Nearly 300 credentials were awarded during Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College’s spring commencement ceremony this week at South Carolina State University’s Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center.
For Barbara Simpson, her walk across the stage was decades in the making.
“I made up my mind that I needed to complete what I started back in 1986, so here I am,” she said. “I’m so happy I came back and achieved it.”
Simpson – who spent 34-1/2 years working in various customer service roles at the Regional Medical Center while watching her children earn their own degrees – received an associate degree in business administration with honors at Tuesday’s ceremony.
“When I first came back, I wasn’t sure if I could keep up,” she said. “But OCtech has a fantastic support system. When you walk in, you’re surrounded by people who care. With their support, you absolutely can succeed.”
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In his welcome, OCtech President Dr. Walt Tobin praised graduates for their perseverance.
“I often refer to OCtech as the first stop on the road to the American dream,” he said. “Today is commencement, the beginning. You are on your way to successful careers and a great life. You are shining examples of what success looks like. I couldn’t be prouder.”
Speaker Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter encouraged graduates to keep growing and giving back.
“Let’s not let this be the end of your learning,” she said. “There are so many lessons that people can teach you if you’re just willing to learn.”
She urged graduates to stay grounded.
“To whom much is given, much is required,” Cobb-Hunter said. “Get engaged in your community. Each of us has a unique opportunity to make this world a better place.”
Sixty-six high school seniors from Orangeburg and Calhoun counties were among those receiving associate degrees at the ceremony.
Lake Marion High School senior and Orangeburg Advanced College completer Collen Wearing was one of the students who got his Associate of Arts degree weeks before his high school diploma.
“Early College was one of the best decisions I could have made,” he said. “There were long days, but now I can say it was worth it.”
Wearing will attend Claflin University in the fall to study sports management.
Early College, he said, is a no-brainer.
“You’re earning a college degree before your high school diploma. It’s definitely worth it,” he said.
Collen’s mother, LaTonya Wearing, said the program helps students build independence.
“It really teaches students time management and strong study habits,” she said. “They have to take on more responsibility than they would in a traditional high school setting. Parents can only do so much. They are accountable for their attendance, their grades, and staying on top of communication, especially checking their email. They’re held to a higher standard, and it really helps them grow.”
Welding graduate Caleb Ulmer said his OCtech degree will help him grow professionally.
“I wanted to get my associate degree to improve my opportunities,” he said. “The hands-on training really prepares you for the work.”
Ulmer – one of four spring graduates who are children of OCtech employees – encouraged other young people to really consider technical education.
“Learn a trade,” he said. “Getting an associate degree can give you an edge and help you earn more right away.”
Ryan Williams said his path was shaped by early exposure to welding at Cope Area Career Center.
“When I was in high school, I took welding classes and realized I liked it, so I decided to keep going,” he said. “This program really sets you up for what’s next.”
Barbara Simpson has already planned what’s next for her: more classes at OCtech.
