Western Dakota Tech to graduate largest class ever
A record number of students will receive degrees and diplomas during the Western Dakota Tech graduation ceremony scheduled for Saturday, May 14.
During the ceremony, nearly 450 students in more than 20 technical programs will culminate their studies and hard work. The ceremony is scheduled for 1 p.m. in the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Arena.
“These graduates represent a trained and educated group of workers who will begin careers and make the western South Dakota region an even better place to live and work,” WDT President Dr. Craig Bailey said. “This is a special day for the graduates and our communities.”
South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard will join WDT as commencement speaker. WDT will present two important awards—Distinguished Service and Distinguished Alumni—during the ceremony.
Despite a troubled economy, many 2011 graduates secured careers before the ceremony because of the demand for skilled workers throughout the region. More than 94 percent of WDT’s most recent graduates are either working or continuing their education, and more than 82 percent of those placed in careers are working in South Dakota.
“WDT’s mission is to train students for the workforce,” Bailey said. “Our placement rates show that our students are talented, skilled, and well-prepared for their careers.”
The 2011 class pushes the total number of WDT graduates since 1968 to nearly 9,000.
“For more than 40 years, WDT graduates have joined our communities as leaders and built their careers around the skills and behaviors they learned here,” Bailey said. “WDT always has—and will continue to have—a significant impact on our communities.”
Other commencement activities include:
- Friday, May 13: WDT will honor its outstanding graduates during a banquet scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center.
- Saturday, May 14: WDT will hold the annual Eagle Feather Ceremony at 9 a.m. at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. This is a feathering ceremony to honor the Native American graduates and their accomplishments.
WDT invites the media to all events.
WDT is the only technical institute that serves the western South Dakota region. WDT offers more than 20 programs in a variety of fields, including Business and Computers, Construction Trades, Health Services, Legal and Public Services, Manufacturing and Mechanical Trades, and Science and Technology.
WDT faculty, staff, and administration focus their efforts on helping students gain the skills and experiences they need to succeed. Through hands-on learning, internships, and industry partnerships, WDT students graduate ready to make a real and immediate contribution to their employers and to their communities.
For information about WDT, call (800) 544-8765 or (605) 718-2565 or send an email to admissions@wdt.edu. Visit WDT on the web at www.wdt.edu.