Mountainland Technical College recognized its graduates by holding its tri-annual Recognition Ceremony. The ceremony celebrates students who have earned specific certificates and licensures through hands-on training at MTECH. A record-breaking graduating class of 874 students at this ceremony was evidence of the growth that MTECH has experienced in the past few years.
The event was so large that it had to be split into three sessions in order to accommodate the graduates and their families. The first session was held on Wednesday May 20th at the UVU Wasatch Campus. Graduates from the programs in the Wasatch area were able to be recognized in front of their family, friends, and peers. The Utah Valley sessions were held the following night at Mountain View High School in Orem. The first session consisted of the Healthcare Professions graduates. The second session consisted of all other MTECH program graduates.
Those in attendance were able to hear from some great speakers. Terry Shoemaker, Superintendent of the Wasatch School District, spoke at the Wasatch ceremony. Jake Anderegg, representative of Utah County, spoke to the Healthcare Professions graduates. Karen Acerson, a UVU Trustee and MTECH Board Member, spoke in the second Utah Valley Ceremony. All of the speakers highlighted the benefit that technical education and training is to society. Representative Anderegg said, “Hands-on and engaged education is the key to a successful career.” Along with Representative Anderegg, the speakers echoed the importance of hands-on training and congratulated the graduates.
Kirt Michaelis, Vice President of Administrative Services at MTECH, read the names of graduates as they walked across the stage. The student’s sense of accomplishment was evident by the huge smiles they gave after walking across the stage. Mae Lin Sorenson, a CNA graduate and student speaker at the Wasatch ceremony, said, “It is a great feeling to graduate with a certification and license at the same time I graduate from high school.” Jordan Dahl, a Medical Assistant graduate and 2014 MTECH Student of the Year, and Elizabeth Cross, a Business graduate, spoke at the two Utah Valley ceremonies respectively. Of her experience at MTECH, Cross said, “I finally enjoyed school and didn’t get burned out. I now have goals for my career and want to make a name for myself.”
MTECH is recognized as the leader in technical training for Utah Valley’s job market. Since 1989, students have graduated with certificates and licensures geared to help them obtain a valuable career. Last year, 96 percent of MTECH students were licensed in their field of study. Of those 96 percent, 86 percent obtained employment immediately upon completion of their program. MTECH looks forward to building value to Utah Valley and fulfilling its mission to supply the local labor market with skilled workers. The school extends a warm congratulations to the May 2015 graduates.
