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Wake Tech News

Events

College Celebrates Fall Commencement

Ceremony Ends with Surprise Marriage Proposal

RALEIGH, N.C. (December 7, 2024) – Hundreds of excited Wake Tech graduates walked across the stage and celebrated their accomplishments on "the best day ever" Saturday at the college's Fall Commencement exercises.

Two ceremonies were held in the gym on the Scott Northern Wake Campus. Hundreds of families and friends watched with pride as graduates turned their tassels. In all, more than 1,000 graduates received degrees and diplomas, including Eva Gentile, who is 81 years young!

Gentile earned an Associate in Fine Arts – Visual Art degree. Gentile was a hairstylist for decades and put off college to raise her children and provide for her family. After her daughter attended Wake Tech, Gentile decided it was time for her to pursue the education she always wanted. Gentile, a talented artist, began taking classes in 2018 while painting and exhibiting her artwork in a local gallery.

"My classmates, instructors, Wake Tech Student Services staff and my daughters have inspired me," she said. "Now I am reaching my educational goals!"

Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls congratulated Gentile and the other graduates on everything they have accomplished.

"Today is a remarkable day – the best day ever," said Ralls. "Wake Tech Class of 2024, we hear you, and we see you. We are incredibly proud of you, and we share in the joy of your success today. Congratulations!"

Student speakers, including Aryanah Smith, shared personal stories of success and offered advice to fellow graduates. Smith completed an Associate in Science degree and participated in Wake Tech's unique STEM Academic Research & Training (START) program, which gives students the opportunity to work on research projects and interact with peers from partner institutions. She took part in North Carolina State University's Community College Collaboration (C3) transfer program and plans to attend the university to study biology and biotechnology on her way to a career in health care.

"As we move forward, let's remember to stay curious, take risks and seek meaning in everything we do," said Smith. "Let's aim not only for personal success but for the positive impact in our communities, in our fields and in one another's lives."

Alissa Mowery spoke at the second ceremony. She earned an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Baking & Pastry Arts and is now the first college graduate in her family. The accomplished baker won three medals at N.C. American Culinary Federation (ACF) competitions during her tenure at Wake Tech.

"Thank you, Wake Tech, for being an incredible college, a place where I could grow and learn new skills," said Mowery. "Wake Tech gave me the confidence I needed to pursue my dream of becoming a pastry chef."

Wake Tech's Fall Commencement also included a surprise marriage proposal! Following the 12 p.m. ceremony, Connor Baysden, who completed an AAS degree in Criminal Justice – Forensic Science, got down on one knee and proposed to his girlfriend. She said yes, and the couple is looking forward to setting a wedding date.

"I wanted to close one big door of my life," he said, "and then open another big one right after that!"

Fall graduates also included 48 student veterans who earned a variety of degrees. Eight high school students who attended Wake Early College of Health and Sciences, Vernon Malone College and Career Academy and North Wake College and Career Academy also earned degrees.

A day before the commencement exercises, special pinning ceremonies were held for health sciences programs at the Perry Health Sciences Campus in Raleigh, including Nursing, Medical Laboratory Technology, Neurodiagnostic Technology, Radiography, Sonography and Dental Hygiene.

Wake Tech offers programs in 13 career fields, including: Advanced Manufacturing, Biotechnology, Business, Construction and Maintenance, Education, Engineering, Health Care and Wellness, Information and Digital Technology, Public Safety and more.

New students can apply now at apply.waketech.edu. The Spring semester begins January 8.

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December 2024

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