The Tennessee College of Applied Technology (formerly the Tennessee Technology Center) at Chattanooga State Community College will hold Commencement Services on Saturday at 10 a.m. in the gymnasium located in the Health and Fitness Center on the main campus.
Danni B. Varlan, TBR Regent, will deliver the Commencement address. Varlan was appointed to the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) on September 29, 2010, representing the second congressional district. She is the major gifts and annual giving officer for East Tennessee Children’s Hospital in Knoxville, Tennessee. In addition to her professional position, Varlan is active in her community and serves on numerous boards including the East Tennessee Economic Development Council, Knoxville Habitat for Humanity, and the Blount County Salvation Army Advisory Board.
Mrs. Varlan has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Georgia State University and is married to U. S. District Court Judge Thomas A. Varlan. The Varlans have four children.
The 2013 graduation marks the first time that the TCAT Division will incorporate traditional academic regalia – academic colors, banner and the ceremonial mace – in the ceremony. Hugh Vines, the longest tenured TCAT faculty member, will carry the ceremonial mace, which leads the processional of graduating students. Dr. Mike Ricketts, TCAT Division dean will carry the banner. The banner represents the colors of the college, royal blue and burnt orange, while the boarders of the division banner indicate the various programs of study.
Special recognition will be given to the 2013 National Technical Honor Society members, National SkillsUSA gold, silver and bronze award winners, and national delegates. In addition, Tennessee SkillsUSA gold and silver award winners and state officers will be acknowledged. Special awards given to Robert E. Hawfield, math instructor, for teaching excellence and Mary K. Kamuiru, 2012-2013 outstanding student of the year for Tennessee, will be highlighted.
Retiring faculty members include Katherine D. Veal, senior instructor, practical nursing (LPN), who retired December, 2012 with 17 years of service; Kevin LaBron Lawson,
Master instructor, collision repair, who retired May, 2013 after 24 years; and Michael R. Matthews, senior instructor, massage therapy, retiring August, 2013 with 5 years of service.