GOLDSBORO, N.C. – Wayne Community College’s General Motors Automotive Service Education Program (GM-ASEP) held a ceremony to honor its graduates with a dinner presented by General Motors.
Individuals who graduated from the program within the last two years received plaques in recognition of their achievement.
GM-ASEP is part of WCC’s Automotive Systems Technology program. It is a strategic alliance between General Motors, GM dealers, and over 50 carefully selected colleges like WCC.
In addition to the program’s classroom and lab components, students complete work-based learning placements in GM dealerships, where they train under the guidance and supervision of experienced technicians. Graduates become GM-certified service technicians and earn an Associate in Applied Science degree from WCC.
During the banquet, WCC Dean of Applied Technologies Ernie White told the graduates that their pursuit of an education shows their ambition and desire to become more employable in the automotive industry.
“You have received advanced automotive technical training at your dealership placements and by the Wayne Community College faculty, and you should be proud of yourselves for the dedication you have shown to finishing the program,” White said.
The ceremony’s guest speaker was Jim Cuccurelo, district service manager of Buick-GMC. He spoke to the graduates about focusing on their goals and prioritizing self-improvement. “Your future depends on only one person: you,” he said. “Nobody else is going to make you successful.”
Cuccurelo encouraged the graduates to keep learning and growing through life’s challenges. “There’s always room for improvement. You’re not perfect; you’re going to make mistakes, just like we all do,” he said. “But always strive to improve and to be better.”
Special awards were given to two graduates during the ceremony. Timothy Keller was announced as the recipient of the Leadership Award, and Daniel Sanchez Solis received the Outstanding Student Award.
Gavin Thompson, who graduated from GM-ASEP in May, appreciates the education he received at WCC. He tried to get into the automotive industry on his own but found himself struggling. “I decided to come to WCC, and I don’t think I would’ve grown as far as I have without being here,” he said.
Thompson works at Doug Henry Buick-GMC in Goldsboro, where he completed part of his work-based learning as a GM-ASEP student. “It was great to be able to apply the things that I’ve learned at WCC in the work environment,” he said. “I had a great time in the program. I loved the experience and learned a lot.”
Erick Diaz Ponce is a 2025 GM-ASEP graduate who works at Hubert Vester Chevrolet in Wilson. He said he enjoyed his time at WCC and is grateful for the opportunities he has gained because of it. “I really appreciate the support that the teachers and the College gave me,” he said. “I’ve learned so much, not only about cars but also how to improve myself in my career.”
The graduates, listed by city of residence, are:
Dudley
Landon Stevens
Goldsboro
Erick Diaz Ponce
Caleb Gooding
Ricky Isaac
Timothy Keller
Abraham Medrano
Gavin Thompson
Mount Olive
Javier Loria
Selma
Daniel Sanchez Solis
Smithfield
Christopher Fulcher
