News Summary
Piedmont Technical College held in-person commencement ceremonies honoring approximately 352 graduates from summer and fall semesters. The events highlighted the resilience of students like Jessica McCurry and Amy Marshall, who overcame significant challenges to achieve their academic goals. The college has also introduced new degree completion programs in partnership with Newberry College, enhancing educational opportunities for students.
Greenwood, South Carolina – Piedmont Technical College Celebrates Graduates at Summer and Fall Commencement Ceremonies
Piedmont Technical College (PTC) recently held two in-person commencement ceremonies, recognizing the achievements of approximately 352 students who graduated in the summer and fall semesters of 2021. The ceremonies took place at the James Medford Family Event Center, showcasing the resilience and dedication of the graduates.
The summer commencement, held on August 5, 2021, welcomed around 200 students who received their degrees. Notably, Jessica McCurry delivered a compelling speech as the student speaker for the afternoon ceremony. Graduating magna cum laude in applied science with a concentration in surgical technology, McCurry highlighted the value of perseverance in achieving dreams despite life’s challenges. Her journey included a decade of delays due to family commitments.
Ariana Cruz and Tasha Lancaster were the student speakers for the evening ceremony. Cruz graduated with an associate degree in applied science, specializing in early care and education, and plans to further her education at Lander University. Lancaster, who earned two degrees in applied science, achieved magna cum laude honors in administrative office technology with concentrations in medical coding and billing, as well as medical administration.
PTC President Dr. Hope E. Rivers addressed the graduates, encouraging them to believe in themselves and acknowledge their worth as they embark on their next endeavors.
The fall commencement, occurring on December 16, 2021, recognized approximately 152 students who completed their studies. Amy Marshall and Haylee Godfrin served as student speakers for the afternoon ceremony. Marshall, a human services major, was celebrated not only for her academic excellence but also for her ability to overcome disabling injuries, culminating in her receiving the Distinguished Student Award. Godfrin, a commercial arts advertising and photography major, shared her personal journey of coping with loss and motherhood, expressing gratitude for the college’s supportive environment.
During the evening ceremony, Jake Roberts, an associate degree nursing major, and Jaqueline Escobar-Rivera, a cardiovascular technology major, spoke about their unique paths to graduation. Roberts transitioned from a career as an analytical chemist to the nursing field, motivated by his mother’s influence as a nurse. Escobar-Rivera plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in cardiovascular technology at the University of South Carolina, highlighting her commitment to advancing her education and career.
Both commencement ceremonies served to highlight the personal and academic achievements of PTC’s graduates, emphasizing their journeys to success despite various challenges. As part of its commitment to enhance educational opportunities for students, PTC has collaborated with Newberry College to facilitate streamlined degree completion options. Starting this fall, graduates will have access to 2+2 completion programs that allow them to achieve bachelor’s degrees in early education and graphic design in as few as four semesters by transferring credits from PTC to Newberry College.
This new agreement represents a significant advancement in educational pathways for students in the region, further solidifying PTC’s role in facilitating academic and professional growth for its graduates.
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Additional Resources
- WISTV: Your Town Newberry – Piedmont Technical College
- Newberry Observer: Piedmont Tech Holds Summer Graduations
- Newberry Observer: Piedmont Tech Graduates Share Their Struggles and Triumphs
- Newberry Observer: Newberry College & Piedmont Tech Sign Agreements
- Google Search: Piedmont Technical College
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