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Justin Dillow, right, was named the 2026 Marshall Altman Top Tech Award recipient
for the Conway Campus. Dillow is pictured with Mike Pearson, professor of Outboard
Marine Technology.
Von See Rowland, left, was named the 2026 Marshall Altman Top Tech Award recipient for the Georgetown Campus. Rowland is pictured with Philip Oesch, associate professor of Outboard Marine Technology.
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) recently recognized Justin Dillow and Von See Rowland as the 2026 recipients of the Marshall Altman Top Tech Award, an honor presented to outstanding students in the College’s Outboard Marine Technology program who exemplify excellence, integrity, leadership and a commitment to the marine industry.
Dillow was selected as the Top Tech from the Conway Campus, while Rowland received the honor for the Georgetown Campus. The recipients were selected by Outboard Marine Technology faculty based on their performance in the program, work ethic, professionalism, character and willingness to go beyond expectations in and outside the classroom.
“The Marshall Altman Top Tech Award recognizes the qualities we want to see in every HGTC graduate: technical excellence, integrity, initiative and a commitment to their profession,” said Dr. Melissa Batten, HGTC interim president. “Justin and Von See have distinguished themselves through their hard work and dedication, and we are proud to recognize their accomplishments as they prepare to take their skills into the marine industry. Their success also reflects the commitment of our faculty and industry partners to preparing the highly skilled workforce our region needs.”
The Marshall Altman Top Tech Award honors the vision of Marshall Altman, whose idea helped lead to the creation of HGTC’s Outboard Marine Technology program. Altman approached the College with the idea of developing a training program that could prepare skilled, entry-level technicians while helping meet the workforce needs of marine dealers throughout the region.
His vision and commitment to the marine industry helped establish a program that continues to create career opportunities for students while providing employers with a pipeline of trained technicians. The award recognizes students who carry forward that legacy through their dedication to the profession and their commitment to excellence.
The recognition comes during another milestone year for HGTC’s Outboard Marine Technology program. A record 45 students graduated in 2026, including one class based on the Conway Campus and two classes on the Georgetown Campus. It marks the largest graduating class in the program’s history.
The Outboard Marine Technology program combines classroom instruction with extensive hands-on training designed to prepare students for careers in the marine service industry. Students develop the technical knowledge and practical skills necessary to diagnose, service and repair modern marine systems while learning from experienced faculty and working with industry-standard equipment and technology.
The Top Tech Awards celebrate students who distinguish themselves not only through technical ability and academic achievement, but also through character, curiosity, leadership and support for their peers. Recipients represent the qualities employers seek in the next generation of marine technicians and demonstrate the professionalism expected within the industry.
Dillow was recognized alongside Professor Mike Pearson, Outboard Marine Technology, while Rowland was recognized alongside Philip Oesch, associate professor of Outboard Marine Technology.
The 2026 awards continue a tradition of recognizing students who embody the standards upon which the program was founded while highlighting HGTC’s commitment to developing a highly skilled workforce for the region’s growing marine industry.