Nicholson Tells PTC Graduates to be Patient, Tenacious, and Compassionate

Approximately 200 students received degrees during two fall commencement ceremonies in December 2023 at Piedmont Technical College (PTC).

PTC Alumna Mamie Nicholson, president of the Self Family Foundation, delivered the public leader keynote address at both ceremonies. She took inspiration from the PTC abbreviation letters, encouraging graduates to be Patient, Tenacious, and Compassionate in their endeavors, noting that she stayed the course through many milestones in college, a focus that began at PTC. 

“Here was the beginning of the rest of my life,” she said. “Here I learned to value who I was and who I could be and to know that whatever I chose to do was possible. … I stayed on task, was patient, tenacious, and definitely had compassion for those around me. I still try to exhibit these characteristics in my personal life, in my work life, and in my community.”

Human Services major Jennifer Hammond was the student speaker for the morning ceremony. Her experience at PTC emphasized the importance of tenacity. A nontraditional student at age 40, Hammond is the widowed mother of four for whom the journey has not been easy. Life changed drastically when the family received news of Hammond’s husband Allen’s terminal illness in 2017. She enrolled at PTC and, in the ensuing years, attended classes, endured the 2021 loss of her husband, and survived a mini-stroke. She also changed her major multiple times before finally deciding on Human Services to be an advocate for children as a guidance counselor. 

“Two days after my mini-stroke, barely able to move my left side, I attended a virtual class meeting,” she said. “Stroke or not, I was going to win. If I was going to be the voice for children, I had to fight this one and win!”

Cardiovascular Technology major and PTC Presidential Ambassador La’Mar Elmore was the student speaker for the afternoon ceremony. He chose to focus on the heart after a health scare of his own and the implantation of a pacemaker. 

“I didn’t understand at the time why this was happening to me, but now it all makes sense,” Elmore said. “It was all a part of God’s plan for me to be able to relate better to my patients because I, too, know how it feels to deal with  heart-related issues, to have echo after echo performed, and to spend nights in CICU wondering what’s to come. My story will encourage the next person that, when trials of life come at you, keep pushing and have faith.”

PHOTOS:  
•    Jennifer Hammond
•    Mamie Nicholson
•    La’Mar Elmore
•    A new PTC graduate poses for a photo with family and friends.
•    PTC President Dr. Hope E. Rivers leads the processional.
•    New PTC graduates with a potential future graduate.

PLEASE NOTE:  PIEDMONT TECHNICAL COLLEGE’S DECEMBER 2023 GRADUATES AND THEIR AREAS OF STUDY ARE LISTED BELOW:

Piedmont Tech shares in the well-deserved pride our graduates feel in their accomplishments. Due to semester and course delivery changes during the 2023 fall semester, some courses and grades are still being finalized. For that reason, names of students who may not meet graduation requirements may be included. Conversely, names of students who will later meet those requirements after publication may be omitted. We regret any embarrassment or inconvenience these ongoing course completions may cause. An official list of all 2023 fall graduates will be maintained by the Student Records Office once all courses and grading have been completed.

ABBEVILLE COUNTY
 

ABBEVILLE – Ashton Ashley, associate in applied science, major in nursing; *Nakiya Brown Cobb, certificate in office technician; Zion K. Dowis, associate in applied science, major in nursing; *Cathrine Grace Ann Dubose, associate in applied science, major in business administration; *La’Mar Aubrieze Elmore, associate in applied science, major in cardiovascular technology, adult echocardiography concentration; *Evan Michael Herndon, associate in applied science, major in human services; Daisy M. Marshall, associate in applied science, major in business administration; Christen L. Proctor, associate in applied science, major in human services; Abigail Simpson, associate in arts; *Cliff Stanley, associate in applied science, major in general technology, paramedic concentration; Bethany Renee Stoll, associate in applied science, major in nursing; and Sierra Joelle Stoll, associate in applied science, major in nursing.

CALHOUN FALLS – *Zaitiera Kentessa Bell, associate in applied science, major in occupational therapy assistant; and Jocelyn Delaine Hozey, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.

GREENWOOD – Doris Jacmin Dominguez, certificate in early childhood development.

IVA – *Samuel Harrison Parnell, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, programming concentration.

AIKEN COUNTY
 

BEECH ISLAND – *James L. Hall, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice.

GRANITEVILLE – Andrea Gail Kahn Schoolfield, associate in applied science, major in nursing.

ANDERSON COUNTY
 

ANDERSON – Porsha Valyncia Calloway, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Whitney P. Dennis, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; and Angela Denise Richey, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.

BELTON – *Cortney Dockins, certificate in paramedic.

BEAUFORT COUNTY
 

SAINT HELENA ISLAND – Michael Paul Eickhoff, associate in applied science, major in building construction technology.

