By DAVID MURIMI

Staff Writer

Wayne D. Parker, a Tech alumnus, spoke to 396 graduates at Tech's 270th commencement ceremony Nov. 2 at the Thomas Assembly Center.

"He brought humility and credibility to the podium and encouraged students to stick with it even when it gets hard," Bob Vento, university registrar, said.

Vento said Parker told the students to do what is necessary to graduate, that the students have received a good education and encouraged them to use it to the best of their advantage.

"Mr. Parker is a very dedicated alumnus and Tech was proud to have him come speak and be part of this university," Susan Rasbury, President Reneau's executive assistant and compliance coordinator, said.

Vento said Parker retired from Willamette Industries Inc. as vice president of the Southern Building Materials Group.

"Parker is an extremely successful businessman and very personable person, and is heavily involved with the school in plenty of aspects," Vento said.

Graduation rates are high at Tech, and it is due to the staff, faculty, alumni and students.

"Students don't always do well on ACT testing and other testing programs, but looking at high school grades shows what kind of motivation the students may have," Pamela Ford, dean of marketing and public relations and dean of enrollment management, said.

Ford said graduation rates have been high due to selective admission since 1992 and subsequent admissions standards increases.

Vento said the economy also plays a part in the graduation rate.

"When the economy is going on a downward trend, people usually go back to school to make them more eligible for more employment," Vento said.

Ford said university seminar is a beneficial program she is responsible for and she has seen undeclared majors have a higher dropout rate than those who have declared their major.

"This fall we started mini-career making workshops for undecided majors to help the students find their choice of study," Ford said.

Ford said the faculty are one of the biggest assets the university has.

"The faculty is required to be on campus and in their offices so they become accessible to students," Ford said.

Vento said students seem to know more than ever how important their education is here at the school.

"Today's younger generation realizes the value of education, and I see every time they walk across the commencement stage," Vento said.