News Summary
On May 8, 2025, Piedmont Technical College proudly celebrated the graduation of 427 students during two ceremonies held at the James Medford Family Event Center. A total of 698 credentials, including associate degrees and certificates, were awarded, reflecting a significant achievement. Graduates from diverse fields such as business, health care, and engineering participated in this milestone event, with inspiring speeches delivered by student leaders. The college also offered a livestream for those unable to attend, demonstrating its commitment to community engagement.
Greenwood, SC – Piedmont Technical College celebrated the graduation of 427 students on May 8, 2025, during two ceremonies held at the James Medford Family Event Center on the Greenwood Campus. The college awarded a total of 698 credentials, including associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates, marking a significant milestone for the graduates and the institution.
The morning ceremony commenced at 11 a.m., honoring graduates in programs such as business, information technology, commercial art, public service, and engineering and industrial technology. In contrast, the afternoon ceremony began at 3 p.m., recognizing students who earned degrees in associate of arts, associate of science, and health care programs. This division allowed graduates to celebrate their specific fields of study with family and friends present.
Kassidy Phillips, a standout graduate in Early Care and Education, served as the student speaker during the morning event. Her speech focused on the collective determination of her fellow graduates to effect meaningful change in their communities. In the afternoon, the student speaker was Hernan Audencio Silva Jr., a first-generation college student who graduated with a degree in Applied Science, majoring in Respiratory Care. Both speakers highlighted the importance of persistence and the diverse paths that led their colleagues to this achievement.
Brian Gaines, the comptroller general of South Carolina, delivered the keynote address at both ceremonies. He shared personal insights that resonated with the graduates, emphasizing that life after graduation may not be straightforward. He advised the new graduates to view setbacks and mistakes as valuable opportunities for growth, rather than failures.
Hope Rivers, the president of Piedmont Technical College, also addressed the graduates, expressing her pride in their varied and inspiring journeys. She encouraged the class to continue their commitment to making a positive impact in the world as they move forward from this pivotal moment in their lives. The atmosphere at the ceremonies was filled with joy, as families and friends gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of their loved ones.
The college made efforts to include those unable to attend in person by offering a livestream of the commencement ceremonies, ensuring that the event was accessible to a wider audience. This initiative reflected the college’s commitment to community engagement and support for all graduates and their families.
Looking ahead, the weather in Greenwood on May 9, 2025, is expected to feature mostly cloudy skies, with temperatures reaching a high of 82°F and dipping to a low of 57°F. This forecast is set to accompany the optimism surrounding the graduates as they embark on their new professional journeys.
Piedmont Technical College continues to foster educational growth and opportunities within the region. With the successful graduation of 427 students, the institution reinforces its mission to equip individuals with practical skills and knowledge necessary for the workforce, contributing to local and national economies.
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Additional Resources
- Index Journal: Piedmont Tech Celebrates Graduates
- GoLaurens: SC Comptroller General to Speak at Ceremony
- GoLaurens: Piedmont Technical College Fall Graduation
- Wikipedia: Main Page
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Main Page