EDGEFIELD COUNTY
 

EDGEFIELD – Cassandra Cheatham, associate in applied science, major in business administration, management concentration; *Noella J. Polatty, certificate in paramedic; and **Vanessa Seger, associate in applied science, major in business administration, management concentration.

JOHNSTON – Candace Bush, associate in arts/certificate in university studies; Shakiera Marie Edwards, associate in applied science, major in cardiovascular technology, adult echocardiography concentration; *Deanna Rushton, associate in applied science, major in business administration, office management concentration; Kirsti Ashlynn Smith, associate in applied science, major in business administration, accounting concentration; and Briana Shanice Thomas, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice.

TRENTON – Ricky Brunson, associate in applied science, major in business administration and **Cerrita Burt Pixley, associate in applied science, major in human services.

FAIRFIELD COUNTY
 

WINNSBORO – Veronica Doiam Sanders, associate in applied science, major in business administration, accounting concentration.

GREENVILLE COUNTY
FOUNTAIN INN – *Lanty Mimnaugh, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology.

GREENVILLE – Lakeisha Renee Chambers, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, legal concentration; and Iesha Nicole Gilchrist, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.

GREER – Spencer David Hunter, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice.

PIEDMONT – *Brittany D. Black, associate in applied science, major in occupational therapy assistant.

SIMPSONVILLE – Jastecia Abreana Nicole Salter, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; and Ashlon Tribble, associate in applied science, major in cardiovascular technology, adult echocardiography concentration.

TRAVELERS REST – *Tystasia Alfreeda Ruff, associate in applied science, major in general technology, digital rendering with advertising or photography.

GREENWOOD COUNTY
 

GREENWOOD – Jennifer L. Adams, associate in applied science, major in business administration, management concentration; Aissa Santana Benjamin, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; Marie-Liz Biubwa, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Bradley Thomas Bonds, associate in applied science, major in automotive technology; Jeffrey Leon Boyd, certificate in human resource management; Astra Brooks, associate in applied science, major in business administration, management concentration; Melissa Danielle Brooks, certificate in office technician; Grace Elizabeth Caldwell, associate in applied science, major in human services; *Bryson Tyler Cook, associate in applied science, major in cardiovascular technology, invasive concentration; Joanna Michelle Cruz-Bautista, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Brittney Shandell Davis, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Elizabeth Drayton Goldman, associate in applied science, major in occupational therapy assistant; Diana L. Gonzalez-Carlos, associate in applied science, major in occupational therapy assistant; Micah Cecille Gray, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; **Jeannie Elizabeth Jenkins, associate in applied science, major in human services; Jarvis Jovan Johnson, associate in applied science, major in business administration, management concentration; Alexcia La’Teona Kennedy, associate in applied science, major in occupational therapy assistant; Melvetta L. Legrone, associate in applied science, major in occupational therapy assistant; Tiffany Paige Lewis, associate in arts; Tolanda Boyd Lewis, associate in applied science, major in human services; Kesia Latoya Little, certificate in early childhood development; Destiny Miller, associate in applied science, major in early care and education; *Jo Ann Moore, associate in applied science, major in human services; M’Kayla Rae Morgan, associate in applied science, major in business administration; Damon Bradley Norman, certificate in paramedic; *Kentia LaShai Phelps, certificate in early childhood development; Shi’Me Lashay Quarles, associate in applied science, major in human services; Carla J. Scott, certificate in office technician; Kia Deon Singletary, associate in applied science, major in business administration, accounting concentration; *Adam Russell Sitarz, associate in applied science, major in general technology, welding concentration; Dawn Mcguire Smith, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; Marshall Wyatt Smith, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Logan Spradley, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Shavon Nicole Stewart, associate in applied science, major in occupational therapy assistant; Sean Anthony Stotler, associate in applied science, major in building construction technology; Linda Tran, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; **Iquir’a Necole Swana’ Washington, associate in applied science, major in human services; Schuyler Gabrielle Williams, associate in applied science, major in cardiovascular technology, adult echocardiography concentration; and *Presley Xavier Wright, associate in applied science, major in business administration/associate in arts.

HODGES – Summer Rae Baker, associate in arts; Nicholas Daniel Mckee, certificate in advanced welding; and *Nathaniel David Lee Thomas, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, cybersecurity concentration.

NINETY SIX – Michael Brendan Clark, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; Kara L. Glasl, associate in applied science, major in business administration, management concentration; Kylie Danielle Mars, associate in science/associate in arts; Kaylee Ritenour, associate in science; and *Ashley Ann Willner, associate in applied science, major in general technology, paramedic concentration.

WARE SHOALS – Krystal Nicole Raines, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing and *Aundrea Michelle West, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice.

