Helms College Augusta Campus held a commencement ceremony for graduates of its School of Hospitality and School of Health Services on Saturday, January 28, at the Snelling Conference Center. 

The commencement ceremony celebrated graduates who completed their program requirements between the 2022 summer and fall quarters from the following programs: Culinary Arts Diploma, Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts, Culinary Operations in Resorts & Clubs Associate of Applied Science and Multi-Skilled Medical Assistant Diploma. 

When it came time to announce how many students had already attained a job in their field of study, every student stood with a roar of applause. Helms College Director of Education and Compliance Bill Dindy announced that every student had achieved this accomplishment, a key part of Helms College’s mission. 

“Our greatest challenge is supplying the industry with enough of our highly qualified graduates. Our students have finely-honed skills, as well as a strong and humble work ethic, as they strive to serve others,” said Helms College Executive Vice President for Education Luke Schultheis, Ph.D.

Valedictorian Tuyen T. Jackson completed her Diploma of Culinary Arts and was named an Academic Excellence Graduate, having achieved a 4.0 grade point average.

Jackson spoke about the struggles of starting school, learning new skills during a pandemic and overcoming those challenges.  

Schultheis, the keynote speaker, also spoke to overcoming struggle as the theme of his address. He shared his personal journey from working full-time from the age of 15 to overcoming two strains of pneumonia, a mass on his lungs and more. He shared his journey of working in leadership roles at nationally recognized restaurants, hotels and universities, while constantly striving to find work-life balance. 

“The struggle never ends. We can only conquer one and enter the next. But that is commitment; that is growth; that is success,” said Schultheis. 

“Each one of you is entering a service field, be it health or hospitality,” he said. “You enjoy seeing a patient get healthy, improving their quality of life. You take pleasure in watching guests eat and smile. That is service. Health and happiness are what you bring.”

James Stiff, President & CEO of Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia and the CSRA and President of Helms College, spoke about how Helms College was created as a continuation of the work and legacy of service of Rev. Edgar J. Helms, founder of Goodwill Industries. 

Rev. Helms helped people receive training in trades to develop their God-given gifts, get better jobs, better support their families, have better lives, and create dynamic communities.