65 Graduating Seniors are Sent into the World of Work
Continued from page 1 about 1,400 , the largest in Williamson history . Rounds went on to read that the key to success is hard work , humility , confidence , and respect . Wesley wrote that early in life he went through some difficult times and that no matter how hard things got character always got him through . He also wrote that among his many blessings is having discovered Williamson College of the Trades .
He reminded the students that they are sought after by employers not only for their trade skills , but because they are men of character . “ You are the finest young men of your generation . You are men of commitment , hard work , and character . You can take on challenges and succeed . You are true patriots who are fit to be America ’ s future leaders .”
At the conclusion of the speech , Rounds presented Wesley with an honorary associate in specialized technology degree , saying “ It is now my opportunity to present to Joe something he never had the opportunity to receive before , a diploma as an honorary graduate of Williamson College of the Trades .”
This was followed by senior class president James McChesney , on behalf of the senior class , presenting Wesley with the Commencement Award manufactured in the Machine Shop with some help from the Carpentry Shop . The plaque contains moving gears representing each trade taught at Williamson as well as the core values – faith , integrity , diligence , excellence , and service .
In his introduction of Wesley , Rounds explained that in 2017 Wesley came to Williamson for the first time . He returned several times and talked with students , faculty , and staff . The more he learned about Williamson the more he appreciated the school ’ s mission .
He then decided to make a gift that would have an impact . During a luncheon with Rounds and William Bonenberger 7W9 , board chairman , he announced he was ready to make a gift of up to $ 20 million for the construction of a student center . [ He later added $ 1.5 million for the construction of the bleachers .] Wesley said , “ I want you to have something you can be proud of . I want you to be able to tell the students they are worth it and deserve having a first-class facility .” On January 1 , 2020 , Rounds and Bonenberger signed the Wesley Student Center gift agreement , making it all official .
Rounds said that the Joseph L . and Marion M . Wesley Student Center will become the focal point for student life . “ This will be a place they can exercise , recreate , hangout , play eSports , lift weights , run , and use three basketball courts . It will have bleachers going down to the athletic field and a patio . It will be a place for Williamson students to be together . This beautiful building will be completed in January and ready for use spring semester 2023 .”
Rounds explained that Wesley has a lot in common with Williamson ’ s founder . “ Joe came from humble beginnings , worked hard , started his own business , took some chances , grew his business , and became very successful , like our founder . After becoming successful , he didn ’ t think just of himself , he wanted to help others . As his wealth grew , Joe and Marion created the Joseph and Marion Wesley Family Foundation , concentrating on education . I think when Joe Wesley looks at our students , he sees himself .”
Wesley grew up in humble circumstances with a limited education . While a teenager , he married Marion and joined the Marines . While serving in the military , he learned how to operate cranes and realized he was good at it . After his service , he worked as a crane operator for several companies . Then , in 1967 , he and his wife founded the American Equipment Rental Co . To get started , they mortgaged their home and bought their first crane . They worked hard to make their company successful , sacrificing much along the way .
The company grew through Wesley ’ s hard work and acquisitions to become a major American crane rental company . Its name was later changed to AmQuip , “ The Crane People .” Under his leadership , the company , headquartered in Bensalem , Pa ., continued to grow until it became one of the largest crane companies in the world . He sold the company in 2007 and continued to serve on the board for many years .
Rounds , in his welcoming remarks , said “ The Class of 2W2 ’ s class officers have led the class exceptionally well and set a positive example to underclassmen during the challenges of the last several years .”
McChesney , in his senior address , said “ We have had hard work and long days and formed a brotherhood . The school ’ s core values will carry you far in your life . They all fall into line under the first – faith . Seniors , we are about to become alumni and go out into the world as Williamson Men who are expected to live out the values we have been taught . Being Williamson Men is important , but it is more important to be men of God .”
McChesney then passed the senior gavel to Jason Minch , president of the Class of 2W3 , who said , “ Congratulations to the Class of 2W2 . Your 1,000- day journey has come to an end . You are one of the most distinctive classes to graduate in Williamson history because you have dealt with a very unique and
Joseph and Marion Wesley congratulated all 65 members of the Class of 2W2 as they received their diplomas .
challenging situation all three years of your journey – the COVID pandemic . You saw how normal can change in the blink of an eye and that nothing should be taken for granted . You are also the last class to graduate with students in the Paint and Coatings Technology Program . You have been a student , leader , foreman , and friend , and now Williamson Men .”
Dr . Michelle T . Williams , vice president of academic affairs / CAO , then announced the seniors who had been inducted into the I . V . Club and the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and the recipients of the commencement awards , with some help from Bonenberger .
In his closing remarks , Rounds said , “ Your class motto was a great selection , ‘ You can ’ t change the wind , but you can adjust the sails .’ The wind changed , you adjusted the sails , and didn ’ t let anything deter you from completing that 1,000-day journey . True leadership is always tested in adversity and you and your classmates rose to the challenges together . You stayed focused and provided leadership to the underclassmen and completed the mission to graduate . When you look back over your life , the things you will value the most are the things you worked hardest for . You started with 100 and there are 65 here today . You stayed the course and you should be proud of that .”
He then said Williamson graduates leave with gratitude in their hearts for the gift of having attended Williamson . An example of this is that over 70 percent signed the Stabler Challenge , pledging to donate to Williamson in the future .
He also pointed out that this is the final graduating class in paint and coatings technology , a program that started in 1937 , after the Patternmaking Program was discontinued . The administration at that time decided there was no great future in patternmaking so they transitioned the program into the Painting and Decorating Program . This program lasted 84 years and served Williamson and its students well . [ The Electrical Program began fall semester 2022 with 20 freshmen .]
Rounds , Joseph and Marion Wesley , Bonenberger , and John Rex 7W5 , president of the Alumni Association , then presented the associate in specialized technology degrees to each senior . As they left the athletic field , each graduate , with diploma in hand , rang the Commencement Bell signifying he is now a Williamson alumnus .
Commencement began with the Artisans , under the leadership of Sherre Gaertner , singing the National Anthem and closed with the alma mater . David Churchman 7W2 , representing his class as they celebrated their 50th anniversary of graduating from Williamson , opened the program with an invocation . Rev . Mark Specht 7W7 closed the event with the benediction .
The Class of 2W2 moving their tassels from the right side of their motorboard to the left side , offically making them “ Williamson Men ” and alumni .
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