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HAMMOND, La. — Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC) celebrated a historic milestone Thursday evening as 987 graduates crossed the stage during the college’s 2026 Commencement Ceremony, making this the largest graduating class in NTCC history and marking the third consecutive year of record-breaking completion growth.
This year’s graduating class shattered NTCC’s previous record of 788 graduates set in 2025, representing an increase of 199 graduates—or more than 25% in a single year.
Held at Southeastern Louisiana University’s University Center, the ceremony brought together graduates, families, faculty, staff, alumni, and community supporters to celebrate the accomplishments of students from across NTCC’s five campuses and five-parish service area.
This year’s graduating class represents students earning credentials in high-demand fields including nursing and allied health, welding, advanced manufacturing, diesel technology, information technology, business, construction trades, adult education, and transfer-focused academic pathways.
The college was honored to welcome Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) President Dr. Richard Nelson as the commencement speaker. President Nelson delivered remarks encouraging graduates to embrace opportunity, continue learning, and use their education to make a meaningful impact in their communities and careers.
“Tonight was a celebration of perseverance, achievement, and the power of opportunity,” said Dr. Jim Carlson, Chancellor of Northshore Technical Community College. “To graduate 987 students—and to break our own record for the third year in a row—is an extraordinary milestone for our college. More importantly, these graduates represent lives transformed, families uplifted, and communities strengthened through education.”
As one of Louisiana’s largest and most impactful community college, NTCC has continued to experience unprecedented growth in enrollment, workforce partnerships, and student completion outcomes. The
college’s continued success reflects its mission of providing accessible, affordable, and workforce-relevant education that meets the needs of both students and regional employers.
Carlson noted that many graduates overcame significant challenges to reach this moment.
“Many of our students balanced work, family responsibilities, and life’s many demands while pursuing their education,” Carlson said. “Their resilience and determination are inspiring. Tonight’s ceremony was not just about celebrating academic achievement—it was about celebrating grit, sacrifice, and new beginnings.”
The ceremony featured the conferring of degrees, diplomas, and certificates, recognizing graduates prepared to enter Louisiana’s workforce or continue their educational journey.
Northshore Technical Community College serves students across St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington, St. Helena, and Livingston parishes, offering programs designed to connect education directly to meaningful careers and economic opportunity.
