OCTC to Award Nearly 900 Credentials Across Commencements

May 12th - 13th, 2026

by Bernie Hale

Owensboro, KY (05/08/2026) — Owensboro Community & Technical College (OCTC) will celebrate the achievements of its Class of 2026 with commencement ceremonies on Tuesday, May 12th, and Wednesday, May 13th, at the RiverPark Center in downtown Owensboro. Both ceremonies will begin at 6:30 p.m.

During the two-day event, the college will confer 878 credentials to 542 graduates. Due to the high number of participants, OCTC has scheduled the ceremonies across consecutive evenings to accommodate families and guests without limitations.

"We're honored to celebrate this milestone year with such an outstanding group of graduates," said Dr. Scott Williams, OCTC President. "Holding ceremonies over two evenings allows us to make the most of the RiverPark Center venue while ensuring graduates can share this special achievement with family and friends."

Tuesday's ceremony will honor students receiving certificates, diplomas, and Associate in Applied Science degrees, while Wednesday's event will recognize those earning Associate in Arts, Associate in Fine Arts, Associate in Science, and Veterinary Technology degrees.

The college will also celebrate its 2026 KCTCS Scholars: Maciemarie Carraway and Maria Rice, recipients of the prestigious statewide academic honor.

Tuesday, May 12th Highlights:

Commencement Address: Ashlee Diaz Garcia, Radiography program graduate with High Distinction, named as the Outstanding Program Student in Radiography, and she participated in the Going Pro event, continuing her career at Ohio County Healthcare.

Special Music: "Imagine" written by John Lennon and performed by Larry Stone on electric guitar and Scott Napier on electric mandolin.

Pre-Commencement Events: Nursing Pinning Ceremony - 4:00 p.m., Cannon Hall, Radiography Pinning Ceremony - 5:00 p.m., Jody Berry Theatre

Wednesday, May 13th Highlights:

Commencement Address: Dahlyla Leslie, Early College student from Owensboro High School, earning dual Associate degrees while serving as Phi Theta Kappa honors chapter President.

Special Music: "Sing, My Child" written by Sarah Quartel, performed by The OCTC Chorus, accompanied by Danny Huffman on the conga drum and directed by Dr. Connie Ford, Professor of Music.

Pre-Commencement Event: Veterinary Technology Pinning Ceremony - 5:00 p.m., Jody Berry Theatre

A graduation rehearsal will be held on Monday, May 11th, at 3:30 p.m. at the RiverPark Center. All participating graduates are encouraged to attend.

Students unable to attend their designated ceremony may participate on the alternate evening.

Seats are available on a first come-first serve basis.

The RiverPark Center is located at 101 Daviess Street in downtown Owensboro.

"This year's commencement honors the resilience and success of our graduates," said Dr. Ashleigh Crowe, Vice President of Student Affairs. "Two ceremonies allow us to provide a more personal celebration while ensuring graduates can share the moment with their full support system."

For more information about OCTC's graduation ceremonies, please contact Bernie.Hale@kctcs.edu.

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