ATC Holds 2006 Graduation Ceremony |
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| Ninety-One graduates participated in Altamaha Technical College’s semi-annual graduation ceremony on December 14th, 2006. Beginning the ceremony Lonnie Roberts, Associate VP of Institutional Effectiveness and Library Services, welcomed graduates and guests. Kim Roberson, 2006 Local GOAL Winner and graduate, led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Distinguished Honor Graduate, Melissa Ortiz, served as the Students’ Point of View. The invocation and benediction was presented by Reverend Tim Horne of New Hope Baptist Church in Jesup. Entertainment was provided by pianist Davida Phillips and bagpipes and drums were played by the Heart of Georgia Pipes and Drums, Inc. The colors were presented by Fort Morris Colonial Soldiers of Fort Morris Historical Site in Midway. |
Clifford Davis, Local Board of Directors Chairman, and Karla Eubanks, VP of Student Services, presented the graduates with their degrees and diplomas while Interim President Dr. Cathy Meehan recognized honor graduates and President’s Scholastic Medal recipients.
Paul Graham, a former Computer Information Systems Instructor at Southeastern Technical College and recipient of the Department of Technical and Adult Education Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year Award was the guest speaker for the evening. The Rick Perkins Award was established to recognize and honor an outstanding Instructor of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through instructional excellence, outstanding leadership qualities, and dedication to the mission of the Department of Technical And Adult Education.
Graham began teaching at Southeastern Technical College in 1999. He has a Master of Science from Columbus State University and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Valdosta State University. Prior to working at Southeastern Tech, Graham was employed at Georgia Southern University. “Seeing the power of hands-on approach to instruction while training students at GSU, I explored possible opportunities within technical education,” said Graham. “I found that opportunity at Southeastern Tech, allowing me to come back home and provide a positive impact to my community.”
Graham offered many words of advice and encouragement. He told the students to, “Be passionate, no passion is like a candle with no flame. Commit to lifelong learning and find a mentor along the way. Also, do not be afraid to take chances, reach for your goals.” In his closing, Graham quotes statesman, author, Prime Minister and Nobel Prize winner Winston Churchill from his 1941 speech advising the graduates to, “never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never.”
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