FORTIS COLLEGE, COLUMBIA HOLDS FIRST GRADUATION CEREMONY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) October 3, 2011 -- COLUMBIA, S.C. — (October 3, 2011) — Close to 100 students will graduate from Fortis College, Columbia during commencement exercises 11:00 am, Saturday, October 15, at the Brookland Baptist Church, 1066 Sunset Boulevard, West Columbia.

“This is a proud day in Fortis College, Columbia history,” proclaimed President Paul Wright. “With close to 100 graduating students and an anticipated crowd of 1,000 guests, our first graduation is setting an ambitious precedent.”

Graduation is the culmination of 90-plus personal stories of commitment and accomplishment, among them: Angela Grant, a single mom caring for three children and a disabled dad, who managed to put herself through the medical assisting program with a 4.0 GPA. Pregnant with her second child, Tiffany McFadden completed the dental assisting program and learned how to balance her family and professional life while training for her current position as a dental assistant. Her ultimate goal is to become a dentist. Dental Assistant Lisa Murrell juggled a full time job and attended classes while her husband was stationed overseas. She says that between his early morning calls and her late night classes, she completed the program while functioning on three to five hours of sleep.

But their persistence has paid off and on October 15th they will be celebrating their achievements with 1,000 family and friends at the school’s first graduation.

The keynote speaker is Curtis Wilson, a graduate of The NY School of Announcing and Speech for Broadcasting and Benedict College. Better known as the “Official Voice of the Benedict College Tigers” as the announcer at football and basketball games, Curtis is very involved in The Midlands community. He is a member of 100 Black Men of Greater Columbia and the Palmetto Grand Masonic Lodge, and volunteers for many organizations, including the
Harvest Hope Food Bank and Sickle Cell Foundation. He also works with The Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services to reduce the usage of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs in the teen community.

“Curtis’ local influence and strong community involvement were key factors in the committee’s selection of a speaker,” explained Scott O’Carroll, Fortis College career services director. “He met all our key criteria and could personally address the value of education and the power of persistence.”

About Fortis College, Columbia

Fortis College, Columbia, located at 246 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 101was established in 2010 and provides post-secondary, career focused education to students through a variety of degree and certificate programs. The campus strives to assist students in enhancing their career opportunities and develop within them the desire for lifelong and continued education. Programs offered at the campus include: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR), Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting, Medical Office Administration and Nursing. For more information, call the campus at (803) 678-4800.

About Fortis

A leading post-secondary network of colleges and institutes that engages students in a powerful learning and training experience for lifelong growth, Fortis offers career-based certificate, diploma and degree-granting programs at 40 schools in 14 states. Fortis prepares students for success with career-focused education in a variety of fields including nursing, health care, business and technology and various trades. Fortis also offers online learning platforms for many of its programs. Each Fortis campus is accredited by a nationally recognized body. Program offerings and accreditations vary by campus. Fortis is affiliated with the Denver School of Nursing, St. Paul’s School of Nursing, All State Career School, and Tri-State Business Institute. Visit www.fortis.edu to learn more about Fortis educational opportunities.
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