Wayne Community College’s next class of graduates was celebrated during two spring commencement ceremonies held at The Maxwell Center.
A total of 525 WCC students graduated this spring, with more than 250 walking across the stage during the day’s ceremonies. There were 755 certificates, diplomas, and degrees awarded.
During the ceremonies, WCC President Patty Pfeiffer encouraged graduates to take pride in their accomplishments. “Whether you are about to embark on another educational journey or start working in your field, be confident in the knowledge and skills that you have obtained here at Wayne Community College,” she said.
A total of 15 students in the WCC Honors Program graduated this year, which is the highest number of graduates from the program in one academic year.
These students earned either an associate in arts or associate in science degree, maintained at least a 3.2 grade point average, and earned As and Bs in four Honors courses to receive an Honors Program Certificate of Completion and Honors Program graduation medallion.
For Elise, Jesse, and Joshua Garner, graduation was a family affair. The triplets walked across the stage one after the other, earning college credentials before their high school graduation through their dual enrollment at WCC. They are now headed to Liberty University together.
“I’ve had an excellent experience at WCC,” said Elise, who received a certificate in Industrial Systems Technology. “The teachers were amazing and were always willing to help you with whatever you have going on.” She plans to obtain a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.
Jesse earned a Business Administration certificate and will now enroll in a pre-law program. Joshua received a certificate in Simulation and Game Development as well as an associate in arts degree, and he plans to study digital and studio arts.
Joshua said attending WCC was a great start for the Garner siblings’ college education.
“We took our first couple of classes together, so it’s been very nice,” he said. “Whether you attend WCC online or in person, it’s a good experience.”
Javier Loria came to WCC to be in what he called “one of the best automotive programs around.” Graduating with an associate degree in Automotive Systems Technology through the General Motors Automotive Service Education Program (GM-ASEP), he is pleased with his experience and was proud to walk across the stage.
“Two years have led to this moment,” Loria said prior to the ceremony.
Loria intends to keep moving up the ranks within the automotive industry.
Sandra Palmer was glad to achieve a goal she had for years; at the age of 50, she received an associate degree in Human Services Technology.
“It is never too late,” Palmer said. “Even though I’m an older student, I still felt welcomed, and everything worked out really well.”
Palmer works in behavioral health and now plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Pembroke to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
Maddie Luethje, president of WCC’s Student Government Association, gave the commencement address during the day’s ceremonies. She received an associate in applied science degree in Business Administration during the afternoon ceremony.
“We have learned the value of hard work, the importance of perseverance, and the power of community,” Luethje said on behalf of her fellow graduates. “Wayne Community College has been more than just a school; we’re a family.”
