More than 150 Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) students crossed the stage of the Dalton Convention Center on Thursday, May 5, to the cheers of their families, friends and instructors.

Dr. Heidi Popham, president of GNTC, welcomed guests, congratulated the graduates and introduced Drafting Technology student William Robert Rutledge, GNTC’s 2022 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner, as the keynote commencement speaker. Dr. Popham called Rutledge a “wonderful ambassador for GNTC and technical education, representing all of the positive qualities of our student body.”

“Reaching this goal this evening was the result of a different path taken by each of you. Some of you had an easy journey while others struggled each semester,” Dr. Popham said. “No matter the route you took or the challenges that you faced, each of you sits here tonight having surpassed each and every one of those barriers.”

While serving 17 years in prison for leading police on a high-speed chase, Rutledge overcame drug addiction and worked at the Georgia Correctional Industries (GCI) metal fabrication plant. He designed a reception desk for the Governor’s Office in the Georgia State Capitol Building while he was in the transition phase towards the end of his incarceration. Upon release from prison, he immediately signed up for classes at GNTC and was hired by GCI as a CAD draftsman. He was onsite at the State Capitol during the installation of the desk.

“I am proof that rehabilitation can work and what better addition to a successful reentry than technical education,” Rutledge stated.

“I cannot change my past, but I can change how I move forward in my life from this moment on,” he said. “I’m very grateful there are people in this world who see the changes in me and love me for who I am and do not judge me for who I was in the past.”

Stuart Phillips, vice president of Student Affairs at GNTC, recognized High Honor graduates with a 4.0 grade point average and Honor graduates with a 3.5 to 3.99 grade point average. Phillips also led a special recognition for graduates that are veterans, Phi Beta Lambda members, SkillsUSA members and Student Government Association members.

Dr. Elizabeth Anderson, vice president of Academic Affairs at GNTC, presented the graduates, and Dr. Heidi Popham conferred the graduates with associate degrees, diplomas and certificates.

The ceremony concluded with closing remarks by Dr. Popham in which she challenged the graduates not to let this graduation be the end of their educational journey.

Allison Patnode, dean of Nursing and Allied Health, administered the GNTC Alumni Association Oath.