TIJT fall commencement held in December
Published or Revised January 03, 2011
The Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology, a division of Paris Junior College, held fall semester graduation ceremonies in December in the Ray Karrer Theater. TIJT Division Chairman Ulla Raus introduced the panel of special guests, which included Vice President of Workforce Education John Spradling; Vice President of Academic Studies Dwight Chaney; and guest speaker Adam Graham, marketing manager for the American Gem Trade Association. Raus also introduced TIJT faculty and staff. Graham, who is based in Dallas, has a long history in marketing and is originally from British Columbia. Graham told the graduates that they have chosen to enter a unique industry. "You will play a role in special events of people's lives," he said. "You will build your reputation and your name by your ethics — trust, honesty, truthfulness." Graham urged them to build their presence in the industry through the many organizations available to them; by attending trade shows; through continuing education to keep up with the latest techniques; and by networking with others throughout the industry. "You are entering industry at a time when discretionary spending is beginning to rise and jewelry purchases are becoming viable," he said. Student Association Design Contest winners are: CAD/CAM Design, Heather Cannon; Metal Arts, Wanda Hutson; Finished Piece, Daniel Coffey; Lapidary Arts, Carlos A. Aguirre; Rendering, Janice Marie Lalor; Wax Carving, Daniel Coffey; and Bead Stringing, Stephanie Dotson. The CAD/CAM class contest winner is Benjamin George. The Stuller Awards for Excellence were given by Stuller, Inc., of Lafayette, La. The $500 Platinum Award went to Martin DeRemus of Olathe, Kan. The $300 Gold Award was given to Franklin Dean Johnson of Albuquerque, NM. The $200 Silver Award was presented to John Tran of Port Arthur. Spradling and Chaney presented the certificates to the graduates. Receiving certificates for Gemology are Eugene Patrick Raus and Cassandra Arlene White, both of Paris; Vicky L. Lawson of Clarksville; Janice Marie Lalor of Mesquite; Justin S. Harwell of Waco; Julilana Elizabeth Schaepe of Forth Worth; and Daniel Coffey of Queen City, Texas. Horology graduates include Eric Reinhard Lange of Colleyville, Texas; David Anthony Mire of Wolfforth, Texas; Marvin Sierra of Jersey City, N.J.; James Mark Santangelo of Fairfield, N.J.; and Robert F. Rose of Oroville, Calif. Matthew J. Davis of Fort Worth, and David C. Wilbur of Climax, Texas, received Fine Mechanical Watch Repair certificates. Students completing the Jewelry Technology certificates are Eugene Raus, Martin De Remus, Paige Elizabeth Duncan of New Boston, Carlos Antonio Aguirre of Houston, Justin Joseph Wheat of Columbus, Miss., and Paul D. Smith of Phillipsburg, Mo. Students earning Bench Technician certificates include John Tran; Katerina Jackson of North Richland Hills; William Alexander Borrer of Pearland; Marvin Sierra of Jersey City, N.J.; and Jessica Sara Mapes of Andalusia, Ala.; CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacture) graduates are Juliana Elizabeth Schaepe; Heather Cannon of Powderly; Benjamin George of Austin; Amanda Tilger of Rowlett; John R. Allain of New Iberia, La.; Kaylee Jo Wilson of Fort Collins, Colo.; Stephanie Kristine Budde of Geneseo, Ill.; Andrew T. Hadley of Monticello, Ind.; Michael C. Lee and James D. Fausett, both of Phoenix, Ariz; and Mark Hatley of Cave City, Ark. Casting certificates were awarded to James Fausett, Juliana Schaepe, David Mire, Paul Smith, and Paige Duncan. Following the ceremonies, students were joined by family and friends at an informal reception.