FVCC grads ready to make a difference

On May 16, Flathead Valley Community College will proudly celebrate the Class of 2025 at our 57th commencement ceremony. This is a moment to honor the determination, resilience and accomplishments of our graduates.

At FVCC, we are reminded every day of the impact education has on individuals, families and communities. Our students not only gain knowledge and skills, but also discover their capacity to create meaningful change.

This year’s graduates come from many different backgrounds and have taken many different paths, but they all share a commitment to learning and growth. As they leave our campus, they carry with them the ability to make an impact — wherever they go and whatever they do.

Seth Buckman’s path to graduation is shaped by service, hard work and a commitment to community. An Iraq War veteran, former drag racing mechanic and a former captain of FVCC’s Logger Sports team, Seth had not stayed in one place for more than three years — until he came to Kalispell.

This father of two describes himself as “tough as nails.” Graduating with a degree in small business management, he is already making an impact. He recently became the lead administrator at a local surveying company owned by an FVCC alumnus. Seth is applying what he learned to optimize operations, with plans to grow into the role of financial controller. He plans to stay in the Flathead Valley, where he isn’t ruling out a future run for office.

One of this year’s most inspiring stories comes from 87-year-old Ida Whittet. In her younger years, her husband’s work took them to China, where she taught college students, despite never completing her own degree.

In 2007, she came to FVCC to build a website for her grandson’s band, but she did not stop there. Ida was impacted by the sense of community she felt taking classes. She is graduating with honors in graphic design, a true example of a lifelong learner.

Haily Mundel’s journey to welding started at Columbia Falls High School, where she took FVCC’s Welding 101 through Running Start. Inspired by her brother, an ironworker, she chose to continue learning at FVCC. Receiving scholarships impacted Haily greatly, allowing her to live on campus and focus fully on her studies.

Some of Haily’s notable accomplishments include welding a custom topper for her truck and creating an award-winning sculpture in the fall student art show. She is graduating with her degree in welding and fabrication technology. Haily plans to spend the summer in Alaska and begin work at a local custom fabrication shop in the fall.

As we celebrate the achievements of this year’s graduates, we also express our deep appreciation for the FVCC Board of Trustees, faculty, staff and families whose support has made a meaningful impact on every student’s journey. We are also grateful to our community for championing FVCC and supporting all of our students by opening doors and creating opportunities.

We recognize our graduates’ accomplishments as they begin the next chapter of their lives. The education, friendships and experiences they have gained at FVCC will continue to guide them, no matter where their paths lead. We are confident that the foundation they have built here will support them throughout their bright futures.

Congratulations, Class of 2025. You inspire us, and we look forward to seeing the lasting impact you will make on the world.

Jane A. Karas is president of Flathead Valley Community College.

Photo credit: Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake