More than 300 Georgia Northwestern Technical College students crossed the stage of the Dalton Convention Center last Thursday to the cheers of their families, friends and instructors. Dr. Heidi Popham, president of GNTC, welcomed guests, congratulated the graduates and introduced keynote speaker Allie Patnode, GNTC’s 2023 Outstanding Alumni of the Year.

Patnode began her career path at GNTC as a student, earning her associate degree in Health and a diploma in Dental Assisting; she joined the GNTC faculty in 2011 as an instructor of Dental Assisting. She subsequently served as program director and then associate dean of Health Technologies before becoming dean of Nursing and Health Technologies in 2021. Patnode was named GNTC’s Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year in 2015.

Patnode encouraged graduates to embrace the challenges they will face. “They are not roadblocks. They are steppingstones that have led you and will lead you to greater heights,” she said.

“Remember education is not only about acquiring knowledge,” Patnode said. “It is about using that knowledge to make a difference. It’s about becoming lifelong learners, leaders within your respective fields and contributors to the betterment of society.”

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, FBLA Collegiate members, SkillsUSA members, first-generation students, and Student Government Association members.

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

Susan Bowman, assistant dean, and instructor of Health Information Management Technology at GNTC, administered the GNTC Alumni Association Oath.

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.