Today, West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) proudly recognized the accomplishments of nearly 200 students during its summer commencement ceremony, honoring graduates who have completed associate degrees, technical diplomas, and technical certificates of credit across a variety of high-demand fields.
The event, held at WGTC’s Murphy Campus Conference Center in Waco, celebrated the life-changing impact of technical education and the strong partnerships that fuel student success. One such partnership was front and center as Southwire’s Senior Vice President of Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS), Quality, Lean and Process Engineering, Nilesh Sivaramakrishnan, delivered the keynote address.
Sivaramakrishnan, who also serves on the West Georgia Technical College Board of Directors, delivered a message to graduates rooted in perseverance, self-belief, and lifelong learning.
“Don’t let the outside world define who you are or what you can accomplish,” he said. “Believe that you are a game-changer and you write your own narrative. The world needs your skills, your passion, and your ability to make things work.”
Sivaramakrishnan’s remarks highlighted the value of technical education and the importance of continued growth, both personally and professionally. He also emphasized financial literacy, mental well-being, and staying curious in a constantly evolving world.
Prior to joining Southwire nearly three years ago, Sivaramakrishnan spent over 18 years at Eaton Corporation in various leadership roles. He holds degrees in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering as well as an MBA, and is certified in Lean Enterprise Design, Change Management, and Six Sigma.
Sivaramakrishnan’s presence at commencement is a powerful reminder of how WGTC’s partnerships with employers directly support student success. Southwire, one of the largest employers in the region, continues to play a critical role in the college’s mission of workforce development through apprenticeships, advisory board leadership, and job placement.
“Commencement is always a great day,” said Dr. Julie Post, President of WGTC. “Our graduates walk across the stage with so much to offer and so much to gain—from a raise, to a new career, or a job they love. Just as importantly, our industry partners are gaining a skilled and ready workforce. Having Mr. Sivaramakrishnan here today represents the power of those partnerships and why this is what makes a community great. Congratulations to our graduates and to their future employers!”
West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson, and Troup counties and class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers more than 120 associate degree, diploma, and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is one of the largest of the state’s 22 technical colleges. For more information, please visit www.westgatech.edu.
