President Ronnie L. Booth Highlights Five Best Reasons to Choose Tri-County in Address to Class of 2017
CLEMSON --- Tri-County Technical College President Ronnie L. Booth highlighted the five best reasons students are making Tri-County their college of choice in his remarks to the Class of 2017 at the College's summer commencement.
Three hundred and forty-nine students received degrees, diplomas and/or certificates at summer commencement held August 7 at Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson.
Dr. Booth led with the number-one reason to attend Tri-County:
1. You chose Tri-County because your best friend's tuition bill at another college is more than you paid for your first house -- or more than your parents paid for theirs.
"While we must charge tuition in order to pay our bills, our Commission works tirelessly to keep costs in line in order to ensure that an education at Tri-County is affordable and accessible. The end result is an affordable education that does not saddle our students with an inordinate amount of debt. The fact that you chose Tri-County tells me that you can do math and that you understand value," said Dr. Booth.
2. You chose Tri-County because you would rather take classes with 18 new friends than with 200 of your best friends.
"At Tri-County, our typical class size is around 18 to 19. We believe by having small classes, students get the attention they want and need," said Dr. Booth. "Truth is, most all of us learn better in a smaller and more connected environment. We learn best when there is opportunity for continual give and take, instruction then conversation, theory then practice. This can only happen in a consistent manner in smaller classes. By attending Tri-County you have been able to form lasting relationships with fellow students and with faculty. These relationships will serve you well over the years if you continue to take advantage of them."
3. You chose Tri-County because you understand the importance of taking classes from a fully-qualified faculty member instead of a new graduate assistant.
"At Tri-County, most of our faculty have many years of work and teaching experience. Most of our adjunct, part-time, faculty members still work in the field in which they teach. We see this as a significant strength. It is important to us that our students have the opportunity to learn from those who actually practice in their field. Technology and knowledge grow at such a speed today that what was learned a dozen, or even five, years ago is out of date. We want our students to be exposed to the realities of their chosen field and how theory may or may not work in practice. Our students are taught by both full- and part-time faculty who are both subject matter experts and have "walked the talk."
4. You chose Tri-County because you realize that a certificate, diploma or associate degree can lead to a career path that will reward you financially just as much as, if not more so, than a four-year degree.
"Many of you who are graduating tonight are now in a position to move ahead in your current job. Others of you are seeking your first job or a promotion, and you are positioned to find one with significant financial and life rewards. Others of you who plan to pursue additional education have seen the wisdom of obtaining a credential now to position yourself for the next step in life. Whatever the case, the statistics paint a clear picture of the significant opportunities available to those who graduate from a two-year college. Newspapers and other news sources daily highlight the "skills gap" in the job market. Our graduates are in demand."
The fifth and final reason students choose Tri-County is:
You chose Tri-County because you are more concerned with your future earnings than with the winning record of your college football team. " I'd wager a bet that many of you enjoyed a lot of great college football a stone's throw away from where you are sitting right now -- That's a win-win!"
Dr. Booth concluded his speech by saying, "I hope that when you look back on this day, you will still be proud of the choice you made to attend and graduate from Tri-County. You saved money; you learned from the best; you benefitted from smaller class sizes and greater attention to your needs; you are well-prepared to begin or advance in a great career, and you still had the opportunity to enjoy a lot of good college football along the way.
"Class of 2017, you have chosen well, and you are off to a great start. I am confident you will continue to make smart choices throughout your life and career, and those smart choices will pay off in more ways than you can imagine," he said.
