President Galen DeHay Delivers Summer Commencement Address
Press Release
Date: August 5, 2021
Contact: lgarrett@tctc.edu
President Galen DeHay Delivers Summer Commencement Address
ANDERSON, SC --- Tri-County Technical College President Dr. Galen DeHay told the 2021 summer graduates that the resilience they built over the past year as a result of the pandemic will help them to succeed in life and in work.
Dr. DeHay was the speaker for the College’s summer commencement held August 5 at the Anderson Civic Center. The College awarded 303 degrees, diplomas and/or certificates during the ceremony.
“As I reflect back over the past 16 months and the extraordinary challenges we have faced as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, I continue to be amazed at your resilience and the resolve you have shown in getting to where you are today,” said Dr. DeHay.
“Building resiliency is like building a muscle. It takes time and commitment. You may not be able to see it now, but this newfound resilience will help you succeed in both life and work. It will equip you to meet future challenges and embrace opportunities. And it will no doubt continue to empower you to grow and improve your life,” he said.
He outlined many of their accomplishments over the year. “You adapted to online learning … you managed your own schoolwork with that of your children … you balanced caring for yourself with caring for others … and you tackled the many other life experiences and expectations that compete for your time and attention on a daily basis. You have not only survived this crisis, you have thrived. As the pandemic continues to evolve and pose new challenges, I am confident that you will triumph because you are resilient.”
Following the speech, President DeHay and other College officials presented degrees, diplomas and certificates to the following graduates:
Anderson County
From Anderson:
Melanie Aguilar, Graphic Communications; Whitney Nicole Alexander, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; DiQuan Michael Ambrose, Mechatronics Technology; Alex Reid Bascue, Mechatronics Technology; Calum Michael Battaglia, Associate in Science; Terrance Josiah Beaty, Mechatronics Technology; Khaleel Deandre Bennett, Media Arts Production; Emily Grace Brady, Associate in Science; Tyhrea Lorenz Brown, Automotive Technology; Zachary Lee Burdette, SMA Pipe Welding; Connor Russell Burkart, Associate in Arts; Jerlandez Jamon Calhoun, Mechatronics Technology; Jeffory M. Callahan, Industrial Electronics Technology; Thomas A. Carter, Mechatronics Technology; Dustin Joel Connor, CNC Programming and Operations; Shaylin Destinee Cook, Personal Care Aide; Alyssa Diamond Craft, Practical Nursing; Felicia Dawn Cuomo, Manufacturing Production I; Mycah Anderson Deweil, Practical Nursing; Kenneth Justin Dion, Jr., Mechatronics Technology; Zykeia Zanee Freeman, Early Care and Education; Cameron Daniel Fulmer, Industrial Electronics Technology; Makala Ann Furtick, Practical Nursing; Roddresha L. Gentry, Business Administration; Kyle Howard Gilstrap, Management; Cameron Kantrell Glenn, Mechatronics Technology; Isis Cajaya Glenn, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Tucker Dalton Gray, Business Administration - Management Emphasis; Aaron David Gregory, Mechatronics Technology; Emily Grace Gurley, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Charles Gage Guyton, Multi-Process Welding; Sierra Haist, Associate in Arts; Keith Terence Harkness, General Technology - Welding; Reece William Hawkins, General Technology - Welding; Katelyn Danielle Haynie, Practical Nursing; DeQuan Antonio Hickmon, Automotive Technology; Suzanne Elaine Jackson, Associate in Arts; Amanda Sue Johnson, Associate in Arts; Leniah Brea Johnson, Associate