CPTC celebrates 2024 grads at Tacoma Dome

 By Jean Borst

Clover Park Technical College celebrated in style on June 11, when students from the college’s two campuses joined together at the Tacoma Dome for the 2024 CPTC Annual Commencement Ceremony.

A total of 512 students were on hand to commemorate their academic achievements.

“Today we recognize the hard work, dedication and study that has brought you to this place,” Clover Park Technical College President Dr. Joyce Loveday told members of the college’s graduating class. “Your presence today demonstrates not only the knowledge and skills you’ve gained, but it also reveals your commitment, initiative and determination.”  

Here are some highlights from this year’s festivities:

• 2024 CPTC Dental Assistant program graduates Aaliyah Barger and Jay Blessing started things off with a duet of the National Anthem.

• Student speaker Jeremy Rogers shared some insightful words with his fellow graduates and congratulated them on their accomplishments. Rogers graduated from CPTC’s Heating & Air Conditioning (HVAC) program in December and launched his career earlier this year. During his last quarter on campus, he served on the Student Leadership Team. “Your future is bright, filled with endless possibilities,” Rogers said. “Whether you choose to enter the workforce, continue your education, or even start your own business, the foundation you’ve built here will serve you well. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination, and each step you take is a testament to your commitment and passion.
• To capture special moments, 1000 Words Events snapped candid and posed photos throughout commencement. Graduates can download photos at no cost at 1000wordsevents.com/CPTC-Commencement-2024.
• The MOSAIC Milestones Celebration, presented in May by the CPTC Office of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, commemorated the accomplishments of 2024 graduates who come from diverse cultural backgrounds. Those who attended received a cultural identity stole to wear during the commencement ceremony.

• To ease cost burdens, CPTC’s Department of Student Life offered approximately 100 loaner gowns for grads free of charge. Students who completed Bachelor of Arts degrees were given a free purple stole to signify their achievement.

• More than 60 CPTC employees located at 17 different stations helped ensure the ceremony went smoothly.
• For graduates or their friends or family members who were unable to attend the ceremony in person, the commencement was once again live streamed on the CPTC website. You can catch all the fun and festivities here.

“This year, we had the largest number of students participate in the ceremony since I joined CPTC in 2016,” CPTC Director of Student Life Jessica Wallack said. “And even though we’ve had in-person commencement ceremonies the last two years following COVID, everything about this year’s event felt bigger. The students were especially excited and engaged throughout spring quarter, and we really felt that during commencement.”

Several student leaders Wallack has worked with were among this year’s graduating class, and she made a point to connect with all of them before and after the ceremony.  

“Knowing the experiences and the stories of these students and being able to celebrate all of their accomplishments, successes and triumphs is the best reminder of why we do the work that we do.”