Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Graduation
164 students received associate degrees

Martinsburg, West Virginia [May 24, 2007] – Blue Ridge Community and Technical College held their graduation ceremony for their class of 2007 this evening at the South Berkeley Auditorium in Inwood, WV.

One hundred sixty four students received their associate degrees in a variety of programs, including safety technology, fire safety, criminal justice, nursing, paralegal, business, and general studies.  Keynote speaker for the evening was Betty Ireland, the 28th Secretary of State for the State of West Virginia and the first female to be elected to the state’s executive branch of government.  Secretary Ireland has received appointments to the U.S. SBA Advisory Council and the Advisory Council to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.  She was named was named to Government Technology Magazine’s 2007 “Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers” in the nation.  Secretary Ireland received the Blue Ridge Community and Technical College President’s Award, which recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the College. 

The second President’s Award recipient was Teresa McCabe, Vice President of Marketing and Development for WVU Hospitals-East.  Ms. McCabe played a central role in obtaining grant funding for the Blue Ridge nursing program, as well as the matching contribution from the City Hospital Foundation.  “Ms. McCabe has been a tremendous supporter of our College and our nursing program,” stated Dr. Peter Checkovich, President of Blue Ridge Community and Technical College.  “We are pleased that she and Secretary of State Ireland were able to celebrate with our 2007 graduates.”  Dr. Checkovich conferred the degrees along with Jane Peters, President of the Blue Ridge Board of Governors.

The invocation was given by Phi Theta Kappa President and Blue Ridge CTC graduate Shane Wood and the benediction was given by Aaron Smith, President of the Student Government Association.

Blue Ridge Community and Technical College offers more than 40 associate degree and certificate programs, in addition to workforce development training.  Blue Ridge is conveniently located at 400 West Stephen Street in downtown Martinsburg, WV.  For more information about our courses and workforce development solutions, please call 304-260-4380 or visit our website at www.BlueRidgeCTC.edu .

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