DeKalb Technical College Celebrates Graduates at 2011 Commencement Ceremony

Students who recently earned a diploma or an Associate in Applied Science degree from DeKalb Technical College were honored at the college's 48th annual graduation ceremony in recognition of their achievement on Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at The Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church located at 4650 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur, GA.

Dr. Belle S. Wheelan, president of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, served as the commencement speaker. She eloquently communicated motivational words of wisdom to the graduates, and provided 10 valuable lessons to inspire the graduates to lead successful and rewarding lives, professionally and personally. Dr. Wheelan emphasized continuous learning and mentorship, as well as the importance of community involvement and civic engagement through the practice of 'giving back'. "Learning is a lifelong phenomenon, so always continue to learn something new," she said. "Pass on the lessons you learn. Take what you've learned with pride, and make this world a better place."

"The academic knowledge and technical skills our graduates take with them open doors to innumerable career opportunities, and that is a reaffirmation of our mission: to prepare individuals for successful employment and fulfilling careers," said Dr. Robin Hoffman, president of DeKalb Technical College, who provided the introduction and welcome remarks during the two-hour graduation ceremony. She also shared Dr. Wheelan's expressed sentiments about continuously educating oneself. "Educating yourself should always be a part of your life. Make a point to learn something new every day."

Yolanda Parks, 2011 DeKalb Technical College GOAL Student of the Year, imparted additional words of encouragement onto the graduates during her commencement speech by candidly stating, "Think big, think powerful, and think majestically, because you deserve it. Whenever there is doubt, realize that the best is yet to come."

As DeKalb Technical College celebrates 50 years of existence this year, and moves forward as the soon-to-be named Georgia Piedmont Technical College, this graduating class of # students marks a significant milestone in the life of the college as the last graduating class of DeKalb Technical College. "Although our name will change, our mission has not changed and our commitment to student success will not change," Dr. Hoffman affirmed.

Graduation Ceremony Photo Gallery

Graduates 2011 Gallery

DeKalb Technical College, a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, promotes a student-centered environment for lifelong learning and development, encompassing academic and technical education for employment in a global community. The college has 8 centers of learning in DeKalb, Newton, Rockdale, and Morgan counties. Established in 1961, DeKalb Technical College currently has more than 4,000 students enrolled in diploma or degree programs and more than 9,000 in adult education classes. Academic and technical programs at DeKalb Tech cover more than 100 different occupations. For more information visit our website at www.dekalbtech.edu.