Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology graduates 13

Published or Revised March 22, 2006

Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology (TIJT), a division of Paris Junior College, graduated 13 students recently. Ulla Raus, Jewelry Division chairperson, introduced the faculty, and David McAnally, dean of workforce education, welcomed family and friends of the graduates. Keynote speaker Larry Keuhn of Gainesville has been a long-standing member of the Advisory Board for TIJT. Keuhn has been actively engaged in the wholesale side of the jewelry industry supplying colored gems and antique jewelry to fine jewelers all over the United States. Keuhn urged the graduates to protect their greatest asset, their eyes. He challenged them to learn all they can about their trade so that they can then educate their customers and clients. And he told them to always put forth a big smile because the business is sometimes too brutal not to have some fun along the way. Raus presented the Stuller Awards for Excellence to Jeff Sommers of Watauga, Texas, first place; William Wilheimi of Paris, second place; and Katrina Sanders of Paris, third place. The NAMANO/Southeastern Findings Awards for Stonesetting were given to Matthew Caesar of Orangeburg, S.C., first place; Jeffrey Penland of Fort Davis, Texas, second place; and Harry Hampton Taylor of Splendora, Texas, third place. Nathan Smith of Oroville, Calif., received the Clay Minton Watch Award from NAMANO/Southeastern Findings. Receiving certificates for casting were Adam Olger, Winter Springs, Fla.; Michael Joseph Marentes-Gonzales, Kansas City, Kan.; and Katrina Sanders. Students completing horology technology included Travis Smith, Henderson, Texas; Peter A. Vogt, Milwaukee, Wis.; Steven H. Hobbs, Lufkin, Texas; and Nathan Smith. Receiving bench tech certification were Thamer K. Seimouaah, Frisco, Texas; and Sarah Angelica Gilmore and Harry Taylor, both of Splendora, Texas.