Academics
Graduates Celebrate a New Beginning
Fall Commencement Exercises Held at Northern Wake Campus
RALEIGH, N.C. (December 9, 2017) - Nearly 800 students turned their tassels today during two graduation ceremonies at Wake Tech’s Northern Wake Campus. The ceremonies were held in the school’s new gymnasium in Building K. Click here for a snapshot of the event.
Student Government Association David Kirstein welcomed guests at both ceremonies. Tom Looney, Chair of the Wake Tech Board of Trustees and retired Lenovo Vice President, highlighted the importance of earning a college degree: “Wake Tech changes lives,” he told graduates, and encouraged them “to continue to be part of Wake Tech and help change other people’s lives.” Student speakers Shawnee Jacobs and Muhammad Ibrahim also shared inspiring words.
Among the graduates was, 23-year-old Natalie Rodriguez, who is deaf, and who is the first person in her family to graduate from high school and college! She received an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Medical Office Administration. Rodriguez credits Wake Tech’s Disability Support Services for helping her succeed. “When people say I can’t do something because I’m deaf, my reaction is that I can do it; I can do anything I want to do! The only thing I can’t do is hear.”
Other notable graduates:
· Iseult Mulaji and her twin brother, Rodlene, from the Congo, received college transfer degrees.
· 63 veterans received degrees and diplomas.
· 68 students from the Wake Early College of Health and Sciences earned associate degrees, 14 earned Nurse Aide certificates, and five earned Phlebotomy certificates.
· Amiya Morgan, a 2015 graduate of the Vernon Malone College and Career Academy, received a diploma in Cosmetology.
· Hannah Roberts, a former foster child in Wake Tech’s Fostering Bright Futures program, received an associate’s degree in Human Services Technology and will be attending NC Central University in the fall.
