Durham Tech 2021 class celebrates with Commencement, more than 1,800 credentials conferred in 2020-21 academic year

There were hollers, honks, whistles, and triumphant yells as the 2021 graduating class of Durham Technical Community College crossed the stage on Durham Tech Main Campus for the College Commencement on Tuesday. 

Nearly 200 graduates attended the in-person outdoor ceremony with many walking across a stage and others driving through the Parade of Graduates. From Summer 2020 through Spring 2021, 1,829 degrees, diplomas, and certificates were conferred to Durham Tech graduates.  

It was the second year Durham Tech held a drive-thru Commencement option due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vehicles adorned with balloons, posters, and celebratory scribbles arrived on campus for the 9 a.m. event and more than 150 people gathered together in the parking lot to watch the ceremony and cheer on graduates. 

“On this day of celebration, I want us to bring our imagination back,” said Durham Tech President J.B. Buxton during his remarks. “Act on those dreams that we have and the imagination for our future. Imagine how you will make an impact in the community, what’s your dream for your children and extended family, business, field you want to enter? It is my hope that your imagination steers the course when you leave here.”  

Buxton spoke to the resilience of the 2021 class and how future generations will look back on the COVID-19 era. 

“History will recount the novel coronavirus and lockdowns and masks and vaccines. But as you turn your tassel today and move from student to graduate, I want you to remember that the story of Durham Tech in 2020 and 2021 – your story – is not the pandemic, it is your perseverance. It is not COVID, it is your character. 

Graduates at the ceremony also reflected on the challenges to finishing their education virtually during a global pandemic. 

One graduate, Junnetta Brame, is a mother of six who also takes care of her husband who has kidney and heart failure. She home schooled her children, took care of family and worked. Today she is excited to be finish and graduates with her early childhood education certificate.

“I managed to make it through three years of college here at Durham Tech. Two of my children just graduated from college and four are still in school. I currently own a home daycare but my next step is to open a day care center,” said Brame.  

A Durham Tech work-study student, Brian Moody, graduated with his degree in business administration.  

“It has been a journey for me. When I first came to Durham Tech I took a semester and ended up taking a year off due to personal reasons. I knew I would come back and when I decided to, I began counseling, received tutoring, and the support system is great. I excelled because I was able to work at my own pace and use the resources provided to me from the school,” said Moody.  

Luz Romero, a mother of two who graduated with her medical interpretation diploma and certificate, said others should strive for their goals and not be hindered by perceptions.

“A lot of people told me with one kid you can’t go to school and your dreams are held back. During this process, I had two babies within a year and I made it completely. Anything is possible if you try your best. You do not have any barriers even with kids. My plan is to show my kids that even with them I can still make it and give them a better future,” said Romero.  

Outgoing Student Government Association President Charmaine Grafton told her peers that they had achieved a monumental milestone in the last year and urged them to reach for their next goals. 

“As we all head into the next phase of our journey, whether you’re, transferring to a 4-year university, entering the workforce, coming back to Durham Tech to obtain another degree, diploma, or certification, or you’re undecided right now, I want you to take some time and reflect on how you conquered this great accomplishment,” Grafton said. “Really take in how you persevered and got here because you did it and if you got through this, you could get through just about any other endeavor.” 

A full recording of the 2021 Commencement Ceremony will be available on the Durham Tech YouTube channel next week. 

PHOTOS: See Commencement through our College photographers' lenses
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For more information, contact Desiree Towson, M.S., Communications and Public Relations Coordinator, at allisontowsond@durhamtech.edu.