TSTC honors fall graduates with virtual celebration

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College honored its fall graduating class with a virtual celebration Thursday, Dec. 10.

The virtual celebration honored students at each campus and included a video message from TSTC Chancellor and CEO Mike Reeser. TSTC had 1,091 candidates for graduation for the fall semester.

“Today we celebrate. We celebrate your commitment, your perseverance and your hard work that led you to this rare accomplishment,” Reeser said. “In the midst of your training, our state suffered an unprecedented pandemic, and yet you persevered through. Relish in the fact that all the choices and sacrifices you’ve made along the way culminate in this special moment in time.”

Reeser said the graduates will make an immediate impact on helping Texas recover from the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“During the years ahead, we may face some uncertainties, but one thing we know with conviction is that we are going to need Texans like you — talented people who can and will apply superlative, hands-on skills to improve our state and help build our economic recovery,” he said.

Candidates for graduation thanked members of the TSTC faculty and staff for their support in messages posted to social media.

Waco Welding Technology student Tyler Eller said he now has a path to being successful.

“I appreciate TSTC for being a reliable steppingstone and creating an opportunity to manifest a brighter future for myself,” he said.

Sweetwater Wind Energy Technology student Christopher Boyd also said TSTC led him to a career.

“I am extremely grateful for the job opportunity I have acquired after coming to TSTC,” Boyd said. “It has changed my life forever. Thank you to all of my professors for shaping me to be the best I can be for my career.”

Cybersecurity student Edward Luna Sr. agreed with Boyd’s comment.

“TSTC has opened so many more opportunities for me,” Luna said after completing the program at the Fort Bend County campus.

Amy Trevino said TSTC offered her flexibility while studying Education and Training at the Harlingen campus.

“TSTC has given me the opportunity to pursue a degree with flexible scheduling, and without that I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish this achievement,” she said.

Tara Nugent, a Welding Technology student in Marshall, said she learned more than just a trade.

“I have not only gained many skills in my trade, I have learned so much more about myself,” she said. “With the impact TSTC had on me, I have decided to continue furthering my education and will be doing so right here with my TSTC family.”

East Williamson County student Juan Jaramillo can now call himself a chef after completing the Culinary Arts program.

“I am so thankful for TSTC for giving me this opportunity of a lifetime, and thankful for my instructors that were there for me all the way,” he said.

Ashleigh Humphrey earned an associate degree in Computer Networking and Systems Administration, as well as an associate degree in Cybersecurity. She credited the North Texas and Waco faculty for helping her reach that goal.

“This could not have been done without you and your amazing staff. Thank you for all the support and encouragement, forever,” she said.

For more information on TSTC, visit tstc.edu.