Anderson Oconee Pickens

Add Value to Your Workplace, Your Community, Your Life,
Tri-County President Ronnie L. Booth Tells Class of 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 8/8/2005
CONTACT: LISA GARRETT, 646-1506
(By Lisa Garrett)

ANDERSON -- Make a conscious effort every day to add value to your workplace, your community and your life, Tri-County Technical College’s President Ronnie L. Booth told the 239 graduates during his summer commencement address.

"Ask yourself each day, 'What value have I added today to my employer, my patients, my customers, my students? Or, have I just taken up space?'," said Dr. Booth, who has served as Tri-County's president since 2003.

"Why will someone hire you? I can sum it up in two words: added value. Because you can add value," he said. In his address, he outlined the various ways that graduates can add value to a business or organization.

Bring your expertise/ability to the job.

"You add value by bringing your expertise and ability to the job. Your education at Tri-County is key. You've taken that first great step to adding value to your employer," he said.

Use that expertise/those abilities.

"Prove that your certificate, diploma or degree is meaningful -- that you can do what you were hired to do. Don’t assume that you know everything you need to know. And don’t just look good on paper. Use what you have learned as a foundation for future learning and growth."

Act like you are self employed.

"Do whatever it takes to get the job done. Act like your employer's success depends solely on you, and realize that your employer will be no more effective, profitable or successful than you are."

Act like an entrepreneur.

"Continually look for ways to maximize your productivity and realize that you must continually reinvent yourself and your job. No one else is better qualified to recommend changes than you. Employers often tell me that some of the best ideas for increased productivity come from the shop or hospital floor, not from the central office."

Exhibit a can-do attitude.

"It’s one the most important things you can have. Be part of the solution, not the problem. Attitude can overcome other shortcomings. But at the same time, a poor attitude can poison a work environment and derail a person who otherwise has huge potential."

Be passionate about your job.

"Do not treat your job as an entitlement. Be passionate about what you do, and you will add value and pull others along."

"Make a contribution daily," Dr. Booth challenged the group. "Add value in the workplace and in everything you do. As you do, you will benefit not just your employer, but your community and, in turn, your State."

Following the address, President Booth and other College officials presented degrees, diplomas and certificates to the graduates.

Anderson County:

From Anderson:

Debbie Marie Adcock, Medical Assisting; Katrina J. Alexander, Practical Nursing; Zora Ann Bevels, Office Systems Technology; Martie Yonce Brothers, Office Systems Technology; Allysa Marie Brown, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Douglas William Brown, Respiratory Care; Rose Mary Bruce, Surgical Technology; .Cynthia Renea Campbell, Practical Nursing; Jennifer Lauren Campbell, Criminal Justice Technology; Rebecca Witt Campbell, Nursing; Kassey R. Cobb, Medical Assisting; Sheena Victoria Corley, Surgical Technology; Caroline Anita Cox, Respiratory Care; Pamela Diane Dacus, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Christy Leann Dains, Early Childhood Development; Joel Dana Dixon, Associate in Arts; Dawnn Nicole Dukes, Practical Nursing; Melissa Lee Fluharty, Nursing; Lee Ann Fortner, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Ashley Elizabeth Foster, Medical Assisting; Dylan Erwin Fowler, Associate in Science; Sharron Bolden Gantt, Practical Nursing; Vonetta Tenez Geer, Practical Nursing; Sharon Evette Gibert, Associate in Science; Stephen N. Goza, Computer Technology; Jessica Elizabeth Grant, Medical Assisting; Malein Laray Hammond, Office Systems Technology; Seth R. Hardy, Business Technology; Dexter Matthew Hawkins, Surgical Technology; Kayla Marie Hayes, Medical Assisting; Brandon Harrison Haynie, Business Technology; Tracy Denise Hudson, Surgical Technology; Pamela Denise Jones, Office Systems Technology; Jennifer Rankin Karls, Practical Nursing; Christopher Lee Kennedy, Surgical Technology; Jason Lee Latham, Respiratory Care; Chastity Newton Lee, Practical Nursing; Teresa Brown Loftis, Nursing; Kayla Lynn Looney, Medical Assisting; Nancy DeLaine Mace, Electrocardiology; Dawn Marcie, Early Childhood Development; Ann Louise Martin, Surgical Technology; Kreig M Marzolf, Computer Technology; Teleatha Latosha Mayes, Associate in Arts; Stephanie Leigh McWhorter, Practical Nursing; Everett Francis Neipp, Jr., General Engineering Technology; April Lashon Parks, Phlebotomy; April Wilbanks Pitts, Computer Technology; Brian James Poole, Respiratory Care; Tracy Rae Porter, Early Childhood Development; Marina A Pyshnaya, Accounting; Jenna Ann Rhodes, Medical Assisting; Caitlin Alanna Royster, Associate in Arts; Shannon Nicole Seigler, Practical Nursing; Kate Zoey Sharp, Respiratory Care; Saahra Mona Shaver, Welding; Vonyshisa Meno Shefton, Computer Technology; Kelly Michael Slatton, Nursing; Annette Lynn Smith, Practical Nursing; Deana Renee Standridge, Medical Assisting; Carol Lynn Stanley, Medical Assisting; Clarissa Nicole Sullivan, Electrocardiology; Nicholas Anthony Sutton, Electronics Engineering Technology; Kenya Kennetta K. Swinger, Surgical Technology; Leland Ray teNijenhuis, Industrial Electronics Technology; Michelle Claire Thrasher, Electrocardiology; Tawanda Renee Walker, Practical Nursing; and Dwayne Edward Weiters, Computer Technology.

