December 13, 2012- ALBANY, GA-Albany Technical College will hold its Fall Commencement Ceremony on Friday, December 14, 2012, at 7 p.m. at the Albany Civic Center. Preceding the ceremony, a reception will be held from 5pm to 6:45pm in the Meeting Room at the Civic Center.
Over 130 students will be eligible to receive their associate degrees; more than 650 diplomas; and more than 750 technical certificates of credit. In addition, more than 120 students will be eligible to receive their GED's. Several of these students will also be recognized in the program for outstanding achievements and contributions in club organizations, student organizations, and academic excellence, which includes President's List, scholarships, and other affiliations.
The guest speaker for the evening ceremony will be Michael T. Madden, Executive Deputy for the Marine Corps Logistics Command, Albany.
A native of Schenectady, New York, Madden began his career as a Navy Supply Corps Officer. He received his commission from the ROTC program at The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. He holds a bachelor's degree in Mathematics/Computer Science from The Citadel, a master's degree in Information Systems from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School and a master's degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. He also attended the Kellogg School's Advanced Executive Program at Northwestern University.
Upon retirement from the military in 1999, Madden was selected as a member of the Senior Executive Service, and served as Deputy Commissioner, Financial Management and Comptroller at the Naval Supply Systems Command. Madden has received numerous personal military awards, as well as the Navy Distinguished Civilian Service Award, the Meritorious Civilian Service Award, and the Presidential Rank Award of Meritorious Executives.
Among those graduating Friday evening, are two exceptional graduates. One is Walt Tompkins, who will make a mark in history for Albany Tech as the first graduate of the Civil Engineering Technology program that was started over one year ago. Tompkins, who has been an Engineering Technician at EMC Engineering Services, Inc. in Leesburg for six years, returned to college to obtain his degree and further his education in the field of engineering. He says the courses and teaching in the program has helped him in more ways than one.
"The Civil Engineering Technology program at Albany Tech provided a better foundation and understanding of the concepts and procedures that I perform in my current job," said Tompkins. "The CET program at Albany Tech is the only program in South Georgia providing the coursework for technical and communication skills necessary for a career in Civil Engineering, making this program an important hub for prospective students in this area.
Another exceptional student is Linda Hill, who will be graduating with a diploma in Practical Nursing. Hill worked for over 20 years as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and embraced the challenge of returning to school to pursue a career in Practical Nursing. A non-traditional student who juggles being the caregiver of one of her four children, who suffers from a mental illness, a quadriplegic husband, and maintaining employment at a local healthcare facility, Hill has been a very dedicated and determined nursing student. Her instructors often see her on campus at least 30 minutes prior to the beginning of class. She is known by her classmates, co- workers, and faculty members as a woman of the utmost integrity and wisdom. Hill will be the first of 12 siblings in her family to graduate from college.
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