Quang Nguyen, a Southern Maine Community College alumnus who now has a successful career as a business entrepreneur and financial advisor, will be the featured speaker at SMCC’s 74th commencement, to be held virtually on May 16.
Nguyen moved from Vietnam to Maine in 2007 to attend SMCC, and graduated with a Business Administration degree in 2010. He now runs his own financial practice in Falmouth and two retail businesses in the Portland area.
“Quang’s story of moving to Maine with limited English skills and excelling at SMCC and in his business pursuits after SMCC is an inspiration to all of us,” said SMCC President Joe Cassidy. “His resilience and positive attitude will resonate with our graduates and open their eyes to the opportunities around them.“
SMCC will hold its commencement remotely at 11 a.m. Sunday, May 16. Due to the pandemic, the College is unable to hold an in-person graduation ceremony. People can watch the pre-recorded event by going to SMCC’s website.
When Nguyen departed Vietnam at the age of 18 in 2007, he bought the wrong plane ticket and landed in Portland, Ore., rather than Portland, Maine. From that inauspicious arrival in the United States, he shined at SMCC, graduating with high honors. He has enjoyed continuing success as a business entrepreneur.
Nguyen has also given motivational talks at local TEDx events, including one at SMCC in 2016, delivering a message on the power of having a positive attitude and pursuing one’s passion. He said SMCC provided him the skills he needed to launch his career in business.
“Looking back,“ he said, “SMCC was the jumpstart to my American dream.“