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Lanier Technical college graduates record class
Lanier Tech Grad pic
Eight-year-old Heather Harrington hands her mother, Melinda, her tassel Friday as Melindas mother, Nancy Payne, far left, and son Hunter 6, far right, look on prior to Lanier Technical Colleges commencement ceremony Friday night at Free Chapel Worship Center in Gainesville. Melinda Harrington earned an associates degree in early childhood care and education. - photo by Sara Guevara DCN regional staff

GAINESVILLE - Lanier Technical College celebrated its largest graduating class Friday night, conferring 2,028 degrees in a ceremony at Free Chapel Worship Center.

President Russell Vandiver told the class its achievements are "heroic because of your perseverance and determination to complete your programs of study in the worst economy since the Great Depression."

"You all refused to quit when things were the most difficult during this recession and now you have achieved your goal of attaining the work force skills to compete for jobs that are being created in the new economy," he said. "This is a great night of celebration for all of you, and your families who helped you achieve this success."

The graduation speaker was Paul Holmes, chairman of the board of the Technical College System of Georgia.