More Than 2,800 Graduate From Chattahoochee Tech

CANTON, GA -- Chattahoochee Technical College honored more than 2,800 graduates of the state’s largest technical college during a commencement ceremony held Monday at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

Representing graduates from the summer 2015, fall 2015 and spring 2016 semesters, more than 400 graduates walked across the stage to receive their technical certificate of credit, a diploma or an Associate of Applied Science degree.

“In the life of a college, commencement is our most significant event," said Chattahoochee Tech President Dr. Ron Newcomb. "It is a celebration of what our candidates for graduation have accomplished and a celebration of the skills and knowledge required for the credentials that they have earned. Graduation is also a celebration of the jobs that they will get or perhaps have already gotten."

• Sign up for the Canton-Sixes Patch newsletter!

The most popular area of study for graduates was Health Sciences. This was followed by programs in the area of business, including Accounting, Business Administrative Technology, Business Management, Marketing Management and programs in the field of automotive, including automotive and Diesel Technology.

More than 50 students completed an Associate of Applied Science or diploma program with a 4.0 cumulative grade point average and wore gold honor cords to signify their accomplishment, while 31 military veterans proudly wore red, white and blue honor cords.

During the ceremony, Chattahoochee Technical College’s Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership winner Jourdan Ortiz and Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year winner Celnisha Dangerfield, who were named regional finalists in the Technical College System of Georgia’s 2016 Student and Instructor of the Year awards, provided the commencement address.

Each encouraged the candidates for graduation to be the very best version of themselves – a challenge Tiffany Bailey gladly accepted. The Cherokee County resident said she started attending Chattahoochee Tech in order to earn a degree, and praised the counselors who led her down the proper career path.

“When I first came to Chattahoochee Tech, I didn’t know what I wanted to do," Bailey said. "The counselors were very helpful and showed that they really cared about the students. They know your name and care about your success."

Michael Grunkemeyer, who earned a Welding diploma, said Chattahoochee Tech made earning a degree easy.

“It is affordable and the college has a great welding program,” he said.

---

Photo: graduating students listen to the commencement address during Monday's graduation ceremony. Credit: Chattahoochee Technical College