Meier received NTC’s 2018 Outstanding Graduate Award for her program of study, the Geriatric Care Specialist Technical Diploma. The NTC Outstanding Graduate Award honors one student in each program area based on academic achievement, character, attitude, leadership, proficiency level, and mastery rate.
“It’s very exciting to receive this award and realize that all of the hard work that I’ve put in has not only paid off but also made me an outstanding graduate,” said Meier. “It’s confirmation that if you genuinely put in the work, good things will happen.”
Working hard isn’t new to Meier, who had previously earned three degrees at NTC in Human Services, Substance Abuse Counselor Education and Gerontology. When she learned that she was only two classes short of finishing a fourth degree, Meier was given the opportunity to take those classes at no cost through a new program at NTC called Destination Graduation.
“I didn’t even realize that I was close to finishing another degree and I’m never going to say no to furthering my education in a field that interests me,” said Meier. “I was also very excited to know that I was one of the people chosen for the program.”
Destination Graduation is a new completion scholarship program at NTC that is funded through the generosity of the NTC Foundation after a donor envisioned a path for financial assistance to be afforded to NTC students who were close to completing a credential, but stepped away from college for a span of time. Through the program, students were awarded scholarships to help them complete the last classes needed for graduation.
“Scholarships can make a large, positive impact for students who are working hard to earn their degrees,” said Vicki Jeppesen, NTC Foundation Executive Director. “We are proud to partner with area employers that support our future workforce by anonymously funding financial assistance programs such as Destination Graduation.”
“Had it not been for Destination Graduation, I wouldn’t have taken the extra classes on my own that I needed to start my new career in healthcare,” said Meier.