From Belton:

Lydia Michelle Burgess, Associate in Arts; James Franklin Levy, Industrial Electronics Technology; Sharrie Burdette Norton, Surgical Technology; Angela Denise Snipes, Nursing; and Shannon Elizabeth Vaughn, Office Systems Technology.

From Honea Path:

Erica Whitt Giles, Practical Nursing; William Matthew Hanks, Industrial Electronics Technology; Deecy Renae Howard, Surgical Technology; Joann Kay, Nursing; Ramanda Hope Phillips, Practical Nursing; and Gloria Snipes, Electrocardiology.

From Iva:

Cynthia Marie Brickle, Practical Nursing; Justin Luke Brock, Associate in Arts; Sherry Lynn Brown, Practical Nursing; Erica Marketa Johnson, Practical Nursing; April Gale Massey, Medical Assisting; Tammy Jo Maxwell, Practical Nursing; and Jennifer Rogers McGee, Nursing.

From Pendleton:

Regan Debra Alexander, Office Systems Technology; Alexis Nicole Cobb, Respiratory Care; Ruschell Tonyetta Fair, Medical Assisting; Rodney Oneal McDowell, Industrial Mechanics; Olexandr Semenovych Nosov, Surgical Technology; Tina Marie Prince, Business Technology; Urhonda Jeanette White, Business Technology; and Angela Rosemary Williams, Industrial Electronics Technology.

From Piedmont:

Cody Lee Childress, Industrial Mechanics; and Melissa Elena Porter, Surgical Technology.

From Starr:

Joseph Dean Compton, Welding; Ronnie Joseph Ethridge, Machine Tool Technology; Chrissy Michelle Sanders, Nursing; Juliet Zafra Smith, Practical Nursing; and Kathy LeAnn Young, Office Systems Technology.

From Townville:

Stephen Daniel Blizzard, Associate in Science; and Janice M. Kendrick, Practical Nursing.

From West Pelzer:

Marvin Lloyd Bates, Computer Technology.

From Williamston:

Emilee L. Brock Burdette, Electrocardiology; James Clint Funk, General Engineering Technology; and Ellis Jesse Gunter, III, Industrial Electronics Technology.

Oconee County

From Fair Play:

Mary Gearline Campbell, Industrial Electronics Technology; Brandid Nichole Feltman, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Sarah Lynn Markel, Respiratory Care; and Jennifer K. Rogers, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting.

From Mountain Rest:

Larry Gene Wilbanks, Industrial Electronics Technology; and Matthew Bennett Wisner, Associate in Arts.

From Salem:

Katheryn D. Burgess, Medical Assisting; and Michael Donnie Murphy, Industrial Electronics Technology.

From Seneca:

Lora M Adams, Business Technology; Elizabeth Rhea Ballard, Associate in Science; Colleen Ann Barrick, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Jennifer Faye Beebe, Nursing; Nathan Anthony Crane, Computer Technology; Alesha Tamika Cunningham, Practical Nursing; Kristie Ann Earle, Associate in Arts; Molly Jane Evatt, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Angela Faye Gaillard, Surgical Technology; Tisha Maree Greenwood, Nursing; Dedrick Shane Henderson, Criminal Justice Technology; Lynn Annette Henderson, Office Systems Technology; Andrea Michelle Hendricks, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Donna Alisha Holbrooks, Phlebotomy; Travis Nicholas Holcomb, Criminal Justice Technology; Lorie Ann Huggins, Phlebotomy; Gary A. Kinsey, I, Welding; Paul Alexander Main, Associate in Arts; Jarrett Benjamin Mize, Industrial Mechanics; Markesha Shawn-Tai Patterson, Practical Nursing; Nathan Lars Richards, Computer Technology; Sara P. Snoddy, Practical Nursing; Andrew Thomas Tyner, Computer Technology; and Trina Denise Wheeler, Respiratory Care.

From Tamassee:

Jennie Rebecca Powell, Office Systems Technology; and Kate Celeste Thomas, Nursing.

From Walhalla:

David Eugene Bates, Machine Tool Technology; Nicole Klaren Burnside, Practical Nursing; Kimberly Renee Davis, Electronics Engineering Technology; Matthew Fox Lowe, Business Technology; and Katy Marie Relyea, Business Technology.

