TIJT holds spring 2010 graduation ceremonies
Published or Revised May 14, 2010
The Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology, a division of Paris Junior College, held spring graduation ceremonies Thursday in the Ray Karrer Theater for students completing jewelry technology, gemology, horology and computer-aided jewelry design programs. Division Chair Ulla Raus introduced Paris Junior College President Pamela Anglin, Vice President of Workforce Education John Spradling, and TIJT faculty and staff members. Shannon Calloway, TIJT instructor and one of the sponsors of the TIJT Student Association, gave the highlights of the year's activities. She then narrated the slide presentation of the entries in the student design contest and announced winners in the various categories. Raus introduced former student, Aaron Capdeboscq, the keynote speaker. Capdeboscq came from an agricultural background and sold the only assets he had at the time, his 13 pigs, to raise the money to attend classes at TIJT. Following graduation he began his career to build his own firm in the jewelry industry. Capdeboscq shared with the students key points that he has learned since he began his journey from working for others to owning a successful firm of his own. "Ask plenty of questions, but ask the right questions; get as much knowledge and training while at TIJT as you possibly can; try to remember as much of what your instructors tell you as you can; be very careful with your money; be positive in your dealing with vendors, customers and employees; keep finding mentors; listen to old people - they know a lot; and always promote TIJT as a place for others to come and receive the latest training available." "Give back to your school and the industry what you have gained," he said. The Stuller Awards for Excellence winners are chosen by the TIJT faculty members and are given for outstanding performance, attitude, and ethics, as well as good craftsmanship. Winner of the $500 Platinum Award is Misty Leigh Sandoval of Quinlan, the $300 Gold Award winner was Victoria Scavezze of Jacksonville, Ill., and Juan Manuel Enriquez Medrano of Denton, was the $200 Silver Award winner. President Anglin and Vice President Spradling presented certificates of completion in Jewelry Bench Technician to Riley L. Diver of New Braunfels; Joe T. Isaacs of Fluvanna; Juan Manuel Enriquez Medrano of Denton; and Amanda Tilger of Rowlett. Jewelry Technology graduates are Heather Cannon of Powderly; Mark Hatley of Cave City, Ark.; Janice Marie Lalor of Mesquite; and Misty Leigh Sandoval of Quinlan. Scott Edward Bradford of Canyon received a horology certificate. Students completing the gemology program are Laura R. Serpa of Paris; Alex York of Avery; Angela Collier Hampton and Dustin Keith Adair of Sulphur Springs; Michael W. Brandon of Greenville; Christine A. Cattani of Dallas; Carlos Antonio Aguirre of Houston; Amber Bynum of Viola, Ark.; Martin J. DeRemus of Olathe, Kans.; and Sarah O'Hearn of Casper, Wyo. Computer aided design certificates were presented to Danielle Lynn Berrett of Cooper; Erica Lynn Duncan of Dallas; Kara Rae Nance of Montgomery; and Raymond W. Seraile, Jr. of New Orleans, La. Students receving casting certificates are Tyler Basinger, Eugene Patrick Raus and Joe W. Shannon, all of Paris; Kara Nance of Montgomery; Michael C. Lee of Phoenix, Ariz.; Victoria Scavezze of Jacksonville, Ill.; Shawn L.R. Matthews of New York, N.Y. Following the ceremony the students and their family and friends joined in a reception in the foyer.