Rodkey's Commencement Speech Inspired by Lake Superior

After learning about Northern Michigan University's nursing program from an NMU Admissions representative visiting his Illinois high school, Vince Rodkey said it was his follow-up campus visit and introduction to the surrounding natural environment that convinced him he belonged in Marquette.

"I had visited other schools and they just felt very urban, very concrete," said the Round Lake native. "But I really like the nature aspect at Northern. Lake Superior is right there; you can see it from Jamrich Hall."

That first impression has stayed with Rodkey throughout his four years at Northern. On Saturday, Dec. 13, when he steps up to the podium as the student commencement speaker, Lake Superior will once again be front and center, as a guiding metaphor woven throughout his speech.

"I really wanted to focus on what the area has to offer, and how it impacted me and other students," he added. "The lake plays a big part in that, from summer leaps off Black Rocks to cold plunges, and from flat, calm days to crashing waves. My point is that you can do a lot with what's around you, regardless of the shifting conditions. Like a wave, we built momentum throughout our time here at Northern. Now we'll ride the wave to our future careers, whatever those may be."

Appropriately, Rodkey will deliver his speech during a 10:30 a.m. ceremony in an NMU facility named for the lake: the Superior Dome. After graduation, he will return to Illinois to begin his nursing career. He has already spent two years working in the intensive care unit at a hospital in McHenry-not far from his hometown-during school breaks. He already has a job lined up there once he passes the NCLEX exam.

Rodkey said he is drawn to the teamwork and focus that ICU work demands. He first witnessed it as a janitor working different floors of the McHenry hospital and observing how teams interact before he became a CNA.

"In the ICU, the doctors are on the floor, and you only have two patients," he said. "It really allows you to just focus on those two. You can dive in and really help them. I also like the flexibility that nursing provides in general, both in terms of how far you can take it academically with an advanced degree to the different environments you can choose to work in.

"My schooling at Northern has been challenging, but great. I've learned a lot and continue to do so. I have friends in other nursing programs and in talking with them, I realize we gain a lot more hands-on experience through our extensive clinical hours. It prepares you a lot more than just studying."

Outside of the classroom and clinicals, Rodkey was involved with the Student Nurses Association. He also invested significant and enjoyable time as a stats keeper for NMU women's varsity soccer, a sport he played in his youth.

Rodkey has not yet told his parents that he will be the student commencement speaker. He is hoping they will be surprised when they arrive in Marquette for the ceremony.

"I've been super thankful for them," he said. "They've supported me a lot throughout college."

For more information on NMU's commencement, visit nmu.edu/commencement.