TIJT holds fall 2009 graduation ceremonies

Published or Revised December 18, 2009

Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology, a division of Paris Junior College, held its fall 2009 graduation ceremonies Dec. 17 in the Ray Karrer Theater on the PJC campus. Ulla Raus, division chair and instructor, introduced the panel of special guests, which included PJC President Dr. Pamela Anglin, Vice President of Workforce Education John Spradling and keynote speaker Jurgen Maerz. Maerz is a world-renowned platinum expert. He was born and raised in Germany and learned the trade of bench jewelry at a young age through a formal apprenticeship. After immigrating to the United States, he worked in all phases of jewelry making and held numerous positions, from production manager to the owner of his own studio. Maerz has become a recognized expert on working with platinum. He specializes in platinum casting issues, and has spearheaded several new casting techniques. He has lectured around the world. He was especially honored to speak at the prestigious Goldsmiths' Hall in London, home of the renowned Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths. He holds a Standard Designated Teaching credential for jewelry making from the state of California, as well as an honorary Ph.D. in Jewelry Manufacturing Arts from the Cosmopolitan University. He is a JA Certified Master Bench Jeweler, the fourth person in the United States to receive this designation. Maerz told the graduates, "Your vocation is a calling dealing with the cycle of life and everything you do makes someone happy." Jewelry, he added, deals with life-changing events much of the time. The engagement ring marks the beginning of putting together a family unit. The wedding band is a sign of commitment. Then comes the baby ring or earrings followed by the teen years friendship ring, the engagement ring and the cycle begins again. Student Association Design Contest winners announced during the ceremonies were Misty Sandoval, CAD; Victoria Fezler of Reno, Texas, Arts and Metals and overall design contest winner; Paul Smith of Phillipsburg, Mo., Finished Jewelry; Joe Shannon of Sumner, Texas, Lapidary; Janice Lalor of Mesquite, Texas, Rendering; William D. Coffey of Queen City, Texas, Wax Carving; and Carlos Aguirre of Houston, CAD/CAM. The Stuller Awards for Excellence, provided by Stuller Inc., were also announced during the ceremonies. The $500 Platinum Award went to Kara Rae Nance of Montgomery, Texas. The $300 Gold Award was given to Christine Cattani of Lantana, Texas. The $200 Silver award was presented to Michael C. Lee of Paris, Texas. Jewelry Technology graduates included: Cassandra Arlene White of Paris, Texas, Janice Marie Lalor of Mesquite, Texas; and Kara Rae Nance of Montgomery, Texas Gemology graduates included Erica L. Duncan of Dallas, Texas; Jacqueline L. Monterrosa of Houston, Texas; Colin J. Rucker of Rockmart, Ga.; Dana E. Smith of Bonham, Texas; and Brandon D. Terrell of Lucas, Texas. Darren Hull Finnson of Tyler, Texas, completed a Horology Technology Certificate. Casting certificates were awarded to Cassandra White of Paris, Texas; Carlos A Aguirre of Houston, Texas; Sarah O'Hearn of Casper, Wyo.; Mark Hatley of Cave City, Ark.; Tommy Nguyen of Katy, Texas; Heather Cannon of Powderly, Texas; Misty Leigh Sandoval of Quinlan,Texas; Patricia Rash of Clarksvile, Texas; and Thomas Cranmer of San Antonio, Texas CAM-CAD (Computer Aided Manufacture-Computer Aided Design) certificates were presented to Carlos Aguirrre of Houston, Texas; Sarah O'Hearn of Casper, Wyo.; Judith Iniguez of Clarksville, Texas; and Misty Leigh Sandoval of Quinlan, Texas Following the ceremonies, the students were joined by family and friends in an informal reception.