Events
College Celebrates Largest December Commencement Ever
RALEIGH, N.C. (December 6, 2025) – Wake Tech celebrated the "Best Day Ever" on Saturday, hosting its largest Fall commencement ceremony in history and honoring the achievements of more than 1,000 graduates who earned associate degrees or diplomas.
The celebration was filled with pomp and circumstance as graduates walked across the stage at the Scott Northern Wake Campus, shook hands with Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls and proudly turned their tassels.
Ralls congratulated the graduates on their accomplishments.
"For many of you, this truly is the best day ever, not because the journey was simple, but because your persistence brought you to a moment that reflects your courage and hard work," he said. "You have worked hard to achieve this milestone, and we know you are ready to make an impact, whether you are continuing an academic journey or launching a career. We are very, very proud of you."
Nearly half of the graduates will transfer to universities to pursue bachelor's degrees, while the rest will enter the workforce, applying skills gained in technical programs in high-demand fields such as IT, biotechnology, engineering, health care, skilled trades and public safety.
The graduating class reflects Wake Tech's commitment to serving learners at every stage of life. Graduates range in age from 17 to 64 and represent 44 countries. Among them are 233 first-generation college graduates and 164 students who worked full-time while attending college. The celebration also recognized four ambitious students at Vernon Malone College and Career Academy who earned degrees and their high school diplomas at the same time.
One special graduate, Ganesh Bhandaru, took the definition of determination to new heights. The 24-year-old, who has battled adrenoleukodystrophy, a rare genetic disorder that affects the nervous system, since he was 12, realized his dream of earning a college degree.
Despite the overwhelming odds against him, the 2019 Panther Creek High School graduate leaned into his unwavering resolve, along with the support of his family, a team of dedicated caregivers and encouraging Wake Tech professors. Now, having earned an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Business Administration, Bhandaru is considering how he'll again turn adversity into triumph.
"I promised myself that I would do this, and I did," he said, beaming with pride. "Maybe opening my own business is next."
Student speakers shared their inspiring stories of perseverance, including Angela Froese, who earned an AAS degree in Graphic Design. Returning to college later in life, Froese balanced coursework with family responsibilities while her three children pursued their own educational milestones. This year, she joins a family of achievers: one child earned a master's degree, another a bachelor's, and her youngest graduated high school. Along the way, Froese earned several honors, including Wake Tech's prestigious Scott Scholarship.
"Wake Tech made me feel like there was always someone in my corner, investing in my education and my long-term goals," she said. "All I had to do was ask."
Ralls praised Froese's persistence: "Angela's journey is a reminder that resilience does not always look like a dramatic breakthrough," he said. "Sometimes, it looks like showing up again and again, even when you are not sure you can."
After completing an internship at AlphaGraphics in Cary, Froese is excited to enter the workforce and encouraged her fellow graduates to keep striving.
"Our stories may be different, but they're all written with the same ink: determination, resilience and hope," she said. "Congratulations, Class of 2025!"
Wake Tech offers programs in 13 career fields, including Health Care & Wellness, Advanced Manufacturing, Biotechnology, Business, Construction & Maintenance, Education, Engineering, Information & Digital Technology, and Public Safety.
Ready to start your journey? Apply now at apply.waketech.edu. The spring semester begins January 7.