in Arts; Roy Landon Johnson, Mechatronics Technology; Journee Tyasia Jones, Digital Photography; Abbie Faith Lingefelt, Practical Nursing; Amber Renee Littlefield, CNC Programming and Operations; Chase Jonathan Lollis, Associate in Arts; Ashlyn T. Looney, Early Care and Education; Nyneshia Tykeia Danilla Mance, Associate in Arts; Delaney Grace Martin, Media Arts Production; Ally Elizabeth Medlin, Associate in Arts; Summer R. Myers, Practical Nursing; Christian Nnaemeka Okwuazi, Mechatronics Technology; Charmi Kamal Patel, Associate in Science; Asiah Domunique Pickard, Associate in Science; Kara Jocelyn Poore, Associate in Science; Katherine Elizabeth Posey, Associate in Science; Donovan Issac Prickett, Associate in Arts; David Michael Resa, General Technology - Welding; Hailey Marie Sanchez, Associate in Science; Kyle Delory Schuster, Mechatronics Technology; Judy B. Sinish, Administrative Office Technology - Medical Emphasis; Aaron Ray Smith, Criminal Justice Technology - Law Enforcement Operations Emphasis; Jacob Tyler Strickland, Computer Technology - Network Systems Management Emphasis; Mackenzie Paige Sugden, Associate in Science; Christopher Cody Sutherland, Computer Technology - Software and Web Development Emphasis; Jesse Michael Thomas, Business Administration - Management Emphasis; Tyreesha Tierra Thompson, Accounting - Office Specialist; Slate Logan Tracy, General Technology - Welding; Jesse Luis Vega, Computer Technology - Software and Web Development Emphasis; Rebekah-Rose Villa, Media Arts Production; Jennifer Virula, Early Care and Education; Jared Chase Whitaker, Media Arts Production; Jacob Chase Whitten, Associate in Science; Kyndall Elizabeth Williams, Medical Lab Technology; Candace Willis, Computer Technology; Cassidy Brianne Wilson, Associate in Science; Kelton Y. Wiseman, Industrial Electronics Technology; and Chase Woody, Industrial Electronics Technology
From Belton:
Andrew Michael Baker, Associate in Arts; Kimberly Nicole Genthner, Associate in Science; Jared Micheal Ragland, Graphic Communications; Jennifer Christina Sisk, Computer Technology - Cybersecurity and Forensics Emphasis; Justin Drake Sumeral, Mechatronics Technology; Gabrielle M. Vickery, Medical Assisting; and Albert Yap, Computer Technology - Network Systems Management Emphasis
From Honea Path:
Cathy Joan Miller, Personal Care Aide; and Shawn Alexander Roach, Mechatronics Technology
From Iva:
Dallas Michael Botts, Mechatronics Technology; Kaitlyn Nichole Flowers, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Tonya Michelle Moon, Associate in Science; Austin Garrett Norris, Mechatronics Technology; and Isaac Logan Shaw, SMA Structural Welding
From La France:
Dylan Tyler Pierce, Industrial Electronics Technology
From Pelzer:
Grace Elisabeth Cutliff, Associate in Science; Ruby Mae Mercedes Garland, Medical Assisting; Kaci Lee Stewart, Associate in Science; and Jacob Stephen Turner, Mechatronics Technology
From Pendleton:
Lisa L. Brown, Practical Nursing; Jared Matthew Davis, Associate in Arts; Shawn Michael Double, Manufacturing Management and Leadership; Alexander Gravlee, Associate in Arts; and Karson Brooke Hostetler, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting
From Piedmont:
Quaykeithia Jashunda Brown, Practical Nursing; Logan David Bryson, Manufacturing Production I; Colby Brent Foster, Mechatronics Technology; James Dylan Hendricks, Mechatronics Technology; Jaret M. Klein, Mechatronics Technology; Caleb Reid Odom, Mechatronics Technology; and Nicole Briannah Stone, Associate in Science
From Starr:
Caden Luke Brown, Mechatronics Technology; and Royston Jody McCurley, SMA Structural Welding
From Townville:
