(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College honored its spring graduates Friday with an on-campus graduate parade.
“This is a celebration of endurance, hard work and dedication by our students and the entire Waco campus that has supported these students through this time,” said Rebeca Villanueva-Hernandez, TSTC’s campus enrollment executive.
Graduates checked in with TSTC staff in the John B. Connally Technology Center’s parking lot and received diploma covers and graduation yard signs. The actual diplomas and certificates have been mailed to graduates.
Patti Tate, TSTC’s interim provost for the Waco campus, , along with associate provosts Cindy Kimbrell and Jerome Mendias, led the procession as grand marshals.
“They (the graduates) have really persevered through a time that was difficult for all of us,” Kimbrell said. “I think our graduation candidates could see the finish line, but they were just not sure of how to get through that uncertain time. But, they made it, and we are extremely proud of them and our faculty. The faculty came together and threw everything they had at those graduates to help them get through. I don’t think I’ve ever been more honored to be part of such a dynamic team.”
Faculty and staff lined Campus Drive to cheer on the graduates and their families.
John Washington, an associate professor in TSTC’s Computer Networking and Systems Administration program, said perseverance and strategic thinking will help graduates get a start in the workplace.
“Do your own research, and do not just rely on what you may read unless you personally know someone who works for the organization,” he said. “Be prepared for virtual job interviews and understand how to conduct yourself accordingly.”
For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu.
