Tritons Welcome Sessions Harlan to Give Commencement Address
With a story of athletic excellence and profound community service after his playing career ended, Iowa Central welcomed former Triton Basketball standout, Sessions Harlan back to campus to give the 2026 Commencement Address on Friday, May 8th to over 650 graduates.
"As you move forward, keep faith in yourself, and no matter what comes next, remind yourself that you are capable, resilient, and ready for whatever lies ahead," said Harlan in his speech entitled "This is Your Moment, You Got This". "What defines you is not the obstacles you face, but how you respond to them. Stay resilient, trust yourself, and remember your strengths. I'm honored to witness what you've accomplished."
Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Sessions made his mark on Iowa Central Community College (then Fort Dodge Junior College) as a standout men's basketball player from 1966 to 1968. Drawn to Fort Dodge because it guaranteed an opportunity to play on a strong basketball team and experience something new, he arrived in the Summer of 1966. With his living quarters at the Wakonsa Hotel and classes and games being played at Fort Dodge Senior High School as construction took place on what would be Iowa Central's new campus, Sessions began to feel out of place.
"Coming from a city of 1.5 million people to living in a town of just over 30,000, I missed the energy and constant bustle of my hometown. I had made my decision to leave and not worry about the consequences. The next day after a road game in Marshalltown, the local newspaper (Messenger) read "Harlan leads Panther win, then hops bus for Detroit," said Harlan. "I stayed home for a few weeks feeling a little uncertain and overwhelmed by the thought of returning to school, but after consultations with my parents and friends, their encouragement and support helped me realize just how important it was to finish my degree. I returned to Fort Dodge in the fall and after playing in my first game back, the local newspaper read "Harlan Returns, Panthers Winners."
Sessions would go on to be a two-time All-Region player and a key member of the squad that finished fifth at the national tournament during his sophomore year in Fort Dodge.
"Even on the toughest days, my parents made it clear that a college education was the path to a better life through hard work and that an education could open doors for me that had been closed to them," said Harlan. "Their challenges gave me the motivation to push through obstacles and ultimately become the first in my family to attend college. They never had the chance to go to college, but they refused to let that define their future or mine." Their journey inspired me to keep pushing forward, and to never take a single opportunity for granted."
Following Iowa Central, Sessions transferred to Weber State, where he continued his success by leading the team to two conference championships and two NCAA tournament berths. He was an All-Conference player both years. The 1968-69 team he played on finished with the best record in Weber State history (27-3) and achieved the first NCAA Tournament victory for a Big Sky Conference team. He went on to try out for the Denver (Rockets) Nuggets in 1978 and was twice invited to the Harlan Globetrotters Camp.
Beyond the basketball court, Sessions coached at the University of Colorado in Boulder, CO from 1972-1976 and dedicated 30 years of his life to serving his community with the Denver Police Department. He was on the SWAT team for ten years, rising to Sergeant of the team and Detective Sergeant in the Crimes Against Persons division. Additionally, Sessions provided security for the NFL for 13 years, the NBA for 7 years, the Denver Nuggets Team for 3 years, and served as Muhammad Ali's personal bodyguard during the boxing legend's visits to Denver.
A proven leader living his life's mission of helping others in difficult situations find ways to create the best possible outcomes, he has left a lasting impression on fans and community members. Sessions was inducted into the Weber State University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014, the Iowa Central Triton Athletic Hall of Fame in 2022, and was awarded the Citizen Commendation Award in 2023 by Vantage Point High School where he is currently a campus security guard.
"We know that as students, you've put in an unbelievable amount of effort for months - balancing jobs, family commitments, and countless responsibilities to arrive at this moment. You showed up, even when it meant working late, picking up extra shifts, or supporting loved ones before tackling your own assignments," said Harlan. "You have proven your ability to overcome obstacles and challenges. You persevered when the path was tough, and today, your dedication has truly paid off. Remember, this isn't the end, it's just the beginning."
