Events
College Salutes Student Veterans Graduating Saturday
RALEIGH, N.C. (April 30, 2024) – Wake Tech recognized students who are U.S. military service members or veterans with a special graduation ceremony Tuesday at the Southern Wake Campus. More than 50 are graduating this semester.
The college hosted a celebration that included dinner, patriotic music and a slideshow.
Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls thanked students for the significant contribution they have made to the campus community.
"Our veterans and active-duty military service members and their families are some of our most special students," said Ralls. "We are thankful for your service and thankful you chose Wake Tech. You make the college better by being here."
Several college employees who are also veterans participated in the ceremony:
- Michael McLamb, dean of Military and Veteran Services, handed out honor cords to students inducted into SALUTE, the Veterans National Honor Society. The students will wear the cord with their cap and gown during Wake Tech's commencement exercises on May 4.
- Patrick Tribble, eLearning technologist and Navy veteran, led the presentation of SALUTE inductees.
- Assistant Police Chief Wyatt Cumbo, an Air Force veteran, presented the colors with the Wake Tech Honor Guard.
- Jeremy Smith, veterans educational specialist and Army veteran, delivered the invocation.
Paul P. Buck, a board-certified chaplain, and retired Army colonel, was the keynote speaker. Buck, who served 27 years in the military, is also a Wake Tech graduate. He completed his Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Health and Fitness Science.
"Fellow graduating veterans, I am happy to be part of celebrating your achievements," said Buck. "Just as you defended our nation, now you have a mission to serve our community as graduates. You have the power to change the world!"
Wake Tech is a Military Friendly® Gold Award institution, a designation earned for services and programs the college offers veterans and their family members pursuing education, training and professional development.
Learn more about the special programs and resources for veterans at Wake Tech.
