(WACO, Texas) – More than 400 graduates from Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus received associate degrees or certificates of completion at TSTC’s Spring 2024 Commencement held Thursday, May 2, at the BASE at Extraco Events Center in Waco.
“Graduation represents the culmination of all the hard work of our students,” said Beth Wooten, campus provost. “It is truly a time to celebrate and reflect on the journey that each and every student traveled to get to this point.”
Madison Ponce, who grew up in San Isidro in the Rio Grande Valley and moved to Corsicana when she was a sophomore in high school, received a certificate of completion from the Welding Technology program. She commuted between Corsicana and Waco to attend classes.
“It feels good,” she said of graduating. “I accomplished a lot, and I am ready to work.”
Ponce is the first in her family to graduate from college. She wore a white stole signifying her achievement. She said several family members watched her walk across the stage.
Ponce said she is searching for welding jobs in South Texas.
Gavin Lane, of Troy, received an Associate of Applied Science degree in Robotics and Industrial Controls Technology. While at TSTC, he worked as a resident advisor at the on-campus Village Oaks Apartments.
“I’m absolutely happy to be finished with school,” he said. “It feels good to accomplish an associate degree.”
Lane works as a software technician at Fallas Automation Inc. in Waco.
Not all graduates wore black gowns. Several dual credit students from La Vega High School wore blue gowns signifying one of their school colors.
Among those students was Hector Montes, of Bellmead, who received an occupational skills award from the Welding Technology program. Some of his relatives attended the graduation ceremony.
“It’s a pretty good feeling,” he said of earning his award. “It comes with a lot of work and effort.”
Montes will graduate Friday, May 10, from high school. He said he plans to return to TSTC in the fall to work on a certificate of completion in Welding Technology.
“It feels better being ahead,” he said. “What I have done in my high school career has been helpful and good.”
Joshua Lynn, who received an Associate of Applied Science degree in Building Construction Technology, received the Provost’s Outstanding Achievement Award.
For more information on TSTC, go to tstc.edu.
