The College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University held its graduation ceremony on June 15 at KSU Center. Graduates walked across the stage as family and friends joined in the celebration. Students represented over 30 different programs, from Project Management to Human Resources. David Lee Windecher, author, speaker and attorney, delivered this year’s graduation speech.
Assistant Dean Tamara grooms opened the ceremony and commended the graduates for their commitment to education and for successfully completing the requirements of their respective programs. 
“The entire Continuing Education team applauds you,” Grooms said. “You have recognized the value that education takes in shaping your future.”
Grooms’ opening remarks were followed by Windecher’s address. He chronicled his life’s journey of transitioning from defendant to defense attorney, describing education as the cornerstone of success.
“No one will ever be able to take this away from you,” Windecher said. “You should be proud of this accomplishment, but most importantly of the investment of time in private that you took to get here today.”
He concluded the address by encouraging students to remain steadfast. “Greatness awaits outside of these doors,” he said. “Do not take the path of least resistance.”
Windecher’s speech resonated with Project Management graduate Shakeel Radford. Radford not only completed the Project Management Certificate program, he also obtained his Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and became a Certified ScrumMaster® in the process.
“The quality [of education] is merely measurable simply based on the true effort put forth,” Radford said. “You have to continue to let your reach exceed your grasp. Only then can you live beyond your dreams.”
For Radford, this is only the beginning. He is currently taking a PMI Agile Certified Practitioner course as he continues to study for his Project Management Professional certification.
Adult learners, career changers and college graduates are welcome to attend an Open House at KSU Center on Aug. 3 at 6 p.m. The free event will feature interactive information sessions exploring more than 50 professional certificate programs. Registered attendees will receive an exclusive 10 percent discount. Registration is encouraged and can be completed at ccpe.kennesaw.edu or by calling 470-578-6765.
