GREENWOOD — The James Medford Family Event Center at Piedmont Technical College was the setting for the culmination of many dreams for the more than 300 Piedmont Technical College graduates who took center stage in two commencement ceremonies.
Dr. Ray Brooks, president, welcomed graduates, family and guests to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduates.
“Piedmont Technical College is celebrating its 50th year this year,” Brooks said. “The people who came before us laid the foundation for what is here now for you to take advantage of. And we’re continuing to lay the groundwork for the individuals who will come in the future.”
Brooks was followed by the commencement speaker Dr. Mary Holloway, a 1976 graduate of the Piedmont Technical College human services program.
“This is a great institution and after 50 years, it is still committed to its mission – to transform lives and strengthen communities by providing opportunities for intellectual and economic growth,” Holloway said.
Holloway, associate vice president for student development services at Midlands Technical College, spoke on hope. She told the graduates that Piedmont Tech gave her hope and a better life.
“I have learned that hope has no skin color, no background and no age limitations,” she said. “This institution provided me hope, a strong foundation to succeed in life-learning and career success.”
Several graduates were recognized for highest academic achievement within their counties of residence.
The winners by their counties of residence and their majors were Lida Johnson of Abbeville, medical assisting; Linda Garrett of Edgefield, human services; Timothy Smith of Greenwood, industrial electronics technology; Quinton Amick of Laurens, computer technology; Krystal Chambers of McCormick, diversified agriculture; James Aiken Jr. of McCormick, criminal justice; and Mollie Hallback of Saluda, surgical technology.
Presenting this year’s graduates was Andy Omundson, associate vice president for student affairs.
Certificates, diplomas and associate degrees were conferred by Brooks and Dr. Jack Bagwell, vice president for academic affairs, with assistance from board chairman Y. J. Ahn; Dr. Bradley Griggs, dean of Arts and Sciences; Dr. Jerry Alewine, dean of health science; Tara Harris, dean of nursing; Sissy Copeland, dean of business, information technologies and public service; and David Kibler, interim dean of engineering and industrial technologies.
The macebearer was Allen Barbare, faculty senate president. The mace was designed by members of the faculty and staff and presented to the college in 1991 by PTC’s Alumni Association. Music was provided by Emerald City Brass. The Rev. Marc Vickers, associate pastor of Siloam Baptist Church in Ninety Six, delivered the invocation and benediction.
Graduates from Newberry County included the following:
Kinards: *Justin P. Tinsley, associate in applied science, major in industrial electronics technology/associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology.
Little Mountain: Robert Gary, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology.
Newberry: Tisha M. Abrams, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration; Melissa A. Barbare, associate in applied science, major in nursing; **Johnnetta G. Harris, certificate in massage therapy; Teresa Denise Henderson, associate in applied science, major in radiologic technology; Maricela Luviano, associate in arts; Jeremey W. Schumpert, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; Ariel Irena Scott, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; Princess K. Suber, certificate in patient care technician; Johnae White, certificate in patient care technician; Senchia Harmon Wilson, associate in applied science, major in respiratory care; and Kashunda Y. Wright-Williams, associate in applied science, major in radiologic technology.
Pomaria: Robbin Michelle Brooks, associate in applied science, major in nursing; *Jennifer M. Morgan, associate in applied science, major in general business, accounting concentration.
Prosperity: **James L. Aiken, Jr., associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; Collin Long, associate in applied science, major in automotive technology; *Shawn Scott Martin, associate in applied science, major in general technology, gunsmithing concentration; Timothy McCracken, associate in applied science, major in heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology; *Ashley Nicole Moran, associate in applied science, major in respiratory care; Michael Morris, associate in applied science, major in diversified agriculture; **Chris G. Shealy, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; **Aaron Robert Stockman, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; *Daniel A. Watson, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; and *Amber Nicole Worthy, associate in applied science, major in respiratory care.
Whitmire: Anna Elizabeth Hall, diploma in applied science, major in surgical technology.
***Summa Cum Laude-4.0 **Magna Cum Laude-3.75-3.99 *Cum Laude-3.5-3.74