Events
Wake Tech Hosts 2012 Spring Commencement Exercises
RALEIGH, N.C. (May 5, 2012) - Wake Tech Community College hosted its spring commencement exercises today. More than 1,100 students received degrees and diplomas in three separate ceremonies held in the new gymnasium on Main Campus. Including those who graduated in December, the Class of 2012 includes more than 2,300 students who received degrees, diplomas and certificates.
The commencement speaker for the ceremony honoring College/University Transfer graduates was Dr. Scott Ralls, president of the NC Community College System. He told graduates that, with their degrees, they have gained a new confidence and have proven that they can learn anything. “There is nothing that can hold you back,” he said. “Leave this ceremony, not just with parchment in hand, but with the hope of a brighter tomorrow.”
Rep. Paul “Skip” Stam delivered the commencement address at ceremonies honoring graduates from Business Technologies, Computer and Engineering Technologies, Applied Technologies and Health Sciences. Rep. Stam called Wake Tech “the crown jewel of academics in Wake County” and congratulated the graduates on a job well done. “You’ve now become an expert in your field,” he said.
Graduates also heard from Student Government Association president Melissa Reeves and Wake Tech President Dr. Stephen Scott. Dr. Scott advised them to “take what you’ve learned here and use it to make a better life for you, your family and for our country.”
Dr. Scott presented a Gold Medallion to Wake Tech student Jonathan Charest, a 2012 Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Gold Scholar who was featured in USA Today. Charest is one of 50 students from two-year colleges across the country to receive the honor administered by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
This year’s graduates ranged in age from 17 to 70. Among them was the first graduate of Fostering Bright Futures, a program that started three years ago to help former foster youth earn degrees from Wake Tech, with tutoring, mentoring, and financial aid. Veronica Armstrong received an A.A.S. degree in Criminal Justice and is going on to UNC-Greensboro for her bachelor’s degree in International Studies. Brian Adams and Tracy Morgan were the first two graduates to receive an A.A.S. degree in Fire Protection Technology. Twin sisters Elizabeth and Christina Williams graduated together and received A.A. (Associate in Arts) and A.S. (Associate in Science) degrees, respectively.
This was the second time Wake Tech has held commencement exercises on school property; the first was last December, when the college moved to a semi-annual graduation schedule. Prior to that, Wake Tech’s graduation ceremonies were held in May of each year at a community venue.
