Piedmont Technical College Recognizes Fall Graduates
The James Medford Family Event Center at Piedmont Technical College was the setting for the culmination of many dreams for the nearly 250 Piedmont Technical College graduates who took center stage.
Dr. Ray Brooks, president, welcomed graduates, family and guests to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduates.
“When others were stepping back, you stepped forward, you continued on and you persisted,” Brooks said. “Today, you’re ready to take the next step and I encourage you to keep going. The one thing we want when you leave here is that you are a self-directed, independent learner who is ready to make your mark on the world.”
Brooks was followed by the commencement speaker Dr. Jeremy Lord, the retired chairman of Paskill Stapleton & Lord, Inc., an educational marketing consulting firm.
“Thank you, graduates, for your best efforts and especially for your persistence in earning your college degree,” said Lord. “You have made an investment in yourselves and it is an investment that will pay off over your entire lifetime.”
Lord told the graduates there are three insights to a well-ordered life. He encouraged them to make it a habit to be grateful and to express appreciation; to set ambitious goals for themselves; and to keep the promises they make.
“Living by these three principles will have a profound impact on your life, immediately and over a lifetime,” Lord said. “This is the moment, your future is yours to shape. Go to it.”
Several graduates were recognized for highest academic achievement within their counties of residence.
The winners by their counties of residence and their majors were: Abbeville: Sonja Martin, machine tool; Greenwood: John Martin, computer technology; Laurens: Ashley Shepheard, diversified agriculture; Matthew Urwick, business; McCormick: Donna Wall, business; Newberry: Aja Gaulden, associate in arts; and Saluda: Wanda Shull, associate in arts.
Presenting this year’s graduates was Andy Omundson, associate vice president for student affairs. Certificates, diplomas and associate degrees were conferred by Brooks and Dr. Jack Bagwell, vice president for academic affairs, with assistance from Area Commission chairman George Piersol; Dr. Bradley Griggs, dean of Arts and Sciences; Dr. Jerry Alewine, dean of health science; Tara Harris, dean of nursing; Sissy Copeland, dean of business, information technologies and public service; and David Kibler, dean of engineering and industrial technologies.
The macebearer was Allen Barbare, faculty senate president. The mace was designed by members of the faculty and staff and presented to the college in 1991 by PTC’s Alumni Association. Music was provided by Emerald City Brass. The Reverend Kyle Richter, associate pastor of Westside Baptist Church in Greenwood, delivered the invocation and benediction.
PLEASE NOTE: PIEDMONT TECHNICAL COLLEGE’S DECEMBER 2016 GRADUATES AND THEIR AREAS OF STUDY ARE LISTED BELOW.
Piedmont Tech shares in the well-deserved pride our graduates feel in their accomplishments. To meet the printing deadlines required for production of the program and to maximize use of graduates’ names in area media, information is compiled a minimum of two weeks in advance of commencement exercises. For that reason, names of students who fail to meet graduation requirements may be included. Conversely, names of students who met those requirements after the print deadline may be omitted. We regret any embarrassment or inconvenience these schedules may cause.
ABBEVILLE COUNTY
ABBEVILLE – Kayla Elizabeth Bowie, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; Annette Calhoun, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration; Charles Keith Ellis, associate in applied science, major in funeral service; Suvilla J. Fisher, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Dalton Hugh Garner, associate in applied science, major in electronic engineering technology; Kristen Alysha Herring, associate in applied science, major in general business, accounting concentration; Sandra Hood, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; Marquitia Juvonda Lee, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Karen Jane Martin, associate in applied science, major in general technology, pharmacy technology concentration; *Sonja Dee Martin, associate in applied science, major in machine tool technology; Olivia Brooke New, associate in applied science, major in human services; Alexander Paul Oaks, associate in applied science, major in heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology; *Jorge Diaz Ortega, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; Jaquita Desiree Robinson, associate in arts; Hope L. Swaney, certificate in office technician; Rhiannon Paulette Todd, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; Margorie Ann Trotter, associate in applied science, major in human services; Janet Lynn Walker, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; and *Crystal Nichole Wilson, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration.
BRADLEY – Alice May Cook, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration.
CALHOUN FALLS – Jason Culbreth Manning, associate in applied science, major in general business, office management concentration. DONALDS – *Lori W. Holbrooks, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; and Jennifer Lynn Wilson, associate in applied science, major in nursing.
IVA – Breana Michal Voyles, associate in applied science, major in general business.
AIKEN COUNTY
WAGENER – Sharetta Muldrow, associate in applied science, major in funeral service.
ANDERSON COUNTY
ANDERSON – Billie Sosebee McCarter, associate in applied science, major in funeral service; and Latishia Roshell Thompson, associate in applied science, major in nursing.
HONEA PATH – Kenyatta Nicole Keller, diploma in applied science, major in pharmacy technology; *Andrew Bates Smalley, associate in applied science, major in industrial electronics technology; and **James Hunter Smith, associate in applied science, major in industrial electronics technology.
IVA – Karon Latricha Albert, associate in applied science, major in nursing.
EDGEFIELD COUNTY
EDGEFIELD – Ataya N. Williams, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration.
