GTCC dual-enrolled alum to speak at 59th college commencement

“I was surprised and honored to be able to come back to GTCC," Maurice Furet says. "It is a surreal and full circle moment. As a young minority male, every opportunity that brought me to where I am now is because of GTCC."

Four years after crossing the Guilford Technical Community College stage with an associate degree in general science, Maurice Furet will return to GTCC, but this time as the college’s 59^th commencement speaker.

When Furet accepted his diploma from GTCC President Anthony Clarke, Ph.D., in May 2021, he wasn’t even a high school graduate yet – that took place a few weeks later from The Point College Preparatory and Leadership Academy in Jamestown, N.C.

Thanks to the guidance from The Point College Preparatory and Leadership Academy superintendent, Furet knew the value of what being a dual-enrolled high school student could mean to him and his family, as he already aspired to work in the medical field.

“At the time I wasn’t quite sure yet if I wanted to be a doctor but knew it would take a lot of money to earn the physician title, so being a dual-enrolled high school student was a great opportunity,” Furet shared.

During high school, Furet earned his associate degree, which not only provided financial savings by allowing him to enter North Carolina State University as a junior, but also gave him valuable leadership opportunities through GTCC and interactions with his peers.

“My first semester at GTCC, I got involved with the student government association and was vice president of student events. One of my closest friends was 60 years old and serving as the student government president at the time. I learned a lot from her. With age comes wisdom and the wisdom she passed down to me really helped me navigate my new environment around GTCC and beyond.”

He even credits a curveball like the COVID-19 pandemic in strengthening his academic abilities and building his confidence as a dual-enrolled student.

“During my second year, COVID hit, making my time at GTCC very different. I had always been a hands-on learner, however, moving to fully remote learning allowed me to strengthen other ways of learning that have really helped me to this day.”

Also building his confidence was becoming the youngest elected GTCC student government president, all while in the midst of a pandemic.

“I really enjoyed my service in the presidential role, as I struggled with self-doubt during that time,” Furet shared. “Folks were encouraging me to run for president, and I really wasn’t sure but then figured what would be the worst that could happen?

“Serving on the GTCC board of trustees as the student government president is where my leadership mentality started. Being able to voice concerns for the people I represent and to make the environment better for everyone is what I strive to achieve in any leadership role I’ve obtained since.”

Furet graduated from N.C. State in 2023 with a bachelor's in biochemistry and today is using his leadership skills as a research associate and lab manager at The Ohio State University, studying the progression, prevention, and treatment of pancreatic diseases.

However, he’s not done leading. Currently, Furet is in the process of applying to medical schools across the country to become a physician-scientist, combining preventive and surgical medicine with research to advance healthcare for underserved communities.

And when asked about what it meant to come back to North Carolina where his college career began and speak to the hundreds of Titan graduates, he joyfully shared how it was the kick-starter to everything.

“I was surprised and honored to be able to come back to GTCC. It is a surreal and full circle moment. As a young minority male, every opportunity that brought me to where I am now is because of GTCC. I definitely appreciate the honor!

“I feel like GTCC really cares for its students. The faculty and staff really hear what the students are concerned about and are there for them. They really want to make amazing happen for the students while at GTCC and beyond. It’s truly a family and you’re forever a GTCC Titan.”