taught me resilience.”

She also spoke candidly about the realities of healthcare careers. “Health care is not all sunshine and rainbows,” Gordon said. “It’s hard, it’s exhausting, and often it will feel thankless.”

Despite those challenges, she said fulfillment comes from helping others.

“If you have the passion to help others and the grit to push through the tough days, you’ll discover something very important,” Gordon said. “You do not need someone else to tell you thank you. You will feel it within yourself.”

Gordon said graduates would leave State Tech with “resilience, confidence, and a strong work ethic,” calling them “power skills” that will shape both careers and lives.

“These are considered soft skills,” Gordon said. “But believe me, there is nothing soft about these skills. No, these are your power skills.”

She encouraged graduates to distinguish themselves through hard work and willingness to take risks.

“At the end of today, every one of you graduates will leave with the same diploma,” Gordon said. “But what sets you apart are the risks you’re willing to take and how hard you’re willing to work for the future that you want.”

Gordon also thanked instructors Melissa Hart and Vicki Johnson for helping shape her career and confidence as a healthcare professional.

She also encouraged graduates to represent State Tech well in their careers. “Go out into the world, work hard, show up every single day, and prove to your employers exactly why they chose you,” Gordon said. “Show them why State Technical College in Missouri is the college to hire graduates from.”

Dr. Strong reflected on the significance of the number of graduates during State Tech’s 65-year history. “More than 20,000 men and women have gone out to Missouri and beyond to build, weld, repair, design, heal, lead, and keep Missouri and this country moving forward,” he said. “Almost anywhere you go in the state of Missouri, there’s a very good chance you will also encounter someone who is a State Tech graduate, has worked with a State Tech graduate, employed one, or depends on one every single day.”

Dr. Strong also thanked everyone for supporting graduates throughout their educational journeys. “Your parents, guardians, family members, and loved ones have made sacrifices, many of which you may never fully realize, to help you make this moment,” said Dr. Strong, reminding graduates that the achievement ultimately belonged to them. “You made the commitment, you put in the work, and took ownership of your education. You came to the best college in the country for hands-on education.”

He encouraged graduates to continue learning and embracing new opportunities.

“As you step forward, embrace new challenges, seize new opportunities, and never quit learning,” said Dr. Strong. “The knowledge and experience you’ve gained at State Tech will be a defining moment in your life.”

Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Angie Gaines later recognized graduates who earned academic honors.

Graduates earning summa cum laude recognition maintained cumulative grade point averages between 3.8 and 4.0, while magna cum laude graduates maintained GPAs ranging from 3.6 to 3.79. Cum laude recognition was awarded to students earning GPAs between 3.4 and 3.59. Each group was recognized during the ceremony.

Gaines also recognized outstanding students selected from each program based on workplace readiness, academics, technical ability, human relations, and overall excellence.

Vice President of Operations Amy Ames introduced members of the State Tech Board of Regents, including President John Klebba, Vice President Steve Sellenriek, and board member Ed Frederick, who presented diplomas to graduates.

Dr. Strong praised the faculty, staff, and Regents for helping prepare graduates for the next chapter of their lives.

“Their dedication to excellence has played a vital role in your success, guiding and preparing you for the next chapter of your lives,” Strong said. “The Board of Regents and I are deeply grateful for their hard work and commitment.”

Following the conferring of degrees and certificates, Vice President of External Relations Shannon Grus welcomed graduates into the State Tech Alumni Association.

“On behalf of over 20,000 State Tech alumni, we applaud you and congratulate you,” Grus said. “And in fact, we admire you.”

Grus explained the symbolic meaning behind commemorative keychains distributed to graduates.

“You already have the keys to your success,” Grus said. “You are a State Tech grad.”

She encouraged graduates to remain connected to the college and continue supporting future students.

“Don’t let graduation be the end of your involvement, but make it the beginning of a lifetime of connection,” Grus said.

Grus closed by welcoming graduates into what she described as the “successful, high-achieving, hard-working, and sometimes a little crazy State Tech family.”

In presenting his closing remarks, Regents President John A. Klebba told graduates he was the last thing standing between them and a proper celebration. “I want to congratulate you and the students on your achievement and convey the hard work and determination that brought you to this milestone,” he said, presenting graduates to their families and friends.