JOHNSTON – Joyce Ann Phillips-Robinson, diploma in applied science, major in pharmacy technology.
GREENVILLE COUNTY
GREENVILLE – **Robert Warren Griffith, Jr., associate in applied science, major in funeral service.
MAULDIN – Brittney Ciera Terry, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.
GREENWOOD COUNTY
BRADLEY – **Le-Nai’ L. G. Rowland, associate in applied science, major in general business, office management concentration.
GREENWOOD – *Anissa Renee Adams, associate in arts; *Nakisha Bell Anderson, associate in applied science, major in general business; Pamela Danille Anderson, associate in arts; *Kristen Michelle Andrews, associate in applied science, major in general business, accounting concentration; Sharee Shantez Austin, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Crystal Ann Beasley, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Stephen Walter Blackwell, Jr., diploma in applied science, major in welding; Jessica L. Broughton, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration; Halley Elizabeth Capps, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; Andre Lamar Collier, associate in applied science, major in heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology; Ashley Nicole Enlow, associate in science; Brandon Thomas Fitzpatrick, associate in applied science, major in heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology; Kevin B. Galindo, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; Erin Michelle Ginn, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Isis Kiadonna Griffin, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Lauren Elizabeth Hammond, associate in applied science, major in general business, management concentration; Yolanda G. Harrison, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; *Samantha Nicole Hill, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration; **Kelly D. Jenkins, associate in applied science, major in general technology, medical assisting technology; *Kanisha Chante’ Jimerson, associate in applied science, major in general business, management concentration; Chelsie Lee Kennedy, associate in arts; Andrea M. King, associate in arts; *Phillip James Klepfer, diploma in applied science, major in welding; Alexander Nathaniel Kordus, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; *Lindsey Marie Lowe, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, information technology concentration; Amy Lyn Masters, associate in applied science, major in human services; Ashley Nicole Moton, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration; Deanna N. Odom, diploma in applied science, major in pharmacy technology; Nikita S. Parks, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Elizabeth Patrick, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; April Dawn Payton, associate in arts; Tamara L. Perdue, associate in applied science, major in human services; Lindsey Carolyn Peralta, associate in arts; Anthony Ryan Powell, associate in arts; William Paul Pulliam, II, associate in applied science, major in engineering graphics technology; Christopher A. Rapley, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; Kadine Reid, associate in applied science, major in early care and education; Georgette J. Rhodan, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration; Carmen Cromer Scott, associate in applied science, major in general business; Frank Richardson Sells, associate in applied science, major in industrial electronics technology; Lashaun Rebecca Singletary, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; Rondriekus Maurice Smith, associate in arts; Kristin Anne Sullivan, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Jonathan Talbert, diploma in applied science, major in welding; *Adero Saed Thomas, diploma in applied science, major in pharmacy technology; Charity Keivona Thomas, associate in arts; Jacqueline Marcelle White, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, information technology concentration; **Jason Andrew White, associate in applied science, major in general engineering technology; Miranda Nicole White, associate in applied science, major in human services; Sharon Marie Wideman, associate in arts; Carla Williams, associate in applied science, major in industrial electronics technology; Sandra Ann Williams, associate in arts; Andresha Jamelia Witt, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, information technology concentration; Kayana Shanice Witt, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; and **Matthew Timothy Woodyard, associate in arts.
HODGES – Amy Bannister McAlister, associate in applied science, major in general business, accounting concentration; and *Elora Nicole Turner, associate in arts.
NINETY SIX – ***John Henry Martin, III, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, information technology concentration; **Sean Casey Mcalister, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; Holden Fletcher Smith, associate in applied science, major in automotive technology; and Steven Michael Tafta, associate in applied science, major in machine tool technology.
TROY - *Christine A. Cornetto, associate in applied science, major in horticulture.
WARE SHOALS – Jason D. Daigrepont, certificate in microcomputer software specialist; and Caleb J. McCall, associate in applied science, major in mechanical engineering technology.
LAURENS COUNTY
CLINTON – Brett Lee Burton, associate in applied science, major in heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology; **James Joseph Fruehwirth, associate in applied science, major in machine tool technology; Jacob Scott King, diploma in applied science, major in pharmacy technology; *Karen Martin, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration; Beverly A. Mccravey, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, accounting concentration; Krista C. Samples, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Thomasena C. Smith, diploma in applied science, major in pharmacy technology; Morgan Thomaslee Summers, associate in applied science, major in horticulture; ***Matthew Joseph Urwick, associate in applied science, major in general business; and Gerra Elizabeth Wilson, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing;
GRAY COURT – Tammy E. Hiebert, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.
JOANNA – Deanna A. Bluford, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; and Chelsea Lynn Bridges, associate in applied science, major in nursing.
KINARDS – *Stanley Leo Smaltz, associate in applied science, major in industrial electronics technology; and Drew William Smith, associate in science.
