05/25/2026
So proud of all these graduates. You did it!
Last night, Fletcher Technical Community College celebrated more than graduations. We celebrated perseverance, courage, second chances, and the decision to keep going even when life gets hard.
The graduates of our WorkReady U program each arrived here by different paths. Some returned to education after years away from the classroom. Some balanced work, family, and responsibilities while completing the program. Some faced obstacles most people never see. But every graduate who crossed that stage made the choice to keep moving forward.
“One of the things that makes this work so special is that everybody gets here a different way,” shared Fletcher WorkReady U program director Jamie Chauvin during the ceremony. “Every one of these stories matters, not because they’re perfect or easy, but because they show courage.”
Among the graduates honored were 68-year-old Dinah Pitre Stallings and 66-year-old Shirley Billiot, whose joyful celebrations reminded everyone in the room that it is never too late to achieve a goal.
Chancellor Dr. Kristine Strickland reflected on the importance of continuing forward, even when the journey is difficult, reminding graduates that Fletcher believes in opening doors and creating opportunities for students at every stage of life.
To our graduates: we are proud of you. Thank you for allowing Fletcher to be part of your story. 💙
To take your next best step, visit our Fletcher - WorkReady U - Adult Education program at http://www.fletcher.edu/adult-education
To view the full press release, visit https://www.fletcher.edu/news/1826642/fletcher-celebrates-workready-u-spring-2026-graduates