Albany Technical College Announces Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony
ALBANY, Ga. - Albany Technical College celebrated the accomplishments of its Spring 2026 graduates during one commencement ceremony on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Albany Civic Center, 100 W. Oglethorpe Blvd., Albany, Georgia. Candidates for technical certificates of credit, diplomas, associate degrees, Career Plus HSE, Adult Education, Dual Enrollment, and the Dual Achievement Program were recognized for their accomplishments. This notification serves as an official invitation to graduates, families, friends, and the community.
Graduates picked up caps and gowns at GradFest in April and had an opportunity to purchase class rings. "We are pleased to recognize a graduating class of 1458 students with a total of 1489 awards for Spring 2026. This includes technical certificates of credit, diplomas, associate degrees, and high school equivalency recognitions," said Niquacha Snead, Albany Technical College Registrar.
Dr. Emmett Griswold, president of Albany Technical College, said, "Celebrating our students' success is central to our mission at Albany Technical College. Their hard work and persistence have led to this important milestone, and this commencement marks the beginning of the next chapter as they move forward into careers, continued education, and service in their communities."
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Dr. Patricia Ross
The keynote speaker for the ceremony is Dr. Patricia Ross, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Veterans Service. Ross was appointed commissioner in November 2021 and leads statewide efforts supporting Georgia's veterans and their families through benefits counseling, mental health initiatives, and coordinated community support services.
Before serving as commissioner, Ross established the Georgia Veterans Education Career Transition Resource Center, known as the VECTR Center, and served as the first director of Military Affairs for the Technical College System of Georgia. She retired from the U.S. Air Force as a colonel after 25 years of active-duty service and has continued her leadership through state and national veteran-focused initiatives.
Ross holds a doctorate in Leadership from Valdosta State University and has received multiple honors for her service, including induction into the Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Women Trailblazer Award.
ATC Graduation Statistics
- Total graduates for Spring 2026 commencement - 1458
- Total awards to graduates - 1489 (TCC, diploma, and degree)
- GED / High School Equivalency graduates - 49
- With Honors - 37
- Career Plus HSE graduates - 51
- Dual Achievement graduates - 61
- Honors with Distinction (GPA 3.75-3.94) - 40 (unduplicated)
- Presidential Scholars (GPA 3.95-4.0) - 15 (unduplicated)
- Dual Enrollment total - 311