LAURENS – Shakeithia Latorisha Anderson, associate in applied science, major in general technology, medical assisting concentration; *Sarah Caroline Hunt, diploma in applied science, major in pharmacy technology; Sharon Neely, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration; Jordan Keith Riegel, associate in applied science, major in industrial electronics technology/associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; Heather Renee Sanders, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, accounting concentration; ***Ashley Paige Shepheard, associate in applied science, major in diversified agriculture; Robert Evan Sprouse, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; and Kristie Lee Vaughn, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration.
MOUNTVILLE – Taylor Nicole Sherfield, diploma in applied science, major in pharmacy technology.
WATERLOO – Heaven Leighshea Dillinger, associate in applied science, major in human services; *Sandy Eustace, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, accounting concentration; and Jamie Michelle Teague, associate in applied science, major in human services.
LEXINGTON COUNTY
BATESBURG – Thomas Cody Brillon, associate in applied science, major in general technology, pharmacy technology concentration.
COLUMBIA – *Lauren Hammer, associate in applied science, major in funeral service; and Josalyn Lybrand, associate in arts.
LEESVILLE – **Lindsey E. New, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration.
LEXINGTON – Barbara Leigh Ball, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, legal concentration; Jamie Bethel, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Tyler Jackson Bray, associate in applied science, major in diversified agriculture; Natalie Corley, associate in applied science, major in diversified agriculture; Ryan Jordan Lindler, associate in applied science, major in diversified agriculture; and Paul L. Mckenzie, III, associate in applied science, major in general business.
McCORMICK COUNTY
McCORMICK – Topeka Nushana Jennings, associate in science; William M. Johnson, associate in arts; and Corey Ashton Wall, associate in applied science, major in heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology.
PLUM BRANCH – *Patricia Lynn Thew, associate in science; *Donna Sue Wall, associate in applied science, major in general business; and Mary Allison Waters, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.
NEWBERRY COUNTY
LITTLE MOUNTAIN – Jessica Marie Osborne, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration.
NEWBERRY – Kristen Burris, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration; **Cody Butler, associate in applied science, major in general engineering technology; Blake Andrew Culbertson, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; Courtney Monica Curry, associate in applied science, major in general business, management concentration; Nicole S. Epps, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; ***Aja Elizabeth Gaulden, associate in arts; Schkeeler Nichelle Gray, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; La-Kisha Lynta Houston, associate in arts; Brandarius Shmar Jones, associate in applied science, major in general business, management concentration; Juan Luis Martinez, associate in applied science, major in general business, accounting concentration; James A. Miller, associate in applied science, major in general business, management concentration; Catherine E. Morse, associate in science; *Courtney Lynette Rawl, associate in applied science, major in general business; Sierra Rae Snelgrove, associate in applied science, major in general technology, pharmacy technology concentration; Daphne Danielle Suber, associate in applied science, major in general business; and Brigitte D. Wheeler, associate in applied science, major in general business, accounting concentration.
PROSPERITY – Luciana Caldwell, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; Christopher T. Cayton, associate in arts; Joseph Daniel Moran, associate in applied science, major in machine tool technology; and Rebecca Hallman Myers, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.
WHITMIRE – Anna Elizabeth Hall, associate in applied science, major in general technology, surgical technology concentration; and William T. Hollingsworth, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, programming concentration.
RICHLAND COUNTY
CHAPIN – Zachary Taylor McCall, associate in science.
COLUMBIA – Maegan N. Clark, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; James Larry Davoll, Jr., associate in applied science, major in funeral service; and Porsha Keonna Ray, associate in science.
SALUDA COUNTY
BATESBURG – Kristan Dawn Wood, associate in arts.
JOHNSTON – **Wanda S. Shull, associate in arts.
SALUDA – *Samantha Kathleen Adams, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; Kanika Brooks, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Niga Sholanda Cabbagestalk, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Debra S. Charlton, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, accounting concentration; *Juan Carlos Hernandez, Jr., associate in arts; **Gideon Gregory Kirkland, diploma in applied science, major in welding; Dana Elizabeth Robertson, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Selena Marie Robinson, associate in applied science, major in general technology, massage therapy concentration; Ashleigh Elizabeth Storey, associate in applied science, major in early care and education; and Justin Wallace Whitten, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice.
RIDGE SPRING – Josh Sullivan, associate in applied science, major in horticulture.
WARD – Brittany S. Herron, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.
SPARTANBURG COUNTY
BOILING SPRINGS – **Clayton Augustus Threlkeld, associate in applied science, major in general technology, gunsmithing concentration.
SPARTANBURG – Bertha Shune’L Cross, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; and *Terrell Rashad Gist, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice.
WELLFORD – Odislen Bomar, associate in applied science, major in funeral service.
UNION COUNTY
UNION – ***Kandice Brooke Blackwood, associate in arts.
OUT OF STATE
AUGUSTA, Ga. – LaShundra Bell, associate in arts.
CLEVELAND, Ga. – Jordan Tate Dawson, associate in applied science, major in funeral service.
HEPHZIBAH, Ga. – Ruth Shuler, associate in applied science, major in nursing.
GRAND TURK – Corderro W. Williams, associate in applied science, major in building construction technology.
***Summa Cum Laude-4.0 **Magna Cum Laude-3.75-3.99 *Cum Laude-3.5-3.74