May 9, 2022

May 9, 2022 – Northland Community & Technical College is proud to announce the 2022 Student of the Year Awards that have been presented to East Grand Forks student Sonia Dickmu and Thief River Falls student Morgan Burns. This honor is awarded annually to graduating students who have shown outstanding commitment to their chosen profession.

Sonia Dickmu

Sonia Dickmu is a registered nursing student from Grand Forks, ND, and will graduate with an Associate of Science degree in nursing. She was commended for her willingness to assist fellow classmates in her nomination. Sonia is consistently putting others’ needs before her own. Her peers say she is a great role model through her positive attitude and eagerness to learn and serve. Any challenges faced by Sonia are overcome through perseverance, a positive attitude, and faculty, peer, and family support which are key factors in her success.

“I am indeed humbled by this great honor of a lifetime, and I believe that whatever you do, work at it with all your heart for how far you go in life depends on that,” shared Dickmu. “I learned these lessons early in my life.”

Morgan Burns

An Animal Science student from Trail, MN, Morgan Burns, will graduate with an Associate in Applied Science degree. Morgan is the kind of student who lights up the room with her smile, dedication to her field, maturity, and willingness to advocate for her fellow students shared her nominator. Morgan also served on the Student Senate and was a member of the Clay Target team. Upon graduation, Morgan will continue her education at the University of Minnesota Crookston, where she has earned a scholarship.

“When you do something you’re passionate about, you find yourself talking about it with anyone willing to listen,” exclaimed Burns. “I’ve loved traveling to local schools and conferences to speak about Northland’s Animal Science Program, as well as being a part of Northland’s Student Senate. Both have let me be a part of the discussion and the decision making process that will impact the future of the program.”

The Thief River Falls campus will celebrate its ceremony on Thursday, May 12, in the Northland gymnasium at 6:30 p.m. Northland’s East Grand Forks campus will hold its ceremony on Friday, May 13, at 11 a.m. in the Chester Fritz Auditorium, Grand Forks, ND.

Friends, family members, and the general public who are unable to attend commencement are invited to watch the ceremonies via live stream through the college website.