TSTC’s East Williamson County campus holds Summer 2023 Commencement
(HUTTO, Texas) – More than 20 graduates from Texas State Technical College’s East Williamson County campus received associate degrees and certificates of completion at TSTC’s Summer 2023 Commencement held Friday, Aug. 25, at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Round Rock.
Jesus Mata, of Hutto, received the Provost’s Outstanding Achievement Award. He graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology.
Several students already have jobs.
D’Angelo Corey, of Georgetown, received an Associate of Applied Science degree in HVAC Technology. He is working as an apprentice at Weir Texas AC and Heat in Williamson County.
Corey said he pursued HVAC technology because his father works in the field and is his role model. He said he liked the work because it ties into electricity.
“I will miss the environment, the staff and the friends I made here,” Corey said of his time at TSTC.
Corey said he and his family were celebrating with brisket after the ceremony.
Robert L. Ortiz, of Hutto, received an Associate of Applied Science degree in HVAC Technology. He is working as a technician at Austin Cool Air.
Ortiz said he will miss his instructors. He chose HVAC Technology to study because he likes the critical thinking aspect and helping people stay comfortable.
“It’s a long time coming,” Ortiz said. “It is a step off in a different career.”
For the first time, the East Williamson County campus awarded a posthumous honorary degree.
Ezequiel Henriquez’s family received an honorary degree in Welding Technology on his behalf. Henriquez, who lived in Austin, died earlier this summer. The family placed his photo, mortarboard and a bouquet of flowers on a chair in the front row to honor him.
“He had a good attitude and never gave up,” said Kristin Burke, an instructor in TSTC’s Welding Technology program who taught Henriquez. “He was resilient and worked hard.”
For more information on TSTC, go to tstc.edu.