Following his address, Dr. Booth and other College officials presented degrees, diplomas and certificates to the following graduates:
Anderson County
From Anderson:
Terrance Larome Allen, Associate in Arts; Yoselin Eunice Alvarez-Leon, Associate in Arts; Greyson Mark Arrowood, Computer Technology; Ronni Nicole Atkinson, Associate in Science; Bryce Joseph Austin, Associate in Science; Daniel Seth Benitez, Media Arts Production; Marshall Robert Bowman, Manufacturing Production I; Timothy Mattison Brooks, Industrial Welding; Tiffany Burns, Medical Assisting; Tyler Michael Byrum, General Technology - Mechatronics; Sydni Laine Campbell, Associate in Science; Landy Davis Coker, Industrial Electronics Technology; Emilie Michelle Cusick, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Kayla Joan Deutsch, Practical Nursing; Dario Alexander Diaz, General Engineering Technology; Rachel Ellane Dinkel, Computer Technology; Matthew Joseph Dixon, Basic Machining; Ragen Melissa Elgin, Associate in Science; April Marie Evans, Criminal Justice Technology; Ikechukwu Andrew Eweheonu, Manufacturing Production I; Chasity Nicole Fennell, Practical Nursing; Andrew Sheldon Gunter, Industrial Welding; Deanna Marie Haist, Associate in Arts; Devon Blake Haist, General Technology - Mechatronics; Tyler Jay Hannay, General Technology - Mechatronics; Barry Dylan Harbin, Industrial Electronics Technology; Christopher Grant Harbin, General Technology - Mechatronics; Jaris Nehemiah Hogan, Computer Technology; Lauren Marie Jamison, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Brooklyn Leopard Keller, Medical Assisting; M Aaron Kimbrell, Computer Technology; Dennis Dominik Knibbe, Associate in Science; Chase Ryan Landreth, General Technology - Mechatronics; Emily Lynette Leach, Associate in Arts; Cladesia Keyada Lee, Associate in Arts; Josef Steffen Loffler, Associate in Arts; Eddie Manick, Jr., Industrial Welding; Zachary Cole Marett, Industrial Welding; Jemell Lakevius Lamar Marshall, Associate in Arts; Ryan McKnight Marshall, Associate in Science; Johnny David Martin, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology; Rachel Rae Martin, Associate in Arts; Jackson Gray Meehan, General Technology - Welding; Brittney Little Minor, Associate in Science; Jacqueline Ann Mock, Data Entry Clerk; Yolize Monson, Manufacturing Production I; Jessica Len Moore, Accounting; Brent Hampton Morgan, General Technology - Mechatronics; Robert Brady Mullen, General Technology - Mechatronics; Olga Paulina Nechitaylo, Medical Assisting; Ashleigh Mikeal Nimmons, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Anthony Toa'Allii'I Osbey, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Silas Elijah Pickens, Associate in Science; Marina Gennadyevna Polk, Nursing; Eli Alexander Roland, Associate in Arts; Matthew Brandon Ruzika, Criminal Justice Technology; Alexa Kathleen Ryan, Surgical Technology; Adam Michael Saad, Management; Vicky Lynn Smith, Nursing; Zachary David Snyder, General Engineering Technology; Kristy Nicole Stanford, Practical Nursing; Kayla Alexander Starkey, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Jessica Lily Sushchik, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Matthew Alan Suttles, Practical Nursing; Jay Scott Trotter, General Technology - Mechatronics; Robin C. Vanegas, Pharmacy Technician; Jolie Denise Vest, Associate in Science; Caleb Scott Wade, General Technology - Mechatronics; Crystal Marie Wade, General Technology - Early Childhood; Tisa O'Pearl Wideman, Pharmacy Technician; Amber Danielle Williams, Surgical Technology; Sharhonda Rebecca Williams, Administrative Office Technology; Tanesha Lachell Williams, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; and Allison Lynn Woolbright, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting
From Belton:
Ross Benjamin Ables, Criminal Justice Technology; Taylor Ryan Allen, Criminal Justice Technology; Jarred Douglas Buffington, Industrial Welding; Hannah Maria Chapman, Media Arts Production; Parker Devon Frost, General Technology - Mechatronics; Gary Wayne Garland, Jr., Manufacturing Management and Leadership; Connor Elijah Hunter, SMA Structural Welding; James Lewis McGaha, General Technology - Mechatronics; Tiffany Leanne Thompson, Administrative Office Technology; Brandon Colt Todd, Manufacturing Production I; Dallas Chance Ueckert, General Technology - Welding; Samuel Forrest Whitledge, Industrial Welding; Danielle Brooke Wood, Pharmacy Technician; and Steven Eugene Yates, Associate in Science
