Isgett Empowers FDTC Grads with Message of Purpose and Leadership
During a night of celebration, as nearly 1,000 students graduated from Florence-Darlington Technical College, commencement speaker Donna Isgett, President and CEO of McLeod Health, delivered a message that was equal parts powerful, personal, and practical. Drawing from her extensive leadership experience and personal journey, Isgett offered the Class of 2025 three timeless “nuggets” of wisdom to carry into the next chapter of their lives.
Those three nuggets: You are in control of you; Be humble and kind; and Don’t chase a title – chase excellence.
Isgett opened with a challenge to take ownership of one's life, stating, “There is one person other than God that is ultimately in control—and that is you.”
She emphasized that while we cannot control everything that happens to us, we can control how we respond. The power of choice, she said, is always in our hands. “There are no excuses. The person who controls your destiny is you.”
Her second lesson focused on humility, a trait Isgett believes is essential to unlocking collaboration and growth. “You have to get over yourself,” she said candidly, drawing smiles and nods from the crowd.
She urged graduates to look beyond their own ambitions and instead embrace a purpose greater than themselves.
“When you get over yourself, you recognize the value of collective wisdom. My brain plus (someone else’s) brain is smarter than (our) brains apart.” She encouraged graduates to ask questions, be curious, and cultivate authentic relationships that foster learning, joy, and human connection.
In her third and final nugget, Isgett offered a personal reflection: despite her current role as President and CEO, she never pursued titles. Instead, she pursued excellence.
“If you’re obsessed with titles, you’ll miss what’s right in front of you,” she warned.
By focusing on meaningful work and being fully present, she said, life has a way of opening unexpected doors. “You’ll miss so many opportunities if you’re too focused on chasing the next thing. Don’t miss the beauty of the moment.”
Closing her remarks, Isgett reminded the graduates: “You are the CEO of you.” Success, she said, begins with who you are, not what you’re called.
The message came as FDTC celebrated a milestone achievement: 981 students graduated as part of the Class of 2025—480 of which walked Thursday night. Among them: 487 students earned associate degrees, 106 students received diplomas, and 388 students were awarded certificates.
In addition, 179 students from the college’s Corporate and Workforce Development (CWD) programs completed certifications in high-demand fields, and several dual enrollment and Early College students from area high schools were also recognized for earning college credentials ahead of graduation.