Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) graduate Leslie Zuidema was awarded an associate’s degree in Management and Supervisory Development on March 18, 2009.

But Zuidema, who attended the Gordon County campus of GNTC, did not stop there. She wanted to further her education and graduated just a year later on May 1, 2010 with her bachelor’s degree from Reinhardt University.

“I had a great foundation at GNTC and then built from there,” says Zuidema. “The instructors and staff at GNTC really pushed me to be my best and I am so grateful. I want to let others know that technical college is a beginning, a place where you can set goals and reach higher.”

Zuidema reached those higher goals by not only receiving her degrees but by graduating Magna Cum Laude from Reinhardt, a prestigious honor only awarded to those with a 3.7 grade point average or above. Then on honors day, she was recognized and awarded the Hugh Peterson, Jr. Academic Scholar award, given to juniors and seniors with a grade point average of 3.6 to 3.89. Also acknowledged was her membership in Alpha Chi, a national honor society.

According to Gerald McFry, Management and Supervisory Development program director at GNTC, “Early on, I knew Leslie would succeed in her goal to graduate from the Management and Supervisory Development program with her associate’s degree. I soon found out she had higher aspirations. Her success at Reinhardt is a shining example of the value of an education at GNTC. It demonstrates the opportunities that are available to our graduates.”

Zuidema contributes much of her success to McFry. “He believed in me and that means a lot. The support was wonderful. He is an inspiration to all students.”

Zuidema is currently looking to instruct at the technical college level in leadership or management.