OCTC Commencement Ceremonies

May 10-11, 2023

by Bernie Hale

Owensboro, KY (05/03/2023) — Owensboro Community & Technical College (OCTC) will hold its Commencement Ceremonies at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 10, and Thursday, May 11, 2023, at the RiverPark Center, located at 101 Daviess Street in Owensboro. The college will award 1,222 credentials to 522 graduates over the two-day event.

The college will recognize the OCTC students selected for the KCTCS All-Academic Team, a statewide honor based on academic excellence. The 2023 KCTCS All-Academic Team members are Ella D. Fogle and Austin A. Ellis.

"We are looking forward to celebrating this year and are so very fortunate to have so many graduates that want to participate that we have to hold it over two nights," added Dr. Scott Williams, OCTC president.

Interim Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Ashleigh Crowe, commented, "Hosting the graduates over two nights allows us to let the students bring as many family members as they like and lets us keep the event at RiverPark, which we feel is the best location for such a prestigious event."

Tonya Phelps, a Nursing program candidate for graduation will deliver the student address on Wednesday. The special music for Wednesday will be "Sails" by John Hall and Johanna Hall, performed on guitar by Larry Stone. The student speaker for Thursday will be Ella D. Fogle, an Early College candidate for graduation, and the special music will feature the OCTC Community Chorus singing "You Do Not Walk Alone" by Elaine Hagenberg, under the direction of Dr. Connie Ford, Professor of Music, and with collaborative pianist, pianist Ann Jeannette Pierce.

Wednesday evening is for students earning certificates, diplomas, and associate in applied science degrees. Thursday evening is slated for Associate in Arts, Associate in Fine Arts, Associate in Science, and Veterinary Technology graduates. Students who cannot attend on the scheduled evening may attend the event on the alternate day.

Graduates of both ceremonies are invited to participate in a rehearsal held at 3:30 p.m. in the RiverPark Center on Tuesday, May 9.

OCTC's Commencement Ceremonies are free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Bernie.Hale@kctcs.edu.