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Submitted by Savannah Technical College
June 6, 2025 – Savannah Technical College (Savannah Tech), the premier provider of career-ready technical education and workforce development in Coastal Georgia, recognized the achievements of more than 400 graduates during its 2025 commencement ceremony held at Enmarket Arena. Nearly 5,000 guests, including family members, friends, and community leaders, attended the event to support and celebrate the graduates’ success.
This year’s keynote address was delivered by Vinh Pham, a Savannah Technical College alumnus who now serves as an Airworthiness Inspector at Gulfstream Aerospace. Originally from Vietnam, Pham began his U.S. journey with limited English skills, working long hours at a local nail salon to support his family. He enrolled in Savannah Tech’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program and later pursued his diploma and associate degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology. His story of perseverance and upward mobility is a testament to the power of technical education and personal resilience.
“My life is not perfect, but it has brought me to a place where I am proud and happy,” said Pham. “I hope that as you start your journey, you’ll find the strength to face every challenge, the courage to go after what you want, and happiness in knowing your efforts are turning you into the person you strive to be.”
During the Challenge Address, Jeremy Bryant, Savannah Tech’s 2025 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner, shared a message that echoed the spirit of the occasion. “You’ve persevered through the hard moments, the messy middles, the heartbreaks, and the curveballs that have shaped who you are,” said Bryant. “Through it all, one thing carried you to this evening: your resilience. Setbacks weren’t the end. They were turning points, moments that made you stronger, more determined, and proof that you can do hard things.”
The ceremony reflected Savannah Tech’s continued mission to prepare students for the workforce through hands-on training and career-focused education. The college offers more than 150 programs in high-demand fields including Health Sciences, Cybersecurity, Aviation Technology, and Public Services.
“Every step you’ve taken has prepared you to take flight into your future,” said Savannah Technical College President, Dr. Ryan W. Foley. “You’ve trained your hands and mind to build, create, heal, and lead. And now, you represent the best of Coastal Georgia.”
Savannah Technical College reports a 99.6% placement rate within one year of graduation, with 94.2% of its graduates working in their field of study. With a growing reputation for delivering skilled graduates across key industries, the college continues to play a critical role in workforce development across Savannah and Coastal Georgia.
ABOUT SAVANNAH TECHNICAL COLLEGE
A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, Savannah Technical College (Savannah Tech) is the premier provider of career-ready technical education in Coastal Georgia, offering a comprehensive range of nearly 150 market-driven programs, preparing students for high-demand careers including Aviation Technology, Cybersecurity, Health Sciences, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Automation & Robotics, Information Technology, Culinary Arts, Public Services and more. With campuses in Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty Counties, Savannah Tech serves more than 13,000 credit and non-credit students with a variety of pathways to success, including dual enrollment programs for high school students and specialized support services for military veterans and their families. Beyond academics, Savannah Tech is an economic and community development partner, collaborating with industry leaders to provide customized training programs, assessment services, and continuing education opportunities. For more information, visit www.savannahtech.edu.
Savannah Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, diplomas and technical certificates of credit. Questions about the accreditation of Savannah Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Savannah Technical College complies with the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). The TCSG State Board prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual’s age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status (“protected status”). No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any TCSG program or activity because of the individual’s protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual’s protected status, except the preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.