Shelby Lyn Everson, Medical Assisting; Rylee Lisette Guernsey, Associate in Science; Lucas Acker King, Associate in Arts; Alexandria Marie Riddle, Practical Nursing; and Kyle Jacob Woodhams, Business Administration - Marketing Emphasis
From Williamston:
Trevor Graham Black, CNC Programming and Operations; Christopher Adam Buchanan, Automotive Technology; Julieanna Graziano, Practical Nursing; Christopher Eric Rogers, CNC Programming and Operations; Amy Sue Schaefer, Practical Nursing; Skylar Luke Scott, Mechatronics Technology; Melody Smith, Medical Assisting; and James N. Watkins, Manufacturing Production I
Oconee County
From Fair Play:
Javan Zeth Alexander, Mechatronics Technology; Sydney Grayson Grubbs, Medical Assisting; and David Alexander Pait, Associate in Arts
From Mountain Rest:
Vanessa Ann McCall, Associate in Arts
From Salem:
Molly Nicole Ball, Associate in Arts; Braden William Eller, Computer Technology - Software and Web Development Emphasis; and April Dawn Merck, Manufacturing Management and Leadership
From Seneca:
Keyarri Daileixs Alexander, Medical Assisting; Richard Lane Campbell, Jr., Engineering Design Technology; Katlyn Michelle Catchings, Practical Nursing; John Henry Clay, Mechatronics Technology; Morgan Grace Edgar, Associate in Science; Lacey Makayla Eller, Associate in Science; Brianna Darlene Flores, Medical Assisting; Kalin Kathleen Grant, Associate in Arts; Dawson Gage Holbrooks, General Technology - Welding; Kielyn Marie Hoover, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Jonathan Bruce Hudgens, Industrial Electronics Technology; Sarah Amanda Jordan, Practical Nursing; Charles Blake Manley, Industrial Electronics Technology; Benjamin Craig Martin, Computer Technology; Justin W. Massalon, General Technology - Welding; Ashley Danielle McCoy, Associate in Science; Jason Isaac Owens, Mechatronics Technology; Jonathan William Read, Computer Technology - Cybersecurity and Forensics Emphasis; Alejandro Rodriguez Reyes, General Technology - Welding; Stephanie Lynn Rogers, Personal Care Aide; Dylan Elliott Ross, Criminal Justice Technology - Law Enforcement Operations Emphasis; Lori Elizabeth Shroyer, Practical Nursing; Caitlin Jean Sorber, Early Care and Education; Annette Charlene Stephenson, Medical Assisting; Miguel Ruiz Tapia, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Bradley Odell Voyles, Intro to Manufacturing Management Technology; Auryndette West, Associate in Science; Laparis Naquazeshiea White, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Alic Slate Whitmire, General Technology - Welding; and Sierra Lynn Yoder, Associate in Science
From Tamassee:
Carson David Alexander, Mechatronics Technology; and Sara Beth Cain, Associate in Science
From Walhalla:
Sherie Michelle Charles, Associate in Science; Korbin William Fitzgerald, General Technology - Welding; Janeth Garcia, Associate in Arts; Samuel Matthew Martin, Industrial Welding; Connie McCall, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Ezekiel Rogers Moore, CNC Programming and Operations; Lori Suzanne Opperman-Earle, Associate in Arts; Benjamin Nason Portillo, Criminal Justice Technology - Law Enforcement Operations Emphasis; Jasmin Rangel, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; and Joseph Brent Reid, General Engineering Technology
From West Union:
Matthew Charles New Cochran, General Technology - Welding; Ashley Jade McCall, Medical Assisting; Douglas Charles Mcclure, CNC Programming and Operations; and Gracie Elisabeth Powell, General Technology - Welding
From Westminster:
Alicia Ann Castro, Associate in Science; Leslie De Luna, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Danielle Marie Hankins, Practical Nursing; Stephen Johnson, Computer Technology - Cybersecurity and Forensics Emphasis; Tyler Charlie Macijewski, Mechatronics Technology; Michael Andrew Miller, Mechatronics Technology; Alexis Kaitlin Queen, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Kirsten E. Sparks, Associate in Science; and Madison Brooke Yoder, Practical Nursing
