COEUR d'ALENE — School spirit was tangible Friday morning as North Idaho College's 2024 graduates celebrated one of the biggest moments in their academic journeys.

That spirit was on full display with Hunter Johnston, who has performed as NIC's mascot, Cecil Cardinal, since April 2023. He made his way across the commencement stage wearing his fuzzy Cardinal red gloves and oversized plush bird feet.

“I’m feeling good, I finally have a summer off. No summer classes,” said Johnston, who graduated from Coeur d'Alene High School with honors in 2021 and received a dual degree in chemistry and general studies from NIC.

"It took me three years to get this degree from getting out of high school," he said. "I’m just feeling proud of myself. And seeing everyone else walking across the stage, that made me feel really happy.”

Happy tears, applause, confetti and more were all part of the celebration as 158 graduates of academic transfer programs participated in the morning commencement ceremony. In the afternoon, 188 graduates walked the stage to receive their degrees for completing dual credit, health professions and technical programs.

The ceremony was split into two and held in the Schuler Performing Arts Center this year. Christianson Gymnasium, where the ceremony is normally held, was unable to hold the capacity of one ceremony for safety reasons, per the fire marshal. Prior to that, NIC had been considering changing venues to fulfill every graduate’s ticket request.

"This move allows a lot more loved ones to be in attendance," NIC communications coordinator Gerry McCray said.

The 2023-24 academic year celebrated 821 graduates. The previous year, 877 grads earned degrees from NIC. 

Associated Students of North Idaho College President Michael Habermann said four things kept coming to his mind as he prepared his graduation day speech: Courage, justice, wisdom and self-control.

"I find it fitting that they're called the 'cardinal virtues,'" he said. "Cardinal didn't originally mean the awesome red bird that we have as our mascot."

Courage means to overcome something despite fear, Habermann said. That could be asking for a raise or standing up for oneself.

"You guys either came here under COVID or when the college's accreditation was in jeopardy," he said. "You all looked past that. You all came forward looking towards your future."

Regarding self-control, or temperance, Habermann said graduates have shown restraint by focusing on school rather than going to parties and showing up to class instead of sleeping late.

Wisdom is far different from knowledge, he said.

"I ask, graduates, that you move forward in this world with the knowledge that you have acquired and discern what is right from what is wrong," he said.

Justice, he said, ties these virtues together.

"You must have the courage to stand for what is just, the temperance to be patient with those whom you dislike, the wisdom to discern misconceptions from ill intent," Habermann said. "Epicurus once said, 'You can't control life events, but you can control how you react to them.' That is the last thing that stuck with me before writing this speech.

"My parents have always instilled in me that we must treat others with kindness, respect and humility," he continued. "As you all celebrate this wonderful achievement of getting your degree, I would like to appreciate your hard work. We made it, guys."

    Hunter Johnston, who has performed as North Idaho College mascot Cecil Cardinal since April 2023, wears his mascot gloves and bird feet as he places confetti on his mortarboard Friday morning after the commencement ceremony. "I’m just feeling proud of myself," he said. "And seeing everyone else walking across the stage, that made me feel really happy.”
  

    General studies grad Haley Hernandez points to the audience as she crosses the stage during Friday morning's commencement ceremony at North Idaho College.
  

    "This egg-head is graduating!" reads world languages major MacKenzie McDermott's decorated mortarboard, which she rocked Friday morning at graduation.
  

    Mimi Hiibel, right, hugs good friend and North Idaho College graduate Teri White during the Friday morning graduate walk to Boswell Hall.
  

    Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield shares well wishes and encouragement to North Idaho College's 2024 grads during Friday morning's commencement ceremony.