(RED OAK, Texas) – The Waxahachie Civic Center buzzed with excitement as families and friends celebrated graduates from Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus during the Summer 2025 Commencement on Tuesday, Aug. 12.
Of the 50 graduates who were honored, 22 received certificates of completion in Structural Welding.
Luis Lopez, of Red Oak, has been welding since high school and wanted to keep going when he went to college. He said he was happy to be graduating.
“It feels good to graduate because after all of the work that we’ve done, it will be good to finally put it to use out in the field,” he said.
Ren Hamilton, of Midlothian, began welding in high school through his agriculture classes. He is returning to TSTC’s North Texas campus this fall to pursue a certificate of completion in Advanced Processes.
“TSTC is the beginning of my adult career,” he said.
Anthony Pelerose, of Ennis, said he aspires to build a successful career in TIG (tungsten inert gas) welding before starting a family. He hopes to return to TSTC’s North Texas campus someday to earn a welding certificate of completion in Advanced Pipe Specialization.
“I’ve learned a lot, and I feel like I’m better as a person than I was before,” Pelerose said.
Xavier Velasquez, of Ferris, began studying at TSTC to help find a better way to support his son, who watched as he received his certificate of completion. Velasquez also has a new job with pipe supplier ISCO Industries at its Cedar Hill location.
“I love you,” Velasquez said to his son. “You’re going to thank me in the long run.”
Registration for TSTC’s fall semester is underway. For more information, go to tstc.edu.