From Honea Path:
Randall Cohen Bratcher, CNC Programming and Operations; Christopher Shane Brewer, Associate in Science; Colton Seth Brock, General Technology - Welding; Dylan Matthew Brock, Entrepreneurship/Small Business Management; Ruth Melnik, Pharmacy Technician; and Logan Tyler Wooten, General Technology - Mechatronics
From Iva:
Wesley Cameron Fielding, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology; and Keaira Shafon Groves, Medical Assisting
From Pelzer:
Michelle Renee Binkley, Practical Nursing
From Pendleton:
Michael Dayne Chandler, General Technology - Mechatronics; William Thurman Griffin, Jr., Management; Kayla Ann Hammett, University Studies (C2C); Adam Nicholas Mangiardi, Associate in Arts; Alexia Taylor Owens, Nursing; Bhakti Kiranbhai Patel, Associate in Science; and Matthew Mahood Reynolds, Manufacturing Management and Leadership
From Piedmont:
Hunter Densel Bagwell, General Technology - Welding; Kaitlin Brooke Gautier, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Austin Lee Knight, Management; Rachel Renee Ossman, Manufacturing Production I; Khoiuy Duc Pham, Nursing; and Kimberly G. Rogers, Associate in Arts
From Starr:
Timothy Caleb Allen, Human Resource Specialist; Nancy Abigal Gonzalez, Surgical Technology; Tony Randall McBride, General Technology - Mechatronics; Tyree Simone Player, Associate in Arts; Veronica Paige Scott, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Ariel Erikah Smith, Associate in Science; Janie Kay Taylor, Practical Nursing; and Kenneth Ryan Young, General Technology - Mechatronics
From Williamston:
Matthew Lee Aleshire, Media Arts Production; Kandice Dawn Gillette, Management; Jennifer Scott Roberts, Practical Nursing; Amber Jean Saxon, Associate in Arts; and Maria Luisa Whipperman, Manufacturing Production I
Oconee County
From Fair Play:
Katie Denise Holbrooks, Associate in Science; and Jaime Martinez-Celestino, Industrial Welding
From Mountain Rest:
Henley James Cothran, Industrial Welding; and Haley Rae Keaton-Wilbanks, Pharmacy Technician
From Newry:
Lisa Hamilton, Practical Nursing
From Salem:
Cortney Nicole Ellenburg, Expanded Duty Dental Assistinging; and Jordan Westlee Grant, General Technology - Mechatronics
From Seneca:
Patty Ables, Engineering Graphics Technology; Lindsey Renee Adair, Associate in Arts; Alexander Oakley Baldwin, General Engineering Technology; Christa Pilgrim Brown, Surgical Technology; Robert Warren Bryant, Computer Technology; Tucker MacLayne Bryson, Industrial Electronics Technology; KayDee Burgess, Computer Technology; Darlene G. Butts, Computer Technology; Tyler Lee Chapman, Criminal Justice Technology; Leslie Brown Crocker, Administrative Office Technology; Sharon Elizabeth Crocker, Associate in Science; Hannah Elizabeth Decossas, Associate in Science; Terrence Jermaine Earle, Manufacturing Production I; Emily Frances Elkins, Associate in Science; Patricia Flores, Nursing; Shanice Monsha Gibson, Medical Assisting; Ralph A. Gladden, General Technology - Mechatronics; Joshua Lee Hayes, CAD/CAM/CNC Fundamentals; Mauricus Shemar Lewis, Media Arts Production; Josiah Kendrick Lord, Management; Robert Eugene McAnally, III, Computer Technology; Elizabeth Leeann Moore, Practical Nursing; Scott James Moore, Industrial Electronics Technology; Christopher Allen Murphy, Auto Engine Performance System; Philip Ryan Nalley, Multi-Process Welding; Jose Samuel Palacios, Manufacturing Production I; Amber L. Raffaldt, University Studies (C2C); Linda Jemima Ranulfo, Medical Assisting; Brandon Lenord Robinson, Industrial Welding; Heather Jimenez Scranton, Practical Nursing; Jazmynd Marie Taylor, Associate in Arts; Andrea Brianne White, Associate in Science; Whitney Cheyanne Wilkes, Practical Nursing; Graham J. Williams, III, Associate in Science; Summer Nicole Wood, Associate in Arts; Keyondra Candice Woods, Medical Assisting; and Shunous Mack Wright, Industrial Welding