Pickens County
From Central:
Elizabeth Michelle Asay, CNC Programming and Operations; Kimberly Marie Corn, Mechatronics Technology; Erika Whitney Dodson, Manufacturing Production I; Shawn Franklin Duncan, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology; Jessica Godinez-Mendoza, Associate in Arts; Shaun D. Haselton, Mechatronics Technology; Holly Mildred Henry, Associate in Science; Daisie Alia Hernandez, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Treasure A. Molloseau, Medical Assisting; Dawn Noelle Mumford, Associate in Arts; Joshua J. Naylor, Associate in Arts; Heena Kalpesh Patel, Associate in Science; Brandon Trevor Porter, Mechatronics Technology; Francisco Ramon Ramirez, Associate in Science; Brilyn Kyndal Redding, Criminal Justice Technology - Law Enforcement Operations Emphasis; Kinsley Rene Sammons, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Hannah Nell Woolbright, Medical Lab Technology; and Jonathan K. Yates, Associate in Science
From Clemson:
Spencer Amy Christensen, Practical Nursing; Ryan Christopher Holley, Associate in Arts; and Shivam Parimalbhai Patel, Associate in Science
From Easley:
Christopher James Borowski, Industrial Electronics Technology; Katelin Taylor Bridges, Associate in Science; Cameron Douglas Cates, Mechatronics Technology; Steven Lawrence Doll, III, Business Administration; Nathanyel L. Dotson, SMA Pipe Welding; Seth Millis Edens, Mechatronics Technology; Johana Godinez, Associate in Science; Callie Ceara Hamilton, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Samuel Austin Hilley, Associate in Arts; Ashton Mackenzie Hughey, Associate in Science; NaAdrian Emmanuel Mayes, Manufacturing Production I; Lindzie Harrison McAlister, Practical Nursing; Ethan Cale Mccullough, Industrial Electronics Technology; Bobby Lee Norris, Jr., Manufacturing Production I; Jennifer Ortega Cruz, Personal Care Aide; Brandon Michael Patterson, Associate in Science; Mckenzie Shane Patterson, Accounting; Jonathan Michael Reams, General Technology - Welding; Riley Gabriel Sharrock, Introduction to Machining; Jennifer Lynn Smith, Practical Nursing; Laura Ann Trammell, Associate in Science; Bryson Wyatt Turner, SMA Pipe Welding; Jaden Marcelo Vite, Associate in Science; Kevin M. Walker, General Technology - Welding; and William Duvall White, General Technology - Welding
From Liberty:
Dillon Gage Addis, General Engineering Technology; Rizba Rachel Black, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Maria E. Brown, CNC Programming and Operations; Patrick Chilton, Quality Assurance Introduction; Caleb Alan Dover, Associate in Science; Haylee Kathleen Dryman, Digital Photography; Hunter Drake Eckard, CNC Programming and Operations; Jacqueline Amber Ellis, Associate in Science; Taylor Marie Keasler, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Dakotah Bryant Rollins, Associate in Arts; and Chavis Allen Stone, General Technology - Welding
From Norris:
James Trevor Chambers, Media Arts Production; and Jacob Alton Chappell, Manufacturing Production I
From Pickens:
Nicholas John Belt, Media Arts Production; Alicia Megan Burns, Veterinary Technology; Zachary Tyler Collins, CNC Programming and Operations; Chloe A. Dunaway, Criminal Justice Technology; Briana Golden Eades, Medical Assisting; Kayla Heard, Associate in Arts; Elizabeth Grace Lyda, Practical Nursing; Makenzie Lenore Peterman, Associate in Arts; and Shelba C. Stewart, Business Administration
From Six Mile:
Donielle Mae Banks, Associate in Science; Josie Abigail Seavey, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; and Jeremy Hunter Warlick, CNC Programming and Operations
