Warner Robins, Ga. – In just a few days, an extraordinary moment will take place at Central Georgia Technical College’s (CGTC) 2025 Commencement Ceremony — one that symbolizes perseverance, the power of education, and the unbreakable family bonds.
Snejana Payne, a native of Chişinǎu, Moldova, will proudly walk across the graduation stage alongside her two children, becoming part of a unique moment in commencement history at CGTC as she joins her children to earn their degrees together.
Snejana, who came to the United States in 2001, has worked as a custodian in CGTC’s world-class Facilities Department for more than five years, all while pursuing her academic dreams. On May 2 at the Macon Coliseum, she will graduate with associate degrees in Logistics Management and Technical Studies.
Payne said any job can be accomplished and any dream realized when paired with hard work and determination.
“This journey has been about more than earning a degree,” she said. “It’s been about building a better future—not just for myself, but for my children. Walking the stage together is the reward for every late night, every long day, and every sacrifice.”
Her daughter, Sandra Payne, will receive an associate’s degree in Business Technology and Technical Studies, and her son, Marvin, will also earn a Technical Studies degree.
For them, the moments of celebration at the commencement ceremony will demonstrate their support for one another every step of the way, and remind them of the type of success CGTC aims to provide all its students.
The Payne story is a testament to the power of resilience and the life-changing opportunities education can provide.
“It is a reminder that no matter where you start, your journey can lead anywhere,” she said.
CGTC is proud to celebrate the achievements of the Payne family and all of its 2025 graduates who are redefining what generational success looks like.
Success is on the horizon for more students in Central Georgia than ever before, as the College surpassed 11,500 students enrolled in Fall 2024 and 10,500 Spring 2025, marking a new record and the second consecutive year of unprecedented enrollment growth.
As an established leader in the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) with the highest number of unduplicated graduates for over a decade, CGTC will see more than 750 graduates of certificates, diplomas, and degrees walk in the ceremony. Joining in the procession will also be graduates of the College’s Adult Education Division and the CGTC Academy, the College’s accredited high school program.
As CGTC’s Commencement Ceremony nears at the Macon Coliseum on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 7 p.m., the College welcomes all graduates to build excitement for their success, displaying their Titan Spirit proudly across Central Georgia.
The Macon Coliseum has long been a place of celebration for the college’s graduates and their families. This year’s ceremony will feature Dr. Ray Perren, TCSG Deputy Commissioner for Technical Education as the keynote speaker.
Graduates and their families are encouraged to visit www.centralgatech.edu/graduation for details on parking, graduate entrances, and additional information about the ceremony.
The ceremony will be live-streamed and can be viewed at www.centralgatech.edu. A special link will be made available on the day of the event.
About Central Georgia Technical College
As one of the largest two-year colleges in the state, CGTC operates three campuses and five centers throughout central Georgia, serving more than 30,000 individuals annually. CGTC is focused on connecting graduates to careers by offering quality education services, assuring a well -qualified workforce to support a healthy local economy. CGTC is a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia and is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. For more information about CGTC, visit www.centralgatech.edu. Like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/centralgatech), X (@CGTC), and Instagram (@centralgatech).