ANDERSON COUNTY — Number of students receiving degrees: 421

Location: Event began at 6 p.m. at the Anderson Civic Center

Keynote speaker: James E. Bostic Jr., former executive vice president for Georgia-Pacific Corp. and the first African-American to earn a doctorate at Clemson University, spoke to the Tri-County Technical College graduates Thursday. He spoke about the nature of the new workforce — a global one — with which they would be competing. He said the United States used to claim 30 percent of the world’s college graduates, and now that number has dropped to 14 percent.

“Three out of 10 high school graduates end up where you are today,” Bostic said. “God has great things in store for you.”

A daughter’s comment: Tounga Williams of Pendleton stood on the sidelines Thursday taking pictures of her mother, Brenda Gale Hunter, 52. Hunter, who lost her job when a local mill closed, earned her associate’s degree in business — her first college degree.

“I am so proud of her,” Williams said. “It was a challenge for her, but she did so good.”

A father’s comment: Royce G. Sampler watched his daughter, Cynthia Renea Campbell, 36, walk across the stage to receive her registered nursing degree. “She had to raise three children and go through a major surgery, but through it all, she didn’t give up,” Sampler said.

Students’ plans after graduation: Scott McKinney, 43, of Westminster and Manzell Ford, 22, of Anderson both plan to go back to school — now that they have one degree under their belt. Both graduated with an associate’s degree in industrial electronics technology and have their sights set on Clemson University.

After that, Ford said he is “going to let God lead the way.” McKinney said he wants to walk across another stage.

“I am looking forward to getting my four-year degree in business and engineering from Clemson,” McKinney said.

Award presented: Presidential Medallion for Instructional Excellence was awarded to Peggy Champion, head of the college’s veterinary technology program.