From West Union:

Sherie Michelle Charles, Medical Assisting; Mary A. Flanders, Surgical Technology; Jared William Grant, Business Technology; and Amanda Michelle Herron, Respiratory Care.

From Westminster:

Jessica Leigh Ables, Associate in Arts; Teresa V. George, Surgical Technology; Tonya Misty Knight, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Robin Renee Miller, Respiratory Care; and Zack Olbon, Business Technology.

Pickens County

From Central:

Haleem Walid Abilmona, Respiratory Care; Jose Luis Aguilar, Machine Tool Technology; Juanita Ridley Bearden, Nursing; Angela Nicole Chapman, Medical Assisting; Traci Donn Crudge, Nursing; Keil Jordan Dilworth, Respiratory Care; LeAnne Harrison, Associate in Science; Ashley Helene Hembree, Medical Assisting; James Elwood Jenkins, Computer Technology; Jamie Marie Long, Associate in Arts; Andrea Gayle Murray, Nursing; Jonathan William Norton, Criminal Justice Technology; Laura Christine Razayeski, Nursing; Jacqueline Antonia Reid, Respiratory Care; Jessica Marie Romero, Associate in Arts; Teresa Leigh Sexton, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Jason Dean Stephens, General Engineering Technology; and Caroline Rose Unsworth, Associate in Arts.

From Clemson:

Christopher Allen Gambrell, Criminal Justice Technology; Karen Lee Kellar Maertens, Respiratory Care; Risa Miranda McPeak, Nursing; and Jonathan Joe Walker, Radio and Television Broadcasting.

From Easley:

Crystal Amanda Cely Arnold, Nursing; Marie Morris Belcher, Computer Technology; Leonard Broome Black, Industrial Electronics Technology; Melissa Lynn Blackwell, Phlebotomy; Brentley S. Chapman, Welding; Leona May Meade Dotter, Practical Nursing; Robyn Jeanean Fields, Practical Nursing; Jeffrey Joseph Garabadian, Associate in Arts; Jessica Ann Going, Criminal Justice Technology; Alicia Susan Johnson, Early Childhood Development; Shelia Amy Jones, Nursing; Karrie Leigh Jowers, Nursing; Rebecca Lynn Land, Practical Nursing; Jennifer Allison Laney, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Christopher Scott Langley, Criminal Justice Technology; Tammy Louise McAlister, Early Childhood Development; Virginia E. Paris, Criminal Justice Technology; Kevin Michael Poindexter, Welding; Brian Wayne Riddley, Industrial Electronics Technology; Remona Montez Roper, Medical Assisting; James Roger Stancil, Industrial Electronics Technology; and Heather J. Stracener, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting.

From Norris:

Kenneth Boyce Sammons, Industrial Electronics Technology.

From Liberty:

Tonya Michelle Arnold, Nursing; Jennifer Elee Davis, Surgical Technology; Cathy Michelle Dirton, Practical Nursing; Eric William Dresko, Welding; Racheal Anne Garza, Computer Technology; Chastity Joyce Gillespie, Practical Nursing; Carol Moore Holden, Medical Assisting; Sonya Louise Jackson, Practical Nursing; Broughton Manley Lister, Associate in Science; Sharon Parker Moore, Computer Technology; Peggy Jean Noblitt, Early Childhood Development; and Susan Annette Porter, Phlebotomy.

From Pickens:

Betty Jane Banks, Medical Assisting; Paula Denise Bay, Practical Nursing; Kristin Brianne Bishop, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Tiffany Renee Cable, Associate in Arts; Julie Lewis Coble, Practical Nursing; Aimee B. Cox, Respiratory Care; Sandi Denise Perry Day, Business Technology; Kristy Dowell, Office Systems Technology; James Ryan Edens, Industrial Electronics Technology; Rebecca Ann Carter Hannah, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Jessie Nicole Masters, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Theresa Chapman Morgan, Nursing; Michelle Renee Painter, Nursing; and Holly Lucretia Smith, Surgical Technology.

From Six Mile:

Amanda Michelle Marchbanks, Early Childhood Development; and Elizabeth Christine Whitlock, Textile Management Technology.

From Sunset:

Jennifer Susan Nicholson, Business Technology.

Out of Tri-County area:

From Bradley:

Kishandra B. Brown, Nursing; and Sheila Martin Chile, Practical Nursing.

From Clover:

Daniel Lee Moore, Surgical Technology.

From Greenville:

Michael Christopher Busbee, Computer Technology.

From Greenwood:

Wanda Lane Breazeale, Practical Nursing.

From Greer:

Janice Michelle Webb, Nursing.

From Marietta:

Kelly Adair Alexander, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting.

From Ninety Six:

Lecius S. Conway Morton, Nursing.

From Taylors:

Lucila Yolanda Torres, Medical Assisting.

From Travelers Rest:

Janice Marie Thornton, Nursing.