Gwinnett Tech Celebrates Commencement

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TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson Urges Graduates to "Become a Person of Influence"

Lawrenceville - May 16, 2012

Commissioner Ron Jackson of the Technical College System of Georgia offered the 2012 graduates of Gwinnett Technical College a clear directive, "Choose to become a person of influence."

Speaking at Monday night's commencement ceremony at the Gwinnett Arena, Jackson also advised graduates to "always show gratitude, return generosity and offer thanks. Never forget those who help you along the way."

Over 600 graduates crossed the stage to receive congratulations from Jackson and Gwinnett Tech President Sharon Bartels. The college projects that it will ultimately confer more than 3,200 awards to over 1,200 individual graduates when all grades and graduation applications are finalized.

"Commencement is a special time for the Gwinnett Tech family – one that reflects our mission and commitment to our students and our community. Our faculty and staff are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of our outstanding students, and equally proud to present these highly trained and skilled graduates to the business community," says President Bartels.

Among the technical college system, Gwinnett Tech has consistently been the state's leader in graduation awards. For the past nine years, GTC has awarded the largest number of associate degrees each year. For past five years, Gwinnett Tech has also been among the top three colleges in overall awards conferred and certificates granted.

In his address, Jackson remarked, "I want to congratulate you on your perseverance and your commitment to lift yourself up for the challenge."

"What you have learned is important for life. You are walking away with skills critically important in preparing you for work – that is the main commission of the technical college system," added Jackson.

"Life-long learning is critical to life success. Don't stop here," Jackson said in closing.

Now the country's 11th fastest growing public two-year college, Gwinnett Tech experienced across the board growth this academic year. Last fall, the college opened its new Life Sciences Center, which serves 3,000 students annually. With the new center, GTC also added four new health science programs -- health information technology, cardiovascular technology, diagnostic sonography and patient care technician. Next fall, Gwinnett Tech will offer a new LPN to RN bridge program.

Gwinnett Tech offers more than 50 degree, diploma and certificate options that can be completed in two years or less. For more information, visit www.GwinnettTech.edu or call 770-962-7580.

Get the latest news about Gwinnett Tech: www.GwinnettTech.edu/news.

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About Gwinnett Tech
Gwinnett Technical College, one of Georgia's largest technical colleges, is committed to delivering relevant knowledge to meet the workforce training needs of its community. The college offers more than 45 associate's degree, diploma and certificate programs and hundreds of seminars, workshops and courses providing specialized training. It is also the county's largest provider of corporate training programs. Gwinnett Tech is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia.