West Georgia Technical College held its summer commencement ceremony on Wednesday, July 29.
West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) held its summer commencement ceremony on Wednesday, July 29 at the Murphy Campus Conference Center in Waco.
The ceremony honored graduates who received associate degrees, diplomas, and technical certificates across a variety of fields, including healthcare, information technology, business, and early childhood care and education.
More than 230 students walked across the stage to receive their degree, diploma, or technical certificate from WGTC President Dr. Julie Post, with some students earning more than one credential. More than 850 awards in 44 different programs were conferred this semester. Graduates ranged in age from 16 to 68, and 49% were first generation college graduates.
Among those recognized was student speaker Steven Copeland, who earned an Associate of Science in Nursing and is already working in the healthcare field. Copeland was part of the first nursing cohort to receive support through a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant, which strengthens Georgia’s nursing workforce through a partnership between WGTC and the University of West Georgia. This fall, he will continue his education by pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at UWG with full tuition and fees covered through the program.
WGTC President Dr. Julie Post congratulated the graduates and thanked them for allowing the college to be part of their educational journey.
“Thank you for choosing West Georgia Tech because we are honored to be a part of this journey with you,” Post said. “We are prouder of you than anyone because when you are successful, West Georgia Tech is successful. We look forward to hearing about all the great things you do after you leave with the academic credential that you earned today.”
The keynote speech was delivered by Heath King, President of Wellstar Douglas Medical Center. King shared an inspiring message and challenged them to embrace three principles as they begin the next chapter of their lives.
“My first challenge for you is to be inspired,” King said. “Don’t lose that feeling you have today. Second, I challenge you to sharpen your axe regularly. That means never stop aspiring to improve and grow. Finally, be bold and inspire others. There’s nothing more gratifying than helping someone achieve their goals. Graduates, today celebrates how far you have come and tomorrow begins the story about what you will do with everything you have learned.”
Michael Jiles, Vice President of Operations and Technology for WGTC, and a 1976 Carroll Tech graduate, also addressed the graduates, encouraging them to use the skills they gained at WGTC to make an impact.
“No matter how much technology we install on our campuses, the real magic of this college isn’t the hardware, it is you,” Jiles said. “The world is full of dreamers. Today, we celebrate the doers. While others talked about the future, you built yours. Do not underestimate where your technical education can take you.”
WGTC is currently enrolling for the fall semester. Classes begin Monday, Aug. 17. To learn more about how WGTC can help you achieve your educational and career goals, visit westgatech.edu