From Tamassee:
Kaitlyn Mackenzie Davis, Medical Assisting
From Walhalla:
Celeste Edwards Crowe, Administrative Office Technology; Arwa M. Khalil, Associate in Science; Ruth Ellen Lee, Associate in Science; Sarah Lea Lopez, Associate in Science; Davis Christian Nix, General Technology - Welding; Christopher Payden Price, General Technology - Welding; Matthew Ryan Richardson, Industrial Electronics Technology; Aurora Lucille Salazar, Pre-Dental Hygiene; Jeffrey Alan Underwood, Industrial Electronics Technology; Loida Eunice Vasquez Lopez, Administrative Support; and Brooke Elkins Wilson, Practical Nursing
From West Union:
William Chad Averett, Nursing; Matthew Charles New Cochran, Engineering Graphics Technology; Stephanie Rose Ferriouolo, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Courtney Nicole Hedden, Surgical Technology; Pamela Annette McAlister, Nursing; Andrew Douglas Pruitt, Manufacturing Production I; and Douglas Randall Smith, Industrial Electronics Technology
From Westminster:
Tracie J. Barlow, Associate in Arts; Laylla Tevete De Luna Soto, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Timothy Lee Edgar, Manufacturing Management and Leadership; Daniel Christian Ham, Manufacturing Management and Leadership; Nicholas Cody James, Management; Tristan Patrick Penton, General Technology - Welding; and Colin Phil Wilbanks, General Technology - Mechatronics
Pickens County
From Central:
Danny William Adams, Manufacturing Production I; Richmond Rodolfo McGowan Angeles, Manufacturing Management and Leadership; Patrick Logan Barber, General Technology - Welding; Kaili Danielle Frazier, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Dusti Dawn Michelle Glover, Practical Nursing; Courtney Lynn Keaton, Associate in Arts; Jeffrey H. Miller, Associate in Science; Jack Benjamin Nichols, Associate in Arts; and Amanda Christine Nicks, Associate in Science
From Clemson:
Danish Ali, Associate in Arts; Heath Barron, Associate in Science; Sandra Epling Bridges, Associate in Science; Ethan Shane Carver, Multi-Process Welding; Cameron Nicolas Chadbourne, Associate in Arts; Dorothea A. Dinius, Associate in Science; Dylan Douglas Getsinger, Associate in Science; Darius Narada Gleaton, Criminal Justice Technology; and Kimball Walton Prosser, Associate in Arts
From Easley:
Kayla Rosalee Bader, Practical Nursing; Jacob Joseph Billingsley, Computer Technology; Scott Michael Bonnell, Computer Technology; Taylor Darren Burbage, Criminal Justice Technology; Amanda A. Carlson, Associate in Science; Russell Aaron Casio, Criminal Justice Technology; Crystal B. Crocker, Management; Darci Deal, Associate in Science; Anna Haley Gilstrap, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Melissa Jean Gubbins, Practical Nursing; Ryan K. Holcombe, Media Arts Production; Kelley Lee Johnson, Medical Assisting; Mary Katherine McConnell, Surgical Technology; Parker Alan Monteith, General Technology - Mechatronics; Virginia Halie Nalley, Management; Destiny Alexis Noble, Medical Assisting; Jordin Paige Phoenix, Administrative Office Technology; Faith Elizabeth Powell, Associate in Science; Luis Jesus Quesada, Practical Nursing; Thorne Mark Ravan, General Technology - Mechatronics; Samantha Alexandra Ricker, General Technology - Welding; Taylor Christian Ryals, Practical Nursing; and Ellison Kendrick Stancil, General Engineering Technology
From Liberty:
Amanda Diane Alexander, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Christopher Ryan Bell, Computer Technology; Stacia Shanae Brown, Nursing; Gibson Julianne Burdette, Medical Assisting; Colie Donavan Clardy, General Technology - Welding; Jacob Ryan Gantt, General Technology - Welding; Holly Paige Gillespie, Associate in Arts; Chelsea Brooke Hudgens, Associate in Science; Evan David James, General Technology - Mechatronics; Abigail Victoria Lawson, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Meagan Brooke Pilgrim, General Technology - Early Childhood; and Donovan Russell Francis Stettner, CNC Programming and Operations
From Pickens:
