Events
Wake Tech Celebrates Fall Graduates
RALEIGH, N.C. (December 9, 2023) – Saturday was a day of pomp and circumstance, as hundreds of proud Wake Tech graduates celebrated their accomplishments with family and friends at the Fall Commencement exercises.
Two ceremonies were held in the gymnasium at Scott Northern Wake Campus. Hundreds of families and friends watched with pride as graduates ranging in age from 17 to 69 turned their tassels. In all, more than 800 graduates received degrees and diplomas, including a former Olympic athlete who is pursuing a new career as a nurse, several students who worked as undergraduate research interns and two sisters who graduated together.
Shana Cox, who completed an Associate Degree Nursing, began classes at Wake Tech after a successful career as a track and field athlete that included representing Great Britain in the Olympics. "I wanted to come to Wake Tech to focus on something else I could be passionate about – nursing," she said, adding that Wake Tech's Nursing program is challenging and thorough and prepared her for a second career. "I already have a job at WakeMed," she said. "Wake Tech is a great place for everyone."
Kevin Reza-Villa, who received an Associate in Science degree, is the first person in his family to graduate from college. He is a member of the Student Government Association and participated in STEM Academic Research & Training, the college's undergraduate research program. Now, Reza-Villa wants to pursue a career in STEM. "I keep being inspired here at Wake Tech. The experience has made a dream come true for me and my parents."
Graduation was a family affair for sisters Ava Marie and Natalie Elizabeth Pasquarella. They each completed an Associate in Arts degree.
Two standout students were selected to speak at the ceremonies to share their personal stories of success and offer advice to fellow graduates.
Juby Agwu was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society while completing his Associate in Engineering degree. Agwu admits he had a difficult start at Wake Tech but was able to turn his academic performance around with the help of faculty, tutors and classmates. He was accepted into the Mechanical Engineering program at North Carolina State University and will transfer in the spring. "As graduates here today, we are celebrating current achievements, but it is also important to understand what this means for us. We are next in line to impact the world, and I'm here to say that the next is now!"
Emaan Ali Khan was initially anxious about attending college after being homeschooled. After enrolling at Wake Tech, she quickly found a love for detail and learning. Khan earned her Associate in Arts degree while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She says she was inspired by her dad, who graduated from Wake Tech a few years ago. "My dad never gave up, and Wake Tech encouraged me to improve myself in ways I never thought I could. Never let anyone tell you no." Khan also plans to continue her studies at N.C. State next year and will pursue a bachelor's degree in accounting.
Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls congratulated the Class of 2023.
"I will have a big smile on my face when each of you walk across the stage. All of you started with a different goal, but your common purpose to graduate brings you to this moment right now. Congratulations to 2023 graduates, we are so proud of you."
Wake Tech offers programs in 13 career fields, including: Advanced Manufacturing, Biotechnology, Business, Construction and Maintenance, Education, Engineering, Health Care and Wellness, Information and Digital, Public Safety and more.
New students can apply now at apply.waketech.edu. The spring semester begins January 8.
