Triple Graduation Triumph: A Family's Shared Journey at Greenville Tech

On December 18, at the Greenville Technical College commencement ceremony, a unique celebration ensues as Carver Blassingame steps forward to receive his long-awaited diploma. This moment is made even more special as a second announcement calls the same name: Carver Blassingame, III, who is also graduating today. Together, father and son don navy robes, walk across the stage, and bask in the cheers of their family as they celebrate their dual achievement.

Carver's journey to graduation is one of resilience and determination. Initially, in high school, he prioritized sports and socializing rather than academics. He graduated in 1998 and secured a job straight out of high school with a restaurant supply company, earning an impressive $55,000 per year. However, after 12 years, this position came to an end when the company shut its doors due to decreased demand.

Finding himself at a crossroads, Carver took a part-time role with Grainger, where he honed his maintenance skills and discovered a talent for troubleshooting machinery. This realization prompted him to consider further education. Initially uncertain about pursuing a degree in mechatronics due to job market concerns, he was ultimately swayed at orientation when it was announced that the industry was on the cusp of a significant boom. He quickly changed his major and subsequently thrived in his studies.

Upon completion of his associate degree, Carver transitioned into a maintenance role within his company and even enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program at GTC when it became the first two-year college in South Carolina to offer such a program in advanced manufacturing technology in 2019. As he progressed, he was promoted to maintenance lead at Bausch + Lomb’s Consumer Health Care plant, showcasing the tangible differences his education had made in his career.

Balancing full-time work with school wasn’t easy for Carver. He recalls moments of exhaustion, even remembering sleeping in his car at the college parking lot. Yet, his determination bore fruit not just for himself but for his family as well. Growing up, Carver's parents didn't see college as an option for him, but he chose to parent differently. Recognizing his son’s curiosity and interest in mechanics, he encouraged Carver III to explore the mechatronics program that had kick-started his own academic journey.

As a result, walking alongside his father during graduation, Carver III proudly earns his associate degree in Mechatronics. Yet the achievements don’t stop there; Carver's sister, Carletta, also joins them, receiving her diploma in Computer Numerical Control (CNC), where she learned hands-on skills in shaping metals including CNC programming and computer-aided design (CAD).

The Blassingame family is thus well positioned in a state where advanced manufacturing plays a crucial role in the economy—amidst major players like Bausch + Lomb and BMW, where both Carver III and Carletta are employed. The transition from education to career for this family is clear. With their joint graduation marking a pivotal milestone, the paths ahead involve exciting prospects. Carver III plans to continue his educational journey towards his bachelor’s degree, while Carletta's son has recently enrolled in the same mechatronics program and has secured a co-op position at BMW due to his connections.

Beyond academics, Carver and his son have also launched a joint venture, renovating and flipping houses, thus applying the technical skills they’ve acquired over the years. Their synergy in pursuit of education and entrepreneurial spirit suggests that this isn’t merely a celebration of the past, but just the beginning for the Blassingame family, whose future is undeniable.

In summary, their story is one of triumph, embodying the transformative power of education within a family. With each graduation, new doors are opening, and the Blassingames are setting a shining example of how determination and collaboration can lead to collective success.