More Than 2,800 Graduate From Chattahoochee Tech

CARTERSVILLE, 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."

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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 Bartow County resident Elizabeth Brown gladly accepted. Brown received her second degree from Chattahoochee Tech after graduating Monday night with an Associate of Applied Science in Business Management.

“Through Chattahoochee Technical College, I was able to complete my Cosmetology diploma first, which then allowed me to find a job and generate enough income to pursue a degree in Business Management,” Brown said.

With dreams of opening her own salon in Cartersville one day, Brown called Chattahoochee Technical College a “great stepping stone” as she looks to pursue the next chapter in her life.

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Photo: Elizabeth Brown with Chattahoochee Tech President Dr. Ron Newcomb. Credit: Chattahoochee Technical College