NWACC graduation set for May 19

NorthWest Arkansas Community College will hold its annual commencement ceremonies on 2 p.m. May 19 at the John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers.

Dr. Becky Paneitz, president of NorthWest Arkansas Community College, will be the featured speaker for the ceremony. She is retiring at the end of June after serving a decade as the college’s chief executive.
 
Approximately 1,500 students have applied to receive associate degrees and certificates from NWACC this past year.

Also slated to receive honorary degrees and service recognition will be Melba Shewmaker, philanthropist and community volunteer and Preston Bynum, a longtime public servant and founder of the Phoenix Firm.
 
Farah Abu-Safe, a native of Jordan, will be recognized as the 2013 NWACC Distinguished Graduate. The 19-year-old became an American citizen in September 2012. She is graduating magna cum laude and plans to continue her education at the University of Arkansas.

Becky Hudson, a 2006 graduate of NWACC, will receive the Dick Trammel Outstanding Alumni Award.

Three other related activities are scheduled in coming days:
• Nurse pinning ceremony: 2 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at Arend Arts Center in Bentonville.

• Adult education graduation: 7 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at Arend Arts Center in Bentonville.

• Building science graduation: 6 p.m. Friday May 17 at the Shewmaker Center for Workforce Technologies.