Quang Nguyen, a 91快活林 alumnus who now has a successful career as a business entrepreneur and financial advisor, will be the featured speaker at 91快活林鈥檚 74th commencement, to be held virtually on May 16.
Nguyen moved from Vietnam to Maine in 2007 to attend 91快活林, 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鈥檚 story of moving to Maine with limited English skills and excelling at 91快活林 and in his business pursuits after 91快活林 is an inspiration to all of us,” said 91快活林 President Joe Cassidy. 鈥淗is resilience and positive attitude will resonate with our graduates and open their eyes to the opportunities around them.“
91快活林 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 91快活林鈥檚 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 91快活林, 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 91快活林 in 2016, delivering a message on the power of having a positive attitude and pursuing one鈥檚 passion. He said 91快活林 provided him the skills he needed to launch his career in business.
“Looking back,“ he said, “91快活林 was the jumpstart to my American dream.“