Aiken Technical College congratulated more than 400 graduates this year with an annual commencement ceremony on Tuesday evening, April 30, at the University of South Carolina Aiken’s Convocation Center.
Founded in 1972 to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for citizens in the greater Aiken County community, the college is one of 16 public technical colleges in the South Carolina Technical College System.
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With Spring 2024’s seniors receiving over 430 earned credentials, Aiken Tech’s ceremony included students graduating with degrees in nursing, arts and sciences, computer science, health sciences business and more.
Prior to awarding students their certificates and diplomas, Aiken Tech’s President Forest E. Mahan announced the college’s 2023-24 faculty and staff members of the year.
Nominated by peers and chosen for their dedication and hard work to ATC’s betterment and success, families, graduates and faculty cheered for staff member Kate O’Hara Goergen and faculty member Robert Collins while each walked across the stage to accept their award.
In addition to being awarded special plaques, this year’s recipients were also the first to receive the college’s new challenge coins.
Afterwards, keynote speaker Ronald L. Rhames, president of Midlands Technical College, congratulated students on celebrating the end of their academic journey at ATC.
Known as the first graduate from a S.C. Technical College System institution to later become president of the school he graduated from, Rhames said he hoped graduates took a moment to truly celebrate their individual successes as many overcame “tremendous odds, despite numerous challenges and obstacles.”
“Yet, you are in your caps and gowns, you will never be the same – so celebrate, because you have indeed earned the right,” he said. “… I challenge you to continue the challenge of being lifelong learners. Remember that you are either growing or standing still.”
Encouraging students to accept life’s forthcoming changes and unexpected turns, Rhames said the future will consist of many unknown but necessary changes, as each turns into a life lesson and results in personal or professional growth.
“Consider that without change, our lives and work would soon become dull and stagnant – like the still waters of a pond,” he said. “I challenge you to find your unique calling and special purpose in life, and be willing to commit to it with your heart and soul.”
Following Rhames’ speech, graduates took turns accepting their diplomas as family members and friends applauded, cheered and waved decorative signs.
The ceremony then concluded with the traditional turning of graduation cap’s tassels to the left, and a stadium-wide standing ovation as attendees congratulated students one final time.
Graduate Ahmari Rudolph said he was thrilled to have earned an associate’s degree in Applied Science: Criminal Justice, and looks forward to perhaps one day working for the nation’s F.B.I.
“I’m glad to be done and that it’s over. No more class,” he said.
Rudolph said his favorite part of attending Aiken Tech had to be investigating interesting simulated crime sciences and learning the basics of forensics.
Fellow graduate Alexis Bishop, who earned a Pharmacy Technician certificate, said she was also ecstatic to reach her desired milestone as she pursues a career in healthcare and pharmaceuticals.
Describing Aiken Tech’s staff and faculty as kind, caring and knowledgeable, Rudolph and Bishop both said they would greatly miss their instructors, who easily became mentors for many students.
Inspired by her favorite professor, Lisa Jones, Bishop said she fully plans on continuing her education and earning more accolades after gaining a few years of work experience in the field.
Similar to many attending family members, Bishop’s mother, Jennifer, said she was filled with pride to see her daughter walk across the stage and finally receive her certificate.
“It feels awesome,” she said. “I am just so very proud.”
