NETC Awards 206 Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates to the Class of 2013

YOUR PATHWAY TO A FUTURE: Congressman Tom Rice congratulates an NETC graduate. Rice was the guest speaker for NETC's graduation ceremony held for the first time in five years outdoors on the main campus in Cheraw.

It has been five years since Northeastern Technical College has held graduation on campus, but Saturday, May 18, marked a new beginning for the college as several hundred people converged on the main campus in Cheraw for the outdoor graduation ceremony and homecoming event for alumni.

Slated to receive degrees, diplomas and certificates, the Class of 2013 boasted 206 graduates. The graduates who chose to "walk" Saturday did so with much pride and jubilation, shaking hands with Dr. Ron Bartley, the college president; Herbert W. Watts, chairman of the NETC Area Commission; and Congressman Tom Rice, guest speaker for the commencement exercises.

"These certificates you are receiving today verify you are preparing for life. It took hard work and perseverance to get where you are today," Rice said to NETC's graduates.

Rice represents the 7th Congressional District, which includes Chesterfield, Marlboro and Dillon counties. A lawyer from Myrtle Beach, Rice was chairman of the Horry County Council before being elected to the U.S. Congress.

"Success is not guaranteed. There will always be setbacks, and there will always be people who say you can't do it," Rice said. "But don't listen to the naysayers. If you believe in yourself and work hard, you will succeed."

Rice also offered these words of advice to the graduates as they prepare to embark on their next journey in life.

"It takes a long time to build a good reputation and only a minute to destroy it. Guard your reputation," he said.

President Bartley opened the graduation ceremony by welcoming the Class of 2013, family members and friends, college faculty and staff, and members of NETC's Area Commission.

"At Northeastern Technical College, there is no more important event in the life of our institution than your graduation. This is your day, and we are pleased to be able to share in your accomplishments," Bartley said. "It is our hope that you have not only learned the academic lessons well from our instructors, but have learned some valuable lessons of life as well. It is also our hope that each of you will take advantage of the creative talents within you and utilize those talents to become the best that you can be."

Bartley also reminded graduates that their successful completion of a program at NETC makes each one of them an alumnus of the college.

"Don't think of your graduation as leaving us. What you'll actually be doing is taking a part of us with you," he said. "On this day, you're an alumnus of Northeastern Technical College, and I officially designate you as a new member of our alumni association."

Immediately following the graduation ceremony, NETC celebrated its first homecoming and reunion for alumni. All graduates of NETC, formerly named Chesterfield-Marlboro Technical College (CMTC), were invited to return to campus for a day of food and festivities.

The band A New Creation provided musical entertainment, while MyFM 93.9 broadcasted live from campus and assisted in giving away door prizes. Alumna Jennifer Yuen won the grand prize 32-inch television.

NETC presented two alumni, Willie Williams and Dr. Patricia Lindsey, with Outstanding Alumni Awards for their professional achievements and success.

Williams, of Bennettsville, graduated from CMTC in 1978 with a degree in business. He owns Williams Tire Service in Bennettsville and has served on NETC's Advisory Board for 20 years.

Lindsey, of Cheraw, started her education at CMTC by earning an associate degree in 1984. She earned her doctorate in pharmacy from the University of Florida in 2008 and is the director of pharmacy for Marlboro Park Hospital in Bennettsville.

Start the process of becoming an alumnus of NETC by enrolling this fall in one of the college's degree, diploma or certificate programs. Many programs can be completed in two years, preparing you to enter the workforce or furthering your education. Applications can be filled out online or at any of the college campuses in Pageland, Cheraw, Bennettsville or Dillon. For more information, call 1-800-921-7399 and choose option 1 for admissions.

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