Dennis Pensmith

Dennis Pensmith

Persistence pays off for electrical engineering grad who turns 40

  • Hometown: Irmo, S.C.
  • High School: Swansea High School
  • Major: Electrical engineering
  • Video (1:21)

Dennis Pensmith smiles when he talks about his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering.

"It was 12 years in the making," he said.

Pensmith's father, a designer and draftsman, always had encouraged his son to pursue the college degree that had eluded him. But when the younger Pensmith set out for Carolina after graduating from high school, he left after a couple of semesters.

"I couldn't sit still long enough to go to college," he said. "I was into 'finding myself.' I just couldn't figure out what I was supposed to be doing."

He worked in a number of different jobs, including that of auto mechanic for eight years, until he made the decision to go to Midlands Technical College and begin working toward his college degree.

His persistence paid off, and Pensmith became a member of the Class of 2008. "I could have had a Ph.D. by now," he said.

He may lack the advanced degree, but Pensmith does have a job with Ray Coleman Associates in Prosperity. The company designs buildings throughout the Southeast.

The degree comes in the same month that Pensmith celebrates his 40th birthday. His 15th wedding anniversary to wife, Karen, will occur in June.

"I have some significant milestones this year," he said.

In the days leading to commencement, Pensmith received numerous calls of congratulations.

"It's finally beginning to sink in," he said.

Pensmith said his father, Roland, couldn't be happier.

"I want to say that he's amazed," he said. "He's been rooting for me all this time."

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