Commencement for Greenville Technical College graduates was held at the Greenville Convention Center on Friday, December 16. Included were 350 registered participants (additional students graduated but did not participate), 9 military veterans, 128 graduates with a GPA of 3.4 or higher, and 16 graduates with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Two students were honored for academics and community service at Commencement with President’s Awards.
President’s Award recipient Stephanie Gilstrap makes excelling look easy, yet she has overcome obstacles to get to Greenville Technical College and continues to push hard through stressful life situations. With a smile on her face, she keeps everything in the proper perspective so that she can stay positive and move forward with her goals.
Stephanie has excelled in the classroom, earning President’s List or Dean’s List status each semester. She has been invited to join Phi Theta Kappa and steps up to assist the Human Services Department any time volunteers are needed. In addition, she works with Greenville County Schools as a substitute teacher and after school caregiver, serves on the PTA Executive Board for Brook Glenn Elementary, volunteers with Groveland Baptist Church, serves as a volleyball coach for the YMCA, and works with FAVOR Greenville as a certified peer support specialist and intern.
An exemplary student, supportive peer, outstanding community leader, single mother, and positive example for all women, Stephanie is a shining star at the college and will certainly continue to shed a positive light on Greenville Technical College as she uses her gifts and knowledge in her chosen field.
David L. McCall, also a President’s Award recipient, has brought a strong mechatronics background and degree to the Bachelor in Applied Science in Advanced Manufacturing Technology, the state’s only bachelor’s degree at the technical college level. In many instances, he has taken the lead on class projects and shared his skill set with students in his cohort as they studied subjects he had mastered.
Despite working full-time, he maintained a 4.0 GPA for five straight semesters and compiled a cumulative average of 3.956. In addition, he has volunteered with school events at Gray Court Owings School and with the robotics team at Laurens District 55 High School, planning soon to assist with the school’s wrestling team.
Advanced manufacturing instructor Marvin Bostic describes teaching and knowing David as an honor and a privilege. An outstanding student and classroom leader, David will serve as a strong example of the degree’s value as he uses the skills he has gained to advance his career.