Wiregrass holds Summer Commencement Ceremony


August 13, 2012

Cary Cardwell
Cary Cardwell, horticulture graduate, gives the Summer Commencement speech.

Valdosta, GA— Wiregrass Georgia Technical College held the Summer 2012 Commencement on Thursday, August 9 at 7:00 p.m. at Valdosta High Performing Arts Center. The college recognized 272 graduates from all four campus locations. Of those graduates 36 received associate degrees, 194 received diplomas, and 78 received a technical certificate of credit.

This ceremony included several notable graduates including Ronnie Ricketson. Ricketson is a 68-year-old retired military veteran. He already had two bachelors’ degrees but decided late in life to go back to college. He completed the automotive technology program in 2011 from the Ben Hill-Irwin Campus with honors and graduated August 9 with an associate degree in Criminal Justice. Ricketson gave the invocation during the ceremony.

The commencement speech was given by another student making his mark on the college. Cary Cardwell spent 35 years in health care when he decided he wasn’t enjoying his job anymore. He chose to follow his longtime passion and start a second career at something he loved. In April of 2008, he began taking night classes at the college and graduated Thursday with his associate degree in horticulture. He currently owns a landscaping business and has revived his love for going to work every day.

The ceremony also marked a first for Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. The event was streamed live. Family and friends were able to view the entire ceremony online through the Wiregrass Georgia Technical College website thanks to a partnership with US Education TV. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College begins Fall Semester on August 22. For more information on the programs offered by Wiregrass, visit www.wiregrass.edu.


Graduate Ronnie Ricketson gives the invocation at the beginning of the Summer Commencement Ceremony. Ricketson graduated from the Ben Hill-Irwin Campus Criminal Justice Program.

Nursing student Jerri Radabaugh and others wait to begin the processional.