GCC Announces Commencement Speaker
Gogebic Community College is pleased to announce Mr. Mark Jurakovich, of Portland, Oregon, (formerly of Wakefield, MI) as the graduation speaker for the 92nd annual commencement ceremony to be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 5:00 pm CST in the David G. Lindquist Student and Conference Center Gymnasium on the GCC campus in Ironwood.
Mark grew up in Wakefield, Michigan, and graduated from Wakefield-Marenisco High School in 2005. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He completed Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal in January 2007, earning the coveted Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Badge, and was subsequently stationed at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware.
After separating from active duty in 2010, Mark joined the Minnesota Air National
Guard and enrolled at Gogebic Community College graduating in 2013 with an Associate
of Arts Degree in Education. During his time at Gogebic, he was an integral member
of two Region 13 Championship basketball teams. Mark maintained a perfect 4.0 grade-point
average and was awarded the National Junior College Athletic Association Pinnacle
Award for Academic Excellence in 2013. In 2015, he transferred to the University of
Michigan, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education.
In 2016, Mark returned to active duty and was stationed at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. He served as the Functional Area Manager for the Air National Guard EOD program, overseeing 17 units and 150 personnel while managing a $3.2 million budget. In recognition of his leadership and performance, he was named the 2018 Air National Guard Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.
Throughout his 20-year career, Mark has deployed five times in support of operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Kuwait and Qatar. He has also completed 30 security missions in support of the United States Secret Service, ensuring the safety of four Presidents and numerous dignitaries. Additionally, he has supported 63 requests from community law enforcement agencies, safely identifying and disposing of more than 400 pieces of unexploded ordnance.
His military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, four Air and Space Commendation Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, the Air and Space Achievement Medal, the Air Force Combat Action Medal, and the Army Combat Action Badge.
Mark is the son of Marcia and the late David Jurakovich, of Wakefield, MI and currently resides in Portland, Oregon and serves as Superintendent, 142nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight, 142nd Wing, Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon.
