Events
College Honors Veteran Graduates
RALEIGH, N.C. (April 22, 2025) – Wake Tech honored 64 U.S. service members or veterans graduating next month during its annual Honor Cord Ceremony on Southern Wake Campus.
The celebration for veteran students included dinner, a slideshow and a special honor cord presentation recognizing their academic achievements.
"At Wake Tech, we are proud to be home to hundreds of veterans, military-affiliated students and their families," Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls said. "It gives us great pride to give back to those who have served us."
Several college employees who are veterans also participated in the ceremony.
- Michael McLamb, dean of Military and Veteran Services, presented honor cords to students inducted into SALUTE, the Veterans National Honor Society. Students will wear the cord with their cap and gown during Wake Tech's Spring Commencement on May 10.
- Patrick Tribble, eLearning technologist and Navy veteran, led the presentation of SALUTE inductees.
- Anthony Burton, veteran education specialist and Army veteran, delivered the invocation.
Thomas Wilkie, president of Wake Tech's chapter of Student Veterans of America and a retired Marines Corps veteran, was the keynote speaker. Wilkie, who is pursuing an Associate in Applied Science degree in Cybersecurity, congratulated the students for achieving educational success after their military service.
"This accomplishment is proof of your commitment to grow. It is a testimony to your resilience, discipline and adaptability," he said.
Daniel Jackson, a student veteran graduating with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Electrical Systems Technology, spoke about how the military prepared him for college.
"Being in the military before coming to school made me appreciate my education more," said Jackson. "The military instilled this drive in me to keep going and push for greater."
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. Wake Tech currently has 775 student veterans.
Learn more about special programs and resources for veterans at Wake Tech.
