Events
College Celebrates Spring Graduates
RALEIGH, N.C. (May 10, 2025) – More than 1,500 Wake Tech graduates celebrated the "best day ever" Saturday at the college's Spring commencement exercises.
There was plenty of pomp and circumstance to go around! The college hosted four ceremonies in the gymnasium on Scott Northern Wake Campus – the largest commencement celebration since before the pandemic.
Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls congratulated the graduates on their accomplishments.
"Today, we are celebrating your resilience. Many of you have achieved success despite challenges along the way. We know how hard you worked to walk across the stage today, and we are so proud of you! Congratulations class of 2025!"
Many of this year's graduates will be transferring to universities to pursue bachelor's degrees, while others will be using the skills they've learned in technical programs as they go straight to work in high-demand fields, like IT, biotech and health care. The graduates ranged in age from 17 to 69.
Thirty-two graduates will continue their educational journey at North Carolina State University this fall as Goodnight Transfer Scholars! That's more than half of the 60 students selected from across the state and the most from Wake Tech – or any community college – in the history of the scholarship program. The scholarship is valued at $24,000 per year for up to three years and fully pays for transfer students from North Carolina community colleges to complete their bachelor's degree.
Another graduate of note: Wake Tech's first Scholar of Global Distinction. Devin Carhart received an Associate in Arts degree and hopes to transfer to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington to study environmental science and become an oceanographer. Carhart traveled to Rome as part of a World Civilizations course when Wake Tech launched its Global Education program last year. The program offers expanded Study Abroad options, as well as the chance to earn the unique Scholar of Global Distinction credential, demonstrating commitment to global engagement. After her experience, she spearheaded the college's new Global Connections Club to help foster connections for Study Abroad students and prepare them for international travel.
"At Wake Tech, I found the 'community' in community college," she said. "Wake Tech set me up for success and taught me how to strive for my goals. I want other students to have the same opportunities that I did."
Student speakers, including Jessica Phillips, shared personal stories of success. Phillips went to work after high school, but 15 years later, she decided to enroll at Wake Tech and has completed an Associate in Arts degree. As a student, she was a member of two prestigious leadership organizations – Phi Theta Kappa and the National Society of Leadership and Success – and earned multiple scholarships. Phillips plans to attend Fayetteville State University to pursue a bachelor's degree in Business Administration.
"Wake Tech, thank you for the doors you have opened for me and my fellow graduates," she told the crowd, as she put forth a challenge to fellow graduates: "Let's return the favor as we continue our education or begin a new career. We must embrace challenges and stay persistent when things get tough. Together, let's be the village for someone else. Eagles. let's soar!"
Spring graduates also included 99 students who earned degrees while attending Wake County Cooperative Innovative High Schools: Wake Early College of Health and Sciences, Vernon Malone College and Career Academy and North Wake College and Career Academy.
A day before the commencement exercises, special pinning ceremonies were held for Health Sciences graduates at the Perry Health Sciences Campus in Raleigh, including Nursing, Medical Laboratory Technology, Neurodiagnostic Technology, Radiography, Sonography and Dental Hygiene.
Wake Tech offers programs in 13 career fields, including Advanced Manufacturing, Biotechnology, Business, Construction & Maintenance, Education, Engineering, Health Care & Wellness, Information & Digital Technology, Public Safety and more.
New students can apply now at apply.waketech.edu. The Fall semester begins August 18.
