TSTC’s Waco campus celebrates new graduates

(WACO, Texas) - More than 450 graduates from Texas State Technical College's Waco campus received associate degrees or certificates of completion at TSTC's Summer 2024 Commencement held Friday, Aug. 16, at the BASE at Extraco Events Center in Waco.

"It's the best night of the year," said Beth Wooten, provost of TSTC's Waco campus. "It's the culmination of the hard work our students and faculty go through."

Several graduates already have jobs.

Robert Burns, of Dallas, received Associate of Applied Science degrees in Biomedical Equipment Technology and Medical Imaging Systems Technology.

"I have always liked working with my hands and building things, so it worked right," he said.

Burns said he will miss the friends he made at TSTC and Waco's restaurants. He will begin work later this month installing imaging systems at Simon Hegele Healthcare Solutions in Grapevine.

"I want to get out in the workforce and become a full adult," he said.

Ryan Kizer, of Allen, received a certificate of completion in Aircraft Powerplant Technology.

"I feel good," he said. "I am ready to be done."

Kizer said he wanted to get the certification to help bolster his employment in the aviation maintenance field. He is working at Airbus Helicopters Inc. in Grand Prairie as a technician.

Watching Kizer graduate were his parents, his brother, and his girlfriend and her family.

Some graduates are still securing their futures.

Hector Ruiz, of Palestine, received a certificate of completion in Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology. He said his mother designed his elaborate graduation stole and helped him decorate his mortar board to honor his family heritage. Ruiz also was a TSTC Board of Regents honor graduate.

"It (graduation) is an accomplishment because my family sacrificed a lot for me to get here," he said.

Ruiz said his mother told him never to give up on what he wants to do. He is in talks to work with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Registration for TSTC's fall semester is underway. For more information, go to tstc.edu.

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