LAURENS COUNTY
 

CLINTON – Nadavea S. Boyd, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; Angela Reece Cummings, associate in applied science, major in cardiovascular technology, adult echocardiography concentration; Melanie Jean Franklin, associate in applied science, major in human services; *Thomas E. Keadle, associate in applied science, major in general technology, welding concentration; Willis Long, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; Hannah Martin, associate in applied science, major in occupational therapy assistant; *Brandon Gage Mcwatters, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; Kalen N. Richardson, associate in applied science, major in nursing; and Christopher L. Shaver, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.

FOUNTAIN INN – Roslinda Walker Williams, associate in applied science, major in early care and education.

JOANNA – Melissa Gail Simmons, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.

KINARDS – Mary Mccumber, associate in applied science, major in business administration, human resources generalist concentration.

LAURENS – Pedro Mateo Andres, associate in science; *Mariano Benjamin Cotoc Riscajche, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, cybersecurity concentration; A’Najhia T’yanna Fleming, associate in science; *John Robert Gordon, associate in applied science, major in business administration, office management concentration; Kimberly Grant, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Bianca Breyuna Massey, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; *April Carley Seymore, associate in applied science, major in early care and education; Riley T. Tumblin, associate in science; and Weston Glenn Wilson, associate in applied science, major in general technology, welding concentration.

WARE SHOALS – Jennifer Hammond, associate in applied science, major in human services; **Bryan Leonardo Lopez Perez, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; and Abigail Lynn Madden, associate in applied science, major in early care and education.

WATERLOO – **Jeannie L. Price, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration.

LEXINGTON COUNTY
 

CHAPIN – Latoya Bowers, certificate in office technician; *Delaney Joy Ratcliff, associate in applied science, major in general technology, digital rendering with advertising or photography concentration; and Shannon Elizabeth Ryan, associate in applied science, major in nursing.

LEESVILLE – Hannah Chavis, associate in applied science, major in cardiovascular technology, invasive concentration.

LEXINGTON – *Shawn Bartle, associate in applied science, major in cardiovascular technology, adult echocardiography.

NEWBERRY COUNTY
 

NEWBERRY – Talayshia Nikeria Bobo, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration; *Mitchel C. Burriss, associate in applied science, major in business administration, accounting concentration; Kameesha Cherelle Cromer, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; ***Emerald Dewalt, certificate in pc technician; Pia Valene Dolman, associate in applied science, major in business administration; Abigail Jacquet, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Colby G. Kneece, associate in applied science, major in business administration; Shawn L. Marshall, certificate in accounting; Rosangelica Nunez-Escobar, associate in applied science, major in human services; Makenna Roireau, associate in applied science, major in nursing; and *Patricia Vargas-Santiago, associate in applied science, major in business administration, management concentration.

POMARIA – *Tyler Brooks Alewine, associate in applied science, major in general technology, welding concentration; and Dawn Michelle Morris, associate in applied science, major in nursing.

PROSPERITY – Angela G. Baxter, associate in applied science, major in human services.

SILVERSTREET – Marshall Allen Johnson, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology.

WHITMIRE – Kelcie Weaver Fletcher, associate in arts.

RICHLAND COUNTY
 

COLUMBIA – Kerterri Idrina Baker, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; April Daney, associate in applied science, major in cardiovascular technology, invasive concentration; and *Tammie M. Holmes, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice.

SALUDA COUNTY
 

BATESBURG – *Jaxon T. Connell, associate in applied science, major in general technology, digital rendering with advertising design concentration; **Jaxon T. Connell, certificate in digital rendering and gaming.

JOHNSTON – **Sharon Burt-Anderson, associate in applied science, major in human services.

RIDGE SPRING – *Alexis Stockman Watkins, associate in applied science, major in occupational therapy assistant.

SALUDA – *Hortencia Acevedo-Renteral, certificate in early childhood development; Jesus M. Martinez, associate in applied science, major in general technology, welding concentration; Jacob Mccary, associate in applied science, major in general technology, welding concentration; Luis F. Meza, associate in applied science, major in business administration, human resources generalist concentration; Alexandria Swan Mitchell, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Christina Renee Richardson, associate in applied science, major in business administration, management concentration; Abisai Rosales Vazquez, associate in applied science, business administration, office management concentration; and *Paul Abraham Santos-Vicente, associate in applied science, major in automotive technology.

SPARTANBURG COUNTY
 

ENOREE – Heather Marie Mims, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration.

INMAN – *Kristina Mateush, associate in applied science, major in occupational therapy assistant.

UNION COUNTY
 

BUFFALO – Anna Michele Johnson, associate in applied science, major in occupational therapy assistant.

OUT OF STATE
 

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Tamekia Meadows, associate in applied science, major in nursing.

LINCOLNTON, Ga. – Meagan Nicole Mercier, associate in applied science, major in cardiovascular technology, adult echocardiography concentration.

***Summa Cum Laude-4.0      **Magna Cum Laude-3.75-3.99      *Cum Laude-3.5-3.74