(MARSHALL, Texas) – Seventy-two Texas State Technical College graduates crossed the Marshall Memorial City Hall stage on Friday, Dec. 1, at the Marshall campus’ Fall 2023 Commencement.
Families and friends gathered to watch their proud graduates receive their certificates of completion or Associate of Applied Science degrees.
“It’s always exciting to see our graduating students and their supporters gather to mark such a great milestone in their lives,” said Marshall campus provost Barton Day. “We wish them all of the success that hard work and dedication brings.”
Gilmer, Texas, resident Christine Richardson originally visited TSTC as a prospective college for her son. Instead, she walked across the stage herself at the ceremony for her Associate of Applied Science degree in Process Operations.
“I hope to be able to use everything that I learned and to further my career by getting a great job,” Richardson said. “When times get tough, just realize that you can do it and anything is possible.”
William Markham came to Marshall from Texarkana, Arkansas, after his brother — who graduated from TSTC one year to the day earlier than Markham did — recommended the school to him. Markham left Friday night with his certificate of completion in Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology and two potential job offers on the horizon.
“I came (to TSTC), and I enjoyed every minute of it,” he said. “I love this school. I’d recommend it to anybody.”
TSTC Welding Technology student Taylor Thompson from Kilgore, Texas, received his certificate of completion at the ceremony. While he admitted that he would miss his instructors’ great stories, he could not wait to go out and celebrate with his family and girlfriend.
“It feels good to start my life,” Thompson said.
U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Marshall native Roderick Dixon knew that he had to find other work options after he and his fellow employees went on strike from their company. Dixon pursued the Process Operations program at TSTC and continued to do so even after the strike ended. He graduated with his Associate of Applied Science degree, and his employers are seeking a potential upgrade in his position due to his education.
“I’m 58 years old, and going back to school was a major shock,” Dixon said. “Thank you, TSTC, for allowing me to be a student here and allowing me to graduate tonight.”
Registration for the spring semester is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.
