Commencement for Greenville Technical College graduates was held at the Greenville Convention Center on Friday, May 6. Included were 318 participants (additional students graduated but did not participate), 13 military veterans, 137 graduates with a GPA of 3.4 or higher, and 18 graduates with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Two students were honored for academics and community service at Commencement with President’s Awards and one graduate of the college was honored as Alumni of the Year.
President’s Award recipient Noah Mullenax invested a great deal of time and effort into reaching his goal of a career in Aircraft Maintenance Technology. He put in five hours, four nights a week, for seven and a half semesters, learning the skills that will allow him to become part of the aviation industry. He led his class by being one of the first to complete the exams required for FAA certification as he finished six additional classes in order to earn an associate degree.
But Noah wasn’t only interested in his own education. He came in early to lead study groups with peers before quizzes and exams, helping others grasp the material. He was part of a team that applied what they were learning to repair and update training equipment, even upgrading the lighting system to improve visibility and safety. He was able to work one-on-one with his instructor, accomplishing tasks beyond the normal scope of his program and benefitting other students and the facility in the process.
Without a doubt, Noah has been a superior student. He also promises to be an outstanding graduate and certified technician, representing the quality of Greenville Technical College and the Aircraft Maintenance Technology department as he continues to excel.
Janet Justice, also a President’s Award recipient, is dedicated to her educational goals. She has completed two certificates and will soon earn an associate degree in Early Care and Education, maintaining a flawless 4.0 GPA in those programs. With all of that success, no one would ever guess that she has struggled with COVID, operated a full-time childcare facility in the evenings, and given back to the community generously through a back-to-school event that supports those in need along with many other efforts.
During her time at Greenville Technical College, Janet has maintained the requirements to be a TEACH scholarship recipient, all while running a business, being a mother, and actively supporting others through ministry, mentoring, and assistance. An excellent student and amazing member of the community, she is a role model in everything she undertakes.
Robin Baumgarner was honored as outstanding Alumni of the Year. Robin began her college education at Greenville Technical College and eventually returned to pay the positive experience forward. Serving as a math instructor since 1999, Robin has been recognized many times for her dedication to students and excellence in teaching, named Math Faculty Member of the Year in 2003 and Governor’s Professor of the Year for the School of Arts and Sciences in 2010 and 2015.
Robin is as enthusiastic about her career today as she was when she started, always volunteering to help in any way possible. She currently serves as vice president for the South Carolina Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges, on the curriculum committee, as a member of the academic integrity committee, and as a leader assisting advisors in her division.
Robin is responsible for many innovations that have impacted student progress. Included among those is the Accelerate Math Program she spearheaded to help students succeed in transitional math classes. With a dedication to helping students move forward in math and in life, Robin is a credit to the institution where she started and where she continues to help others gain a strong foundation.