West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) proudly celebrated its fall 2024 graduates on Thursday, December 12, with two commencement ceremonies held at the Murphy Campus Conference Center in Waco and the Callaway Conference Center in LaGrange. The ceremonies recognized students who have earned associate degrees, diplomas, and technical certificates in fields including healthcare, information technology, business, and industrial technologies.

A total of 225 students walked across the stage to receive their awards from WGTC President Dr. Julie Post, with some students obtaining more than one credential. Over 1,000 awards were conferred this semester.

“Today, we celebrate your hard work, determination, and incredible achievements,” said Dr. Post. “Choosing West Georgia Tech was a pivotal step in your journey, and we are honored to have been a part of it. Your success is our success, and we could not be prouder to share this moment with you. Congratulations on reaching this milestone and best wishes for the future ahead.”

The keynote addresses were delivered by Steven Jahng, Vice President of Hyundai Motor Group, at the LaGrange ceremony, and by Larry Earle, Vice President of Manufacturing at Ed Miniat Holdings, at the Murphy ceremony. Both speakers offered invaluable insights, sharing their expertise, guidance, and inspiring words of encouragement with the attendees.

The ceremonies also featured two exceptional student speakers. Grace Burton, a military veteran who served eight years in the Army, earned her diploma in CNC Technology, a field traditionally dominated by men. Shadariah Mason, who earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Laboratory Technology while maintaining a 4.0 GPA, also addressed her peers. Both speakers exemplified the dedication and perseverance of the graduating class, inspiring their fellow students to embrace the future with confidence and determination.

“My time at WGTC has been incredibly rewarding, providing me with a solid foundation in my field and the confidence to continue pursuing my dreams,” Burton said. “The rigorous CNC program challenged me to push my boundaries and develop my passion for precision and innovation in my field. As we graduate today, let’s carry the lessons we’ve learned and the friendships we’ve built into the future knowing that together we can achieve great things.”

To learn more about how WGTC can help you achieve your educational and career goals, visit westgatech.edu.

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.