COLUMBUS — Though they never took a class together or saw each other on campus, Kris and Liz Girardin were seated right next to each other at commencement held at Central Community College-Columbus Friday.

The mother and daughter duo were among the 186 students graduating from the college and two of the nearly 110 students accepting their diplomas that evening. They followed each other on stage as the diplomas were alphabetically handed out.

During her two years at CCC-Columbus, Liz, 20, said she often looked to her mother for advice on instructors and what classes to take while she was a full-time student earning her associate of applied science degree in commercial art.

Kris, 49, was happy to bestow her help to her daughter. After eight years as a part-time student, Kris earned her applied science degree in business administration.

The two said it was unique experience going to college together at the same time.

“It’s unusual because you don’t see a lot of women my age going to school with their daughter,” Kris said.

Even though she graduated in December and just recently moved to Lincoln, Liz said she came back so she could share the special moment with her mom.

“I wanted to come back to walk with Mom because I thought it would be cool,” she said.

But before they were able to walk across the stage, the pair and the rest of the students were given some words of wisdom by Ron Brown, who was the keynote speaker.

Brown is an assistant football coach at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Brown told the students the need for integrity, standing strong and “putting stakes in the ground.”

Using himself as an example of how he shares his personal Christian believes whether in a public speaking realm or in private, Brown said he wanted to encourage the graduates to stand strong by their convictions and not to be bought off.

“I’ve told my ballplayers for years, get all the way in, or get all the way out,” he said.

There is fear in standing up for your beliefs, and Brown told the students to examine themselves.

“I want you to rethink integrity issues in your life. I want you to rethink those because right now we are in a nation at a critical time where we are not following through on what we say. And why? So many times we are afraid of the pressure. We’re unwilling to stand alone,” Brown said.

Some people are like pieces of paper who get crumpled up by other’s opinions, but with resiliency, people can pop back up like a rubber ball, Brown said. Addressing everyone in attendance, he said people need to decide what it is they believe in and live for that. If you have integrity, you will not change your tune.

“If you’re not a Christian, you’re not a Christian. At the end of the day, we’ll find out who was right. But if you are, put a stake in the ice. Whoever you are, sign up. Put a flag in the ice and let everyone see it blow. Take a stand. Be non-negotiable on the things that should not be negotiated,” Brown said.

Also during commencement, the Outstanding Alumni Award and the Columbus Faculty Member of the Year were awarded.

James Temme was given the alumni award. Temme is an associate professor and associate director of the division of radiation science technology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He received an associate of science degree from Platte College in 1971, and was in the first graduating class at the college.

Jeff Kitson was the faculty member of the year. Kitson is the vocal music instructor, who has been at the college for three years. The award is given to a faculty member who displays excellence and innovation in teaching, rapport with students, and institutional, professional and community involvement.