(MARSHALL, Texas) – More than 30 graduates received certificates and associate degrees at Texas State Technical College’s Summer 2019 Commencement held Friday, Aug. 16, at the Julius S. Scott Sr. Chapel at Wiley College in Marshall.
Rush Harris, director of business services at the Marshall Economic Development Corp., was the ceremony’s guest speaker. He talked to graduates about the power of having a degree from TSTC.
“My advice to all graduates here today is to hone your skills and never stop learning,” Harris said. “You will work in an ever-changing environment. Pay attention and learn each day. Know that with technological advancements, you will likely undergo future training. Look for companies that invest in their employees.”
Harris is a graduate of Marshall High School, Southern Methodist University, the Thunderbird School of Global Management and the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute.
Some graduates either have jobs or are waiting on word about employment opportunities.
Jacob McCombs of Harleton recently wrapped up an internship at Southwestern Electric Power Co. in Marshall. He earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electrical Lineworker Technology.
He came to TSTC after working in a fabrication shop where he did welding.
“I didn’t like being stationary,” McCombs said. “Electrical Lineworker Technology pays well. I have a big family, a wife and four children, and just needed something that will provide well for them and something that I would enjoy doing long-term.”
Graduates are already making their plans for the future.
Lazaro Gonzalez of Carthage said he made the right decision coming to TSTC to earn a structural welding certificate.
“I’m excited but a little nervous,” he said. “They (the instructors) taught me a lot more than what I learned in high school. This is a good start.”
This fall, Gonzalez plans to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Technology at TSTC’s Waco campus. Eventually, he wants to work with tungsten inert gas welding.
“Welding is a good profession if you want to travel,” Gonzalez said.
For more information, log on to tstc.edu.
