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HGTC Celebrates Class of 2026, 60th Anniversary of the College, and 20th Anniversary
of Horry County Early College High School 
Dr. Marilyn “Murph” Fore, president of Horry-Georgetown Technical College, presides over her final commencement ceremony before retiring after 51 years of service to HGTC.
Dr. Melissa Batten, vice president for student affairs at HGTC; Dr. Marilyn “Murph” Fore, president of HGTC; and Ian Gamble, recipient of the 2026 HGTC Service and Leadership Award.
Dr. Mark Fandel, recipient of the 2026 HGTC Professor of the Year Award and professor of biological sciences; Dr. Marilyn “Murph” Fore, president of HGTC; John Sawyer, chairman of the HGTC Foundation; Dr. Lori Heafner, vice president for academic affairs at HGTC; and Professor Roy West, recipient of the 2025 HGTC Professor of the Year Award.
John Sawyer, chairman of the HGTC Foundation; Dr. Marilyn “Murph” Fore, president of HGTC; Kristen Toben, recipient of the 2026 HGTC Staff of the Year Award and assistant controller at HGTC; and Jackie Snyder, vice president for human resources and employee relations at HGTC.
Dr. Marilyn “Murph” Fore, president of HGTC; Natasha Hanna, attorney and recipient of the 2026 HGTC Distinguished Patron Award; and Tommy Branyon, chairman of the HGTC Area Commission.
Dr. Marilyn “Murph” Fore, president of HGTC; Clifford Jones, superintendent of Horry
County Schools and recipient of the 2026 HGTC Distinguished Patron Award; and Tommy
Branyon, chairman of the HGTC Area Commission.
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) proudly celebrated the Class of 2026 during its Annual Commencement Ceremony on Tuesday, May 12, at the HTC Center on the campus of Coastal Carolina University. The ceremony also marked two historic milestones: the College’s 60th anniversary and the 20th anniversary of Horry County Early College High School.
More than 1,700 students earned degrees, diplomas, or certificates from HGTC this academic year, with more than 750 graduates participating in the commencement ceremony. Graduates ranged in age from 16 to 68 and represented states across the country, including Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Michigan, and Texas. Students also came from territories and countries around the world, including Belarus, Brazil, China, Ecuador, Jordan, Mexico, the Philippines, Russia, the United Kingdom, and Venezuela.
Dr. Marilyn “Murph” Fore, president of HGTC, presided over the ceremony and reflected on the accomplishments of the graduates and the lasting impact of the institution over the past six decades.
“Our graduates deserve recognition for their hard work and dedication to their goals,” said Dr. Marilyn “Murph” Fore, president of HGTC. “They have demonstrated resilience, determination, and perseverance in overcoming challenges and pursuing their dreams. As we celebrate 60 years of transforming lives through education, we are proud to honor the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 and look forward to the impact they will make in their communities and professions.”
During the ceremony, the College also recognized the 20th anniversary of Horry County Early College High School, founded in 2006 on HGTC’s Conway campus. This year, 52 Early College students graduated, earning both high school diplomas and degrees. The program has earned national recognition over the past two decades, including distinctions as a National Blue Ribbon School and recognition among the nation’s top high schools by U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools.
Several awards and honors were presented during the ceremony:
- Ian Gamble received the 2026 HGTC Service and Leadership Award.
- Dr. Mark Fandel, professor of biological sciences, received the 2026 HGTC Professor of the Year Award.
- Kristen Toben, assistant controller, received the 2026 HGTC Staff of the Year Award.
- Natasha Hanna, attorney and community leader, received the 2026 HGTC Distinguished Patron Award.
- Clifford Jones, superintendent of Horry County Schools, received the 2026 HGTC Distinguished Patron Award.
The HGTC Service and Leadership Award recognizes a student who exemplifies leadership, responsible citizenship, and service to the College and community. Ian Gamble, a dual-enrollment student from Carvers Bay Early College and Career High School, balanced rigorous academic coursework while maintaining three jobs and serving his church and community. Gamble plans to pursue engineering studies at North Carolina A&T State University this fall.
The Professor of the Year Award honors a faculty member who demonstrates excellence in instruction, student engagement, and contributions to the academic reputation of the College. Dr. Mark Fandel was recognized for his dynamic teaching style, commitment to student success, and more than a decade of dedicated service to HGTC.
Kristen Toben was named the 2026 Staff of the Year for her professionalism, commitment to collaboration, and positive impact across the College community. Since joining HGTC in 2019, Toben has brought more than two decades of accounting and payroll experience to her role as assistant controller.
The Distinguished Patron Award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to HGTC and the broader community. Natasha Hanna was recognized for her leadership in law, higher education, and economic development, as well as her support of partnerships between HGTC and Coastal Carolina University. Clifford Jones was honored for strengthening educational pathways between Horry County Schools and HGTC while leading one of South Carolina’s largest and fastest-growing school districts.