Spring 2024 Graduation Information

Commencement December 2023Important Deadlines

  • March 12, 2024 – Last day for students to apply to be included in the May Graduation Ceremony printed program.
    *Important note: Students must apply and be found eligible for graduation before or by this date in order for their names to be included in the printed program.*
  • April 13, 2024 – Last day to register for the May Graduation Ceremony. You will receive an email through the Marching Order website. Registration emails will come from noreply@marching.com.
    *Important note: You must be found eligible for graduation in order to receive a registration email.* If you do not receive a registration email and believe you are eligible for graduation, please contact your advisor or graduation@cpcc.edu.
  • April 23-25, 2024 – The Graduation Fair will be held on these dates at the Central Campus Store. This will be your first opportunity to pick up your caps and gowns for the Graduation Ceremony.
    • Time:
      10 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day
    • Address:
      1112 Charlottetowne Ave
      Charlotte, NC 28204
    • If you are not able to pick up your cap and gown at the Graduation Fair, they will be available at the bookstore through Wednesday, May 8, 2024, during normal business hours.
  • May 9, 2024 – Graduation Ceremony at Bojangles Coliseum. The start time is 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and check-in will begin an hour and fifteen minutes before the ceremony’s start time.

May 2024 Graduates: Nominate Yourself to Speak at Graduation

Evelyn-HillYou have a story – and it’s worth telling! Central Piedmont’s Graduation Committee is now accepting nominations of student graduates to serve as the student speaker at commencement. Nominated students would share pride in their educational journey and a passion for Central Piedmont and be willing to share their experience and wisdom during the celebration.

Nominations will be accepted until February 29, 2024, via the student speaker nomination form, and interviews and selection will conclude by March 15. Students selected for an interview will be asked to prepare their speech through a brief written reflection on their college experience. The selected graduate will receive guidance, rehearsal, and support for their official remarks.

Check out the remarks to the graduating class from Evelyn Hill, a previous student speaker. Only students graduating in Fall 2023 or Spring 2024 are eligible to participate in the May 2024 graduation ceremony.

Any questions regarding nominations can be forwarded to Jesse Bennett, jesse.bennett@cpcc.edu.

Congratulations to our May Graduates!

3 graduates smile while holding their diploma folders.

Congratulations to all of our Central Piedmont graduates who participated in our ceremonies on Thursday, May 11.

Our events celebrated the graduation of more than 900 students who registered to participate in the ceremonies out of the nearly 1,900 graduates who were eligible from the college, College & Career Readiness, and our middle colleges. Graduation speaker at the podium.

Read more about Central Piedmont’s May graduation.

Enjoy the recordings of the ceremony livestream:

Graduates smile for a selfie in student lineup.

Celebrating our May 2023 Graduates

A group of graduates wearing caps and gowns smile during a selfie

We can’t wait to celebrate our newest Central Piedmont graduates on Thursday, May 11. Two ceremonies will be held at Bojangles Coliseum.The graduates react to the silver and gold streamers falling over their heads at graduation

Guests can attend in-person for the 10 a.m. and the 2 p.m. ceremonies, and you can also view the livestreams on YouTube. Nearly 1900 students are receiving degrees and diplomas this semester.

Find more details about the graduation ceremonies, including livestream links, on our commencement website.

May Graduates: Nominate Yourself to Speak at Graduation

Evelyn Hill speaking at Commencement, May 12th, 2022

You have a story – and it’s worth telling! Central Piedmont’s Graduation Committee is now accepting nominations of student graduates to serve as the student speaker at the May 2023 commencement celebration. Ideally, nominated students would share a pride in their educational journey, a passion for Central Piedmont, and would be willing and able to share their experience and wisdom during the celebration.

Nominations will be accepted until Wednesday, March 8 through the student speaker nomination form, and interviews will be conducted through March 17.

Students selected for an interview will be asked to prepare a sample of their speech through a brief written reflection of their college experience. The selected graduate will receive guidance, rehearsal, and support to prepare their official remarks.

Check out the remarks to the graduating class from Evelyn Hill, one of the May 2022 student speakers. Please submit the May 2023 Graduation Student Speaker Nomination form to help our selection committee identify top candidates.

If you have questions regarding nominations, please email: jesse.bennett@cpcc.edu.

