(MARSHALL, Texas) – Marshall’s Memorial City Hall was packed not once but twice for Texas State Technical College’s two summer commencement ceremonies on Tuesday, Aug. 13.
“I am so honored to be part of this special day,” Bart Day, TSTC’s Marshall campus provost, said to the graduates. “All of you worked hard. Congratulations on being here this evening.”
Due to the high number of graduates from the Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology program, the event was divided into two separate ceremonies, with the first being for all of the other Marshall campus programs.
Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology graduate Alex Mendez will be moving from Marshall to Houston to pursue a career with IBEW Local Union 66.
“My favorite TSTC memory is learning how to climb,” Mendez said in reference to the lineworker program’s practice utility poles. “That was probably one of the best moments.”
Longview resident Taylor Graugnard joined TSTC’s Process Operations program after he departed from the Marines. His parents and four younger brothers watched him receive his Associate of Applied Science degree on Tuesday night.
“TSTC has really set me on a good pace for what I plan to do next,” Graugnard said.
Diesel Equipment Technology graduate Taylor Grimes decorated her mortar board to honor her late grandmother. Grimes plans to return to TSTC and continue her education.
“I want to finish for her,” Grimes said of her grandmother. “She would want me to keep going.”
Marshall native Austin Stowe graduated with honors from the Cybersecurity program, wearing two SkillsUSA medals — one gold and one silver — that he earned during his time at TSTC. He plans to continue working for computer repair shop Right Click Plus in Marshall and is considering furthering his education in the future.
“If I had to choose, I would come here again,” Stowe said.
Registration for TSTC’s fall semester is underway. For more information, go to tstc.edu.
