News Summary
Piedmont Technical College honored 460 students at its recent graduation ceremonies in Greenwood. The event featured inspiring speeches from alumni, highlighting the impact of education. PTC, which contributes $240.8 million to the local economy, also announced plans for a new health science facility backed by an $11 million grant, enhancing training for future healthcare professionals.
Greenwood Cheers as Piedmont Technical College Graduates 460 Star Students!
What a fantastic day it was in Greenwood as Piedmont Technical College (PTC) took center stage to celebrate the graduation of 460 bright students! With two lively commencement ceremonies held at the spacious James Medford Family Event Center, students and their families gathered to cheer for a total of 617 academic credentials awarded this year, including associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
A Journey of Hard Work and Achievement
This graduation was not just a moment for caps and gowns; it was a true celebration of hard work! The president of PTC, Dr. Hope E. Rivers, warmly congratulated the graduates, emphasizing the college’s motto of “expecting more.” PTC plays a vital role in the community, generating a whopping $240.8 million annually in economic impact for the region. That’s something to be proud of!
Inspiration from the Alumni
During the ceremony, notable alumni stepped up to inspire the new graduates. Alumna Nadia Sanders reminded everyone about their strength and encouraged them to keep pushing forward in their personal and professional journeys. There was also Heather Strickland, who shared her inspiring tale of enrolling in the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program after seeing just how positively therapy impacted her children. What a heartwarming path to a new career!
Derrick Goodman also took the stage, sharing his quest for knowledge after returning to school to earn a degree in Business Administration. He encouraged fellow graduates and listeners to embrace education at any age. Whether you’re just starting out or thinking about going back—education offers a pathway to success at any stage in life.
Diverse Fields of Study
Among the graduates were many from Laurens County, showcasing a range of programs such as nursing, business administration, and practical nursing. It was evident that PTC plays a critical role in equipping individuals with the skills needed to thrive in their respective fields. The energy in the event center was palpable, as family and friends proudly cheered on their loved ones stepping into a brighter future.
Exciting Developments for Health Sciences
But that’s not all! PTC is not just celebrating its graduates; they’re also gearing up for exciting developments in their facilities. The college recently secured an impressive $11 million grant from the Economic Development Administration, intended to boost a new health science facility. This investment underscores PTC’s ongoing commitment to health care education.
The future health science facility will offer state-of-the-art lab environments to enhance PTC’s already robust lineup of twelve health care programs. With plans for multiple nursing simulation spaces, skills labs, classrooms, and collaboration rooms, students will have access to top-notch resources for their education. This facility promises to be a cornerstone for aspiring healthcare professionals, meeting the growing demand in the community.
Investing in Our Future
The total cost for this exciting project will include a local funding match of $2.8 million, significantly enhancing the educational landscape for health care training in the area. The collaboration is already underway to establish a timeline for this new building, which will play a significant role in boosting the health care workforce of the region.
Among all the smiles and celebrations, Dr. Hope E. Rivers expressed deep gratitude for the federal investment aimed at strengthening the healthcare workforce in the local area. It’s a proud moment for PTC, not only for its graduates but for the entire Greenwood community, as they look ahead to a future filled with promise and opportunity.
As this year’s graduation season wraps up, we can’t help but look forward to seeing what the future holds for these talented graduates as they step into their careers. Here’s to future success stories from Piedmont Technical College!
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Additional Resources
- Index Journal: Piedmont Technical College Reveals New Mascot Name
- Newberry Observer: Sally Cooke Receives Statewide Honor
- GoLaurens: PTC Fall 2024 Graduation Announcement
- Wikipedia: Piedmont Technical College
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Technical College
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