ECTC graduates celebrate first December graduation

Published on Dec 12, 2023

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College (ECTC) celebrated its 59th commencement Monday at Grace Heartland Church in Elizabethtown, marking the college’s first December graduation ceremonies. 

ECTC expects to award about 580 degrees and 480 certificates to 500 students who completed their academic programs in Summer and Fall 2023. Monday, more than 100 students and hundreds of their guests attended the ceremonies.

“Each of these graduates has accomplished something incredible that not only changes their lives for the better, but also lifts up their families and their communities,” said ECTC President Dr. Juston Pate. “Whether they are entering the workforce or continuing their education, we look forward to seeing the Class of 2023 continue to grow and become part of the next generation of leaders in our region.”

Credentials awarded include associate in applied science degrees in high-demand career fields like healthcare, business and IT, advanced manufacturing and more. Graduates also included those who earned an associate in arts or associate in science and are prepared to transfer to four-year colleges and universities to complete bachelor’s degrees.  

In recent years, participation rates for an annual May ceremony at ECTC have grown, with more than 300 graduates participating in the May 2023 ceremony. The new December ceremony provides the best possible experience for students and their guests, and it also allows summer and fall graduates to walk the stage in caps and gowns months earlier.

“On behalf of everyone at ECTC, I want to congratulate our new graduates,” Pate said. “I also want to thank the faculty, staff, community partners, families and friends who have supported our graduates’ educational journeys.”