TIJT holds its fall graduation ceremonies

Published or Revised December 14, 2006

Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology, a division of Paris Junior College, held fall semester graduation ceremonies on Thursday for students completing jewelry technology, gemology technology, and horology and fine mechanical watch repair. Ulla Raus, TIJT Division Chairperson, introduced Barry Ward, national accounts representative for Paul H. Gesswein and Company Inc., who was the keynote speaker. Ward shared tips and techniques to help the graduates make a successful transition into the industry. He told them that they had received first rate instruction with state-of-the-art equipment not available at other jewelry schools. This classroom experience will help them to face the work world with confidence “make a mark for yourselves.” Ward has more than 17 years experience as a distributor of tools, equipment, findings, metals and supplies to the Fine Jewelry Industry. NAMANO Award winners are Laura Stocklin, Lancaster, OH, first place; Paul Unger, Huntsville, 2nd place; and Ross Wade Pierce, Benjamin, 3rd place. Stuller Award winners include Benton Thompson, Lewisburg, TN, 1st place; Gove Dee Slate, Paris, 2nd place; and Olivia Madrid, Midland, 3rd place. Receiving the NAMANO Clay Minton Watch Awards were Ivan R. Espinoza, Mansfield, and Phillip Ridley, Arlington. Dr. Pamela Anglin, Paris Junior College President, and David McAnally, Dean of Workforce Education presented the certificates. Jewelry graduates are Gove Dee Slate, Paris; Patty K. Cosgrave, Woodard, OK; Lauren Leigh Richard, Opelousas, LA; Ross Wade Pierce, Benjamin; Kimberly M. Rushing, Midland; Jacob R. Smith, Oroville, CA; and Allison Weir, Dangerfield. Olivia H. Madrid, Midland, was awarded a Bench Technology Certificate. Students completing the gemology program are Lee Ann Davis Wright, Paris; Ryan M. Richard, Texarkana; Lewis Nagy, Dallas, Steven Daniel Benton, Texarkana; and Jeanette Bridget Turner, Tillamook, OR. Horology graduates include Jerry Bob Helm, Rusk; James Huff, Edinburg; Colin Arthur Mitchell, Corpus Christi; Phillip Ridley, Arlington, William Patrick Monteleone, Flower Mound; Jung Ok Lee, Seoul, Korea; and Jae Hoon Oh, South Korea. Ivan R. Espinoza was awarded a certificate for fine mechanical watch repair.