By Jason Schoonover and Eric Johnson

More than 500 students are moving on to the next chapter.

Riverland Community College graduated 554 students with about 227 participating in two Friday commencement ceremonies at the Austin campus gym.

About 117 students graduated at the 3 p.m. ceremony with associated degrees in arts, art, business, human services, medical assistant, nursing, phlebotomy technician, practical nursing and radiography. The 7 p.m. ceremony was for the 110 students graduating in all other programs.

Graduates include students from the fall, spring and summer semesters. Students attended the Albert Lea, Austin and Owatonna campuses and enrolled in Riverland’s online courses.

Of those initial 117 students to graduate was Nicole Donoso. Originally from Columbia, Donoso immigrated to the United States in 2013 and later graduated from Pacelli High School.

An honor student graduating with an associate in arts degree, Donoso spoke on the merits of being different and embracing diversity as well as recognizing and celebrating the difference in others.

“Being different, being diverse is not dangerous,” Donoso said. “I’m different. I know it and I’m proud of it.”

It was because of these attributes that Donoso said she was driven to succeed.

“It also inspired me to pursue my educational dreams,” she said.

Like so many before her, Donoso credited family and friends for helping her get this far, but she also praised the environment at Riverland for steering her down the course she has taken.

“Also, because of this place, here, it’s who I am now,” she said. “A place where everybody is welcome.”

But the moment wasn’t just for Donoso to tell her story. She served as a reminder to the other graduates.

“I’m taking this opportunity to tell you, remind you how important you are because you are unique,” she said.

The afternoon’s second student speaker was Dustin Peterson of Albert Lea.

Peterson is taking his second run at post-secondary education, continuing a path that ended abruptly a number of years ago. Having hit upon difficult times, Peterson stopped going to school and ended up flunking out of this first run at college.

But Peterson, who also received an associates in arts degree through online education while working full time, decided the time had come to turn the tables.

“Within a few years I have turned failure into success,” he said.

Peterson, in his 40s, reflected on his time still in school and the time ahead as he heads to the University of Minnesota-Crookston, again taking online courses.

“I might be 50 when I graduate, but I will have my degree,” he said.

Amy Talamantes of Albert Lea was the student speaker at the 7 p.m. ceremony.

Rich Watkins, a criminal justice instructor provided faculty remarks at the 7 p.m. ceremony.

Graduates of the career programs will be ready to enter immediately into the workforce. Students with associate degrees may choose to continue their education at a four-year college or university or begin their career.

Riverland Community College awards distinguished when a worthy recipient is identified. Dr. Atewologun bestowed this honor on Alice Holst of Austin.