Out-of-County
From Abbeville:
Lyric O. Jackson, Practical Nursing
From Aiken:
Gavin Abel Platt, Associate in Science
From Chapin:
Shelby Anne Head, Practical Nursing; and Faith Taylor Wray, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting
From Charleston:
Andrew William Helmly, Engineering Design Technology
From Charlotte:
Jonathan C. Currier, Associate in Science; and Nathan Christopher Jones, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology
From Donalds
Sydny Elizabeth Horne, Associate in Science
From Due West:
JeColby Tobias Davis, Criminal Justice Technology - Law Enforcement Operations Emphasis
From Edgefield:
George Mcclain Terry, Media Arts Production
From Florence:
Ethan Todd White, Mechatronics Technology
From Greeleyville:
Christopher Allen Williamson, Computer Technology - Network Systems Management Emphasis
From Greenville:
Chelsea Christine Abdelgheny, Practical Nursing; Mercedes Boston, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Dmanjha K. Davis, Associate in Science; Matthew Dean Girardeau, Associate in Arts; Jada Quinntina Lloyd, Associate in Science; and Barbara Louise Sims, Practical Nursing
From Greenwood:
McClaine Roberts Piontek, Practical Nursing
From Hodges
Joseph Niess Mccoy, Associate in Science
From Inman:
Heinrich Franz Joseph Zimmer, Automotive Technology
From Jackson:
Anna E. Burdette, Computer Technology - Software and Web Development Emphasis
From Ladson:
Charity Elizabeth Talley, Business Administration - Management Emphasis
From Lakewood Ranch:
Kaitlin Elise Brooks, Associate in Science
From Lexington:
Christen Lee Claytor, Associate in Science
From Lyman:
Haleigh Nicole Trammell, Criminal Justice Technology; and Kelsei Keante Washington, Administrative Office Technology - Medical Emphasis
From Marietta:
Hunter Seth Reece, Mechatronics Technology
From Mauldin:
Braylen T. Wright, Computer Technology - Network Systems Management Emphasis
From McCormick:
Andrew James Wilson, General Technology - Welding
From Murrells Inlet:
Sean Francis Beaudry-Callahan, Associate in Arts
No City Listed
Klay Bradley-Ethan Crossway, SMA Pipe Welding (Deceased); Tristin Colt D. Hamilton, Mechatronics Technology; and Kawanna Latoya Sullivan, Practical Nursing
From Okatie:
Baylor Paul Sims, CNC Programming and Operations
From Rock Hill:
Kristan Trevor Parker-Cook, Associate in Arts
From Simpsonville:
Garry Isaac Lowe, General Engineering Technology; and Joseph William Rochester, CNC Programming and Operations
From Spartanburg:
Caedmon James Bunch, Associate in Science
From Summerville:
Roland Andre Lafond, CNC Programming and Operations
From Swansea:
Lacy Cole Squires, HVAC Apprentice
From Taylors:
Davis Kenneth Carter, Industrial Welding; Wilson Thomas Davis, CNC Programming and Operations; James Bradlee Fowler, Associate in Arts; Nicholas L. McAbee, CNC Programming and Operations; and Beverly L. Stout, Associate in Science
From Travelers Rest:
Aundrea M. Silvers, Associate in Science
From Trenton:
Alexis Lauren Quarles, Associate in Arts
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About Tri-County Technical College
Tri-County Technical College, a public two-year community and technical college serving Anderson, Oconee and Pickens Counties in South Carolina, enrolls more than 9,000 students annually and offers more than 70 major fields of study, including computer technology, industrial electronics, mechatronics, nursing, and university transfer programs. Tri-County boasts the highest student success rate among two-year colleges in the state and ranks in the top one percent nationally for successful student transfers to four-year colleges and universities. To learn more, visit tctc.edu.
