Trustee honored

Mesalands Community College Board of Trustee Ted Peabody was honored Friday with an honorary degree from the two-year college.

QCS photo: Thomas Garcia

Mesalands Community College's president Mildred Lovato embraces board of Trustee member Ted Peabody, who was presented an honorary degree.

"I can say that I am more surprised by this than you," Peabody said.

Mesalands' president Mildred P. Lovato recognized Peabody for his accomplishments and work with the college.

"This degree is presented to a man who has inspired and mentor both the students and staff of Mesalands," Lovato said.

Lovato read a history of Peadody's life compiled by his son.

QCS photo: Thomas Garcia

Anxious with anticipation, the graduates of Mesalands Community College gather in the corridor moments before the ceremony to socialize.

"Mr. Peabody wears a Mesalands Community College hat where ever he goes," Lovato said. "It is even rumored that he wears it to sleep."

The graduation address was given by New Mexico Economic Development Department Cabinet Secretary Jon Barela.

"Mesalands sets the stake and standard for other colleges around the state," Barela said.

Barela said we need to treat our students and educators the same as they do overseas, like national heroes.

"We are still leading the way in innovation," Barela said. "Our educators need to have the best to ensure our graduates are among the top to enter their field of work."

Barela said the graduates need to follow their passion when deciding what to do with their life.

"Never be afraid to take an informed risk," Barela said. "Make sure you have all the data, when making that choice."

Barela said the graduates can not be afraid to fail. He said some of the best lessons in his life were the failures.

"Failure is a painful lesson of how you could have done better," Barela said. "Failure is not a bad thing if you made the effort to succeed."