Events
Wake Tech Returns to Raleigh Convention Center for Spring 2014 Commencement Exercises
RALEIGH, N.C. (May 3, 2014) - More than 1,400 Wake Tech students have reason to celebrate! The college held commencement exercises at the Raleigh Convention Center on Saturday, May 3, and awarded degrees and diplomas to an impressive array of proud graduates. More than 800 of those graduates participated in Saturday’s ceremony, and Wake Tech President Dr. Stephen Scott challenged them to reach beyond their comfort level in the pursuit of excellence. “Commencement does not mean the end,” he said. “It means a new beginning. Wake Tech is a beacon of light for your journey to a better life.”
Graduates ranged in age from 17 to 69 years. Among them:
- Monica Armstrong, one of the first students in Wake Tech’s Fostering Bright Futures program, which supports former foster youth in earning a college degree. Monica graduated with an associate’s degree in Biopharmaceutical Technology.
- Lisa McHenry, a blind student who graduated with a diploma in Therapeutic Massage.
- Scott Scholar Dana Elhertani, who earned an Associate in Science degree and plans to transfer to a university. The Scott Scholars program provides scholarship funds along with leadership development and mentoring from the college president.
Other graduates included several pairs of siblings, spouses, and parents and children. Micah Tillman received an Associate in Science/Engineering degree, and his sister Victoria Tillman received an Associate in Arts degree. Husband and wife Richard and Pamela Dayhuff also earned degrees at the same time: Richard earned an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Construction Management, and Pamela earned an AAS in Business Administration.
Wake Tech’s graduation ceremonies have been held in the main campus gymnasium for the past few years, but this year’s turnout warranted a return to the larger downtown venue. Phil Matthews, Chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners, served as commencement speaker, and he led graduates as they proudly recited the college slogan, “I am a Wake.”
Wake Tech is North Carolina’s largest community college, serving more than 69,000 students each year. Its economic impact on Wake County is valued at more than $2.6 billion each year.
