Aiken Technical College has announced its speakers for its April 17 awards night and May 6 commencement.
Local community leader and Aiken Technical College alumnus Tim Behling will be the keynote speaker for the college’s annual Awards Night Ceremony, scheduled for Thursday, April 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Student Activities Center (Building B) gymnasium.
An Aiken native and 2015 graduate of Aiken Tech, Behling is the founder and executive director of Successteam Foundation for Youth Development. The nonprofit organization provides development opportunities for youth through leadership training, college readiness, and workforce development. To date, the organization has served more than 12,000 students from around South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina through its various initiatives, according to a news release.
Students will be recognized for their academic achievements, service efforts and leadership roles. The ATC Foundation will also announce the scholarship award recipients for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Retired Vice Admiral Chuck Munns will be the keynote speaker for the commencement ceremony, scheduled for Tuesday, May 6, at 6:30 p.m. at the USCA Convocation Center, 2049 Champion Way, Graniteville.
Doors for the ceremony will open at 5 p.m., and no tickets are required, according to a news release.
Munns is internationally renowned for his leadership. He served 34 years in the U.S. Navy in various roles, including being responsible for all U.S. submarines and NATO submarine policy. Following his military career, he served as the president and CEO of Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, located at the Savannah River Site.
He currently serves as a senior advisor to industry and government. He also serves on the executive council for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools—Commission on Colleges, a higher education accrediting agency for institutions in 11 southeastern states, including South Carolina.
He is also a former member of the Aiken County Commission for Technical and Comprehensive Education, the governing board for Aiken Tech.
“We are honored to have retired Vice Admiral Chuck Munns join us as our keynote speaker this year. He has a wealth of wisdom to share with our graduates that will encourage and guide them as they begin their new chapters,” said Dr. Forest Mahan, president of Aiken Technical College, in the news release.
More than 380 students have been approved for graduation, earning a total of over 420 credentials that include associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
The college will also recognize its 2024-2025 faculty and staff members of the year during the ceremony.
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