Commencement for Greenville Technical College graduates was held at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Thursday, Dec. 18. Included were 397 participants, 20 military veterans, 173 graduates with a GPA of 3.4 or higher, and 18 graduates with a perfect 4.0 GPA. Additional students graduated but did not participate in the ceremony with 1,379 awards projected this semester and an expected 1,216 unduplicated graduates.
Three students were honored for academics and community service at Commencement with President’s Awards.
Working full-time and balancing the roles of husband and father, Charles Bellor has commuted from Greenwood to add the bachelor’s degree in advanced manufacturing technology to a resume that includes an associate degree in electronics engineering technology. A U.S. Navy veteran who served in the submarine force, he lives by these words: “Discipline will take you further than motivation ever will,” putting in long nights, dealing with the stress of career and college, and balancing coursework with the responsibilities of adulthood. His instructors cite leadership and resilience as strong contributors to his achievements. Project manager of his program’s capstone class, he is always ready to lead and to try something new, helping other students with projects and assignments, serving as a mentor, and assisting others with technical skill attainment. Recently promoted at work to engineering technician in an equipment and product development environment, Charles has the education and motivation to continue to excel.
Andrea Lagunes Gines believes that leadership is often demonstrated through small, consistent acts of encouragement and responsibility. That belief has motivated her to participate in college activities that welcome and build school spirit including the Valentine’s Day event and the “Make Friends” social. She represented GTC in the holiday parade, joining other students to show pride in her college. She supports her classmates in projects and group assignments, making sure that everyone feels part of the team and confident. And she shows up for community service projects, demonstrating kindness and awareness through everyday actions. A Hospitality & Tourism major, Andrea graduates with a near perfect academic record and a commitment to continue making a difference by setting a positive example for others and contributing where she can.
Katelyn Meredith is the kind of student who shows up early, stays late to clean up, does whatever she can to maximize her skills, helps her classmates in the kitchen, and demonstrates professionalism and commitment every step of the way. Add those qualities to a 4.0 GPA, and Katelyn is a student who serves as an example to others. Earning a Baking & Pastry degree, she has completed an internship at the Poinsett Club that allowed her to apply her skills in the real world while connecting with the community. She also bakes for the Berea library, showcasing and growing her talent. Her department head writes that Katelyn exemplifies the skills the program seeks to build in students, and as she enters her profession, she will no doubt reflect positively on the Culinary Institute of the Carolinas where she gained a strong foundation.