Viewfinder: Chattahoochee Technical College Graduation

Over a thousand graduates of Georgia’s largest technical college were honored in a ceremony at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Thursday. Approximately 300 walked in the ceremony. The ceremony recognized those completing their programs of study during the summer term and fall semester.

Interiors graduate Morgan Coffin is already employed in her field, as she is currently working to design the showroom at Woodstock Furniture Outlet. She hopes to expand her career to model homes in the near future.

“It feels great to be walking across the stage and getting my degree,” Coffin said. “It’s been a good journey, but a long road.”

She and her classmates proposed a redesign of the fourth floor of the historic Strand Theater. The administration at the theater is currently working to raise funds and donations to carry out the plans that the six students designed for them.

Cobb County resident Walter Obhiambo isn’t letting any of his books gather dust. The Computer Programming Graduate is already enrolled and taking classes at Southern Polytechnic. He is anxious to earn his next degree.

“It’s a relief to graduate, but there is always another challenge,” said Obhiambo.

Obhiambo is not the only graduate from CTC planning to return to the books this January. Early Childhood Graduate Katie Buffington and Technical Communications Graduate Dierdre Duncan are looking toward their next degrees. But for Buffington, this graduation was reason to be proud.

“I’m so glad to be graduating,” she said. “It feels like I really accomplished something.”

Duncan has already been accepted at Kennesaw State University. Having broken several records in her days running track and cross-country for Chattahoochee Technical College, she says she’s ready for the challenge of a new school and new classes.

State Senator Chip Rogers was asked to be the commencement speaker at the event. Rogers was first elected in 2002 to the Georgia House of Representatives before being elected to the Georgia State Senate in 2004. Rogers was unanimously chosen as the Georgia Senate Majority Leader in 2009.

Popular programs for graduates include Computer Information Systems, Business Administrative Technology, Accounting and Early Childhood Care and Education for those receiving an Associate of Applied Science. Of those graduates receiving a diploma, most studied Cosmetology, Practical Nursing and Medical Assisting.

For more information on Chattahoochee Technical College, visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu or call 770-528-4545.