West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) celebrated its graduates on Thursday, May 7, with two commencement ceremonies held at the Murphy Campus Conference Center in Waco and the Callaway Conference Center in LaGrange. The ceremonies honored students who received associate degrees, diplomas, and technical certificates across various fields, including healthcare, information technology, business, and industrial technologies.
More than 300 students walked across the stage to receive their degree, diploma, or technical certificate from WGTC President Dr. Julie Post, with some students obtaining more than one credential. More than 1,500 awards in 129 different majors were conferred this semester.
The keynote speeches were delivered by Mr. Cliff Hearn, Vice President of Sales and Business Development for RaLin, at the Murphy Campus, and by Mr. Richard Davis, President of Wayne Davis Concrete, at the LaGrange Campus. Both speakers shared their personal journeys and emphasized the life-changing impact of technical education. Hearn’s remarks carried special significance at the Murphy Campus ceremony, where members of the first cohort of WGTC’s Commercial Construction Management program graduated. RaLin played a key role in developing the program, and three graduates from the cohort completed the program as RaLin apprentices.
“Graduates, today you leave here with a new skill, a trade, and a world-class education, but more importantly, you leave here with the ability to build into the lives of others,” Hearn said. “Whether you’re entering construction, healthcare, technology or another field, you’re stepping into industries that literally shape our communities and the world we are fortunate to live in. Be proud of that. Take ownership of that. Bring your value every day to whatever you choose to do. The world needs you.”
Among the many inspiring stories from this year’s commencement ceremonies were graduates who achieved remarkable milestones. At the Murphy Campus, father-son duo Jared Eager and Jackson Eager crossed the stage together to earn their associate degrees — Jared in Fire Science Technology and Jackson in Business Management. At the LaGrange Campus, student speaker Gabrien Eng received her second associate degree from WGTC, earning an associate degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management with honors. During her time at WGTC, Eng was actively involved in student life, serving as an officer in three student organizations and earning first place at the state FBLA competition. She was also named WGTC’s 2026 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner and proudly served as the college’s mascot, Knightro.
“We are proud to celebrate the achievements of this year’s graduates and the determination, resilience, and hard work that led them to this milestone,” said Dr. Julie Post, President of West Georgia Technical College. “Each graduate represents the impact of technical education and the power of partnerships in creating opportunities that strengthen lives, families, and our communities. We are excited to see the difference they will make in the workforce and beyond.”
WGTC is enrolling now for fall semester. Classes start Aug. 17. Apply today at westgatech.edu.
