Gov. Nathan Deal will be the keynote speaker for Ogeechee Technical College’s 2018 commencement exercises to be held on Thursday, May 10, at Georgia Southern University’s Hanner Fieldhouse.

OTC President Lori Durden announced that Deal, the 82nd governor of Georgia, will address graduates, faculty, staff and guests at the 7 p.m. ceremony.

“Gov. Deal is a great advocate for education and has been a true supporter of technical education and Ogeechee Tech,” Durden said. “His influence on education in Georgia will be evident for many years as our citizens reap the benefits produced by his visionary policies. We are honored to have him address our graduates.”

Since taking office in 2011, Deal has made strengthening education in Georgia a priority of his administration. Expanding the HOPE Grant, promoting high school dual enrollment and supporting infrastructure improvements in technical colleges are a few of the initiatives the governor championed.

Governor Deal’s HOPE Career Grant, which offers tuition assistance for students in high-demand careers, has not only helped students but benefits industries that have workforce needs, strengthening Georgia’s economy.

“The HOPE Career Grant has become a game changer in Georgia,” Durden said. “Students receive in-demand skills at no cost to them and companies are able to fill critical openings. It’s truly a win-win situation.”

The HOPE Career Grant covers 17 career fields including Commercial Truck Driving, Nursing, Computer Information Systems and Heavy Diesel Service Technician, among others.

Ogeechee Tech will award 1,000 degrees, diplomas and certificates, with approximately 325 graduates expected to participate in the ceremony.