Jessica Renee Bagwell, Associate in Science; Joseph S. Bellino, General Technology - Mechatronics; Austin Cody Breazeale, CNC Programming and Operations; Tyler Jacob Bryant, Associate in Science; Robert Damein Burnett, General Technology - Welding; Zachary Caravano, Industrial Electronics Technology; Sean Christopher Clayton, Engineering Graphics Technology; Christopher M. Colburn, II, CNC Programming and Operations; Daniel Lee Cummings, General Technology - Mechatronics; Traci Ann DeHaan, Associate in Arts; Brandon Lee Duncan, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology; Cameron Hanson, CNC Programming and Operations; Skyler Chayse-Regan Hughes, General Engineering Technology; Jessica Anderson Landers, Practical Nursing; Kimberley Dawn Morgan, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Morgan Ann Stewart, Medical Assisting; Tyler Jared Stockton, Digital Photography; Austin Andrew Taylor, General Technology - Mechatronics; and Jacob Donald Tomlinson, CNC Programming and Operations
From Six Mile:
Jacob Andrew Deaton, Industrial Electronics Technology; Hunter Brian Gibby, CNC Programming and Operations; Sarah Leighann Gravely, Practical Nursing; Steven Cory Pilgrim, Media Arts Production; Tiffany Nicole Robinson, Medical Assisting; Megan Mariah Smith, Practical Nursing; Jake Brandon Willimon, Industrial Electronics Technology; and David Austin Youngblood, Engineering Graphics Technology
Out-of-County
From Abbeville:
Tristan Alexander Porter, Associate in Science
From Aiken:
Andrew Grey Abstance, General Technology - Welding; and Michael John Barnes, General Technology - Mechatronics
From Bamberg:
Johnathan Lance Jennings, Associate in Science
From Cameron:
Ashley Frady Green, Criminal Justice Technology
From Chapin:
Hannah B. Martin, Associate in Arts
From Cumming:
Sarah E. Green, Associate in Arts
From Dillon:
Corey H. Mclaurin, Associate in Arts
From Eastanollee:
Mark Anthony Harrison, Manufacturing Management and Leadership
From Fort Mill:
Amber E. Miller, Associate in Arts; and Kenny Elwood Settle, Criminal Justice Technology
From Fountain Inn:
Amy Nicole Collard, Practical Nursing
From Gaffney:
Anna Nicole Jones, Practical Nursing
From Greenville:
Robert Wesley Holladay, Jr., Associate in Science; Otis Sinclair Salliey, Manufacturing Production I; and Matthew William Schaller, Associate in Science
From Greenwood:
Theodore Hoefer Leaman, Associate in Arts; and Brandon Michael Wilson, Associate in Arts
From Greer:
Charles Kay Orr, General Technology - Welding
From Hemingway:
Kaylie B. Lively, Associate in Arts
From Hodges:
Erica Leith Tindal, Practical Nursing
From Irmo:
Udayvir Singh Sidhu, Associate in Science
From Isle of Palms:
Evan R. Deforest, Associate in Science
From Lake Wylie:
Alexandra Raven Welch, Associate in Arts
From Lancaster:
Hannah N. Mccain, Associate in Arts
From Latta:
Aaron Christopher Alderman, Associate in Arts
From Lexington:
Andrea Elizabeth Bowles, Criminal Justice Technology; Hope Caroline Melson, Associate in Arts; and James Michael Tindal, Associate in Science
From Marietta:
Cynthia Nicole Southerlin, Veterinary Technology
From Mauldin:
Bailey Addison Goss, Medical Assisting
From North Augusta:
Kaylee E. Bryant, Associate in Arts
From North Richland Hills:
Dustin Shane Hopper, General Technology - Welding
From Orangeburg:
Kelli D. Mcneal, Associate in Arts
From Pomaria:
Jaye Andrew Stuck, CNC Programming and Operations
From Pottstown:
Ashley Loren Selinger, Associate in Arts
From Prince George:
Amanda Lynn Cummings, Associate in Arts
From Rock Hill:
Lorna Day, Associate in Science; George Theodore Hutchison, General Technology - Welding; and Anna Gray Ivey, Associate in Arts
From Simpsonville:
Connor W. Walker, Associate in Science
From Spartanburg:
Chase Lee Cabaniss, Associate in Science; Abigail G. Morrison, Associate in Arts; and Jessica Michelle Strevel, Practical Nursing
From Summerville:
Matthew Hutchinson, Criminal Justice Technology
From Taylors:
KeiAndris Celeste Black, Practical Nursing
From Toccoa, GA:
Leah Adams, Human Resource Specialist
From Walterboro:
Taylor Ann Cole, Associate in Arts
From Wilmington:
Elizabeth Ann Taylor, Management
Also graduating: John Cade Farris, Associate in Science; Joshua D. Scott, Associate in Science; Jacquelyn Electta Thompson, Manufacturing Production I; and Jimeika Lakeshia Williams, Associate in Science
