Thousands gathered at NHTI on Friday for the college’s 75th commencement ceremony. Students received associate degrees and professional certificates across more than 80 academic programs, ranging from early childhood education and nursing to criminal justice, carpentry, software development and paralegal studies.

The ceremony featured two speakers from NHTI’s Paramedic Emergency Medicine Program — faculty speaker Keith Wilding and graduating senior Cylan “CJ” Gosselin. This two-year program prepares students for a high-pressure healthcare environment, where skilled workers are in high demand.

Gosselin shared pride for being part of the class of 2025. “We all share something profound: We chose to become more… because we saw something worth building in ourselves, each other, and the communities we’re returning to.”

NHTI president Patrick Tompkins agreed, “You have loved yourself enough to want more in life and to believe you can achieve more.”

The ceremony also featured remarks from City of Concord Mayor Byron Champlin, who delivered the keynote address.