They came to National Labor College from across the country to advance their careers. Some had to postpone their education when duty or their families called. And some wanted to be experts in labor relations or other disciplines for their home unions.
All of the 102 graduates of the Silver Spring-based college had their own story to tell. For Michael Mullins, 52, a fire captain from Virginia Beach, Va., and a member of the International Association of Firefighters, commencement marked a milestone in his family.
"Every father wants to see his child graduate and [mine] was no different. I am the first person from either side of my family to graduate from a four year college," said Mullins, a speaker at Saturday's commencement exercises whose father had recently died. "Dad, this is for you."
Mullins said his education took him through the FBI and United States Coast Guard, and he and his graduating class would represent their professions with their new education.
"As the latest graduating class, it is up to us to sell the nation," he said before more than 800 students and family members, union officials and elected leaders at the 11th annual commencement exercises. "None as us are better placed than with the help of the AFL-CIO."
Keynote speaker U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to put their degrees in labor studies disciplines to work, noting that the Department of Labor would be adding nearly 670 investigators, inspectors and other program staff to carry out the mission of the department.
She also recognized their hard work and sacrifices over the past four years.
"This is not your typical graduation," Solis said. "Many of you have mortgages, are fighting the fight of your lives; you've been there, done that," she said. "But now you can teach us about fair wages, fair salaries, fair working conditions. I feel right at home with all of you."
The only accredited college that focuses exclusively on educating union leaders, members and activists, the National Labor College was established in 1969 by the AFL-CIO, an organization that regulates, represents and establishes unions from the federal level down. It became a degree-granting college in 1997.
College President William Scheuerman said the graduates may be the basis of a new wave of equity for the nation.
"What a difference a year makes," Scheuerman said. "We live in a time of change and change for the better. Each of you are now ambassadors to the union with the backing of 40 years of service to the labor union. Your skills and scholarship are very impressive. The labor union needs more and better than ever before."
Philadelphia resident Bob Winder, of the International Union of Elevator Constructors, said he was thrilled to graduate. "I feel fantastic. It's been 26 years trying to get an education. It's good to reach this milestone."
