TSTC summer graduates ready to make their mark on West Texas and beyond

(ABILENE, Texas) – The newest members of the state’s workforce were honored during Texas State Technical College’s Summer Commencement on Friday, September 2.

TSTC honored 88 graduates representing the four West Texas campuses in the exhibit hall at the Abilene Civic Center. 

Andy Weaver, provost of the West Texas campuses, congratulated the college’s newest alumni.

“We know that a new journey awaits you as you get on the road to your career and profession that you are seeking,” he said. “We are proud and excited for you as we share your accomplishment with your family and friends. We recognize the commitment and perseverance that it took to reach this milestone.”

Weaver said the graduates have one thing in common.

“Each of you chose TSTC for different reasons but had one goal: to get a great-paying job,” he said. “You now have the skills you need to be a productive member of the Texas workforce. As you move into the next chapter in your life, remember that you will always be part of the TSTC family.”

The graduates were filled with excitement as family and friends cheered for them in the exhibit hall. As the graduates were introduced, the audience learned of their new job positions or plans to continue their education.

Two Emergency Medical Services graduates, Destiny Roberts and Josue Martinez, are returning to TSTC in the Paramedic program after having completed the Emergency Medical Technician program this summer.

“I am excited to complete this portion of my training and begin the Paramedic program this week,” Roberts said. “Tonight, I am going to have fun with my friends and family.”

Martinez said he is also planning to celebrate after graduation but will be back in school next week.

“Tonight was a long time coming for me,” he said. “This is a true sense of accomplishment. On Tuesday, I will be hitting the ground running to become a paramedic.”

Korbin Elder, who earned a certificate of completion in Heavy Truck Specialization in Diesel Equipment Technology, is ready to begin his career with natural gas compression services and equipment provider Archrock in Midland.

“I am excited because I am able to begin work,” he said. “Tonight, I will be celebrating with my friends and family. TSTC helped me achieve a goal of finding a great job.”

Trenton Cowart, who earned a certificate of completion in Welding Technology, plans to further his education in order to lead more students to the welding program.

“I am going to school to become an agricultural science teacher so I can get more people to enjoy welding,” he said. “I want them to learn from the best welding school in the state, which is TSTC.”

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.