Helms College, a nonprofit career college operated by Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia and the CSRA, will hold its Summer 2026 Commencement Ceremony on Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 6 p.m. at the Anderson Conference Center.

The ceremony will recognize 33 graduates from Helms College’s Macon campus who have completed associate degree and diploma programs in culinary arts and skilled trades.

Summer 2026 Graduating Class: Macon Campus

Total Graduates: 33

• Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts: 3
• Culinary Arts Diploma: 10
• Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Diploma: 20

Graduate Highlights

• Distinguished Honor Graduates: 4
• Honor Graduates: 17
• First-Generation College Graduates: 9
• Veterans: 5

"Commencement is an opportunity to recognize the commitment our students have made to their education, their career goals, and their future,” said Kristine Furtaw, Chief Education Officer for Helms College. “Through coursework, hands-on lab training, and applied learning, these graduates have developed skills that will help them enter or advance in meaningful careers. This is an especially exciting time for Helms College as we continue expanding our program offerings and creating more opportunities for students throughout Middle Georgia to receive career-focused training. Our graduates will use their education not only to strengthen their own lives and support their families, but also to meet important workforce needs and make a lasting impact in their communities. We are incredibly proud to celebrate the dedication and perseverance that brought them to this important milestone."

The commencement speaker will be Bob King, sales manager at Hays Service. King has more than 40 years of experience in business-to-business sales and leadership and has spent the past nine years in the HVAC industry. He is also a certified Maxwell coach and trainer known for his servant leadership approach to sales, mentoring, and professional development.

Media Coverage Opportunities

• Commencement ceremony and graduate procession visuals
• Interviews with graduates, including veterans, and first-generation college graduates
• Remarks from Bob King
• Interviews with Helms College leadership and faculty

Event Details

What: Helms College Summer 2026 Commencement
When: Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, at 6 p.m.
Where: Anderson Conference Center, 5171 Eisenhower Parkway, Georgia

Media are invited to attend the Summer 2026 Commencement Ceremony and are encouraged to coordinate in advance for interview and photography opportunities.