Graduate in the news: on track to realize dreams after family tragedy

Alan Hidalgo-Lobo graduated Dec. 13, 2022 from Central Piedmont.

Central Piedmont graduate Alan Hidalgo-Lobo was profiled by our local NPR news station, WFAE.

Read or listen to how Hidalgo-Lobo went from not graduating from Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools, to being one of more than 500 students who crossed the stage at Central Piedmont’s first-ever winter commencement on Dec. 13.

 

 

 

 

 

Central Piedmont celebrates first-ever December Graduation

Graduates wearing gray cap and gown listen to the student commencement speaker

Central Piedmont Winter 2022 Commencement, December 13, 2022, Bojangles Coliseum

For the first time in its 59-year history, Central Piedmont Community College held a December commencement on Dec. 13, in Charlotte.

Approximately 510 students walked across the Bojangles Coliseum stage to receive their earned credentials. More than 1,200 students had completed their programs of studies since Central Piedmont’s May graduation.

Linda Nelson, a 2022 graduate, addressed her peers by delivering the commencement address. Nelson, an adult student who holds an MBA, is a new graduate from Central Piedmont with an Associate in Applied Science degree in horticulture.

silver and gold streamers fly through the air above graduates heads in the arena.

Central Piedmont was excited to offer a winter commencement this year to honor its graduates who completed their programs during the 2022 summer and fall semesters. The addition of a winter ceremony allows the college to honor and celebrate its summer and fall graduates in the same timely way as its spring graduates.

WFAE’s coverage of the ceremony.

Practical Nursing graduates first class of students

Practical Nursing Pinning Ceremony, December 6, 2022

Central Piedmont has graduated its first class of Practical Nurses (PN), from the Dickson Practical Nursing Program. The graduates from the newly-established one-year program are now eligible to sit for the national licensure exam to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN).

LPNs work under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN), with employment opportunities found in hospitals; rehabilitation, long-term care, and home health facilities; clinics; and physicians’ offices.

The Dickson Foundation of Charlotte awarded Central Piedmont a $500,000 grant to develop the LPN program at the college to provide students an accelerated path to a meaningful career in the healthcare industry and address specific employment needs within the Charlotte region’s healthcare sector.

Apply for Graduation today!

Student in graduation cap and gown holding a sign reading #cpccgrad22

Commencement, May 12th, 2022, Bojangles Coliseum, Charlotte, North Carolina

Central Piedmont is proud to host our very first fall graduation ceremony Tuesday, December 13, at 10 a.m. If you and your advisor have determined this is your last semester of classes and you are ready to graduate with a college degree or diploma, you can apply now for fall graduation through MyCollege (requires login). 

After we receive your graduation application, your graduation analyst will send you additional information on other actions you will need to take (it may take 2-4 weeks to process and review your application). If you are eligible for graduation after application, you will also receive an email from “MarchingOrder” noreply@marchingorder.com to register for the ceremony. 

Participating in the graduation ceremony is optional, so if you would like to be a part of this celebration, we would love to help recognize your accomplishments. You must register for the ceremony by these deadlines in order to participate in December 2022 ceremony:

  • October 20, 2022: Last day to apply for graduation in MyCollege to have your name displayed in the graduation ceremony printed program.
  • November 14, 2022: Last day to register in MarchingOrder to participate in the graduation ceremony. If you do not register in MarchingOrder by this date, you will be able to register for the May 2023 ceremony.
  • November 29 – December 1, 2022: The Graduation Fair will be held at the Central Campus Store for students participating in the ceremony to pick up your free cap and gown. Times to be determined.

Find more dates and information on the Graduation Office website and under the “Important Deadlines” tab. 

Please note that Adult High School, GED, and HiSet graduates do not need to apply for graduation. All completers will receive an email to sign up for the December ceremony through MarchingOrder. If you complete your requirements for graduation after November 14, you will be invited to participate in the May 2023 graduation ceremony.

Any questions regarding graduation or the ceremony may be directed to the Graduation Office, graduation@cpcc.edu.

We look forward to celebrating your hard work at the ceremony!

100 Days Until Graduation

The countdown begins! In just 100 days, Central Piedmont is excited to hold our spring 2022 commencement ceremonies at Bojangles’ Coliseum on Thursday, May 12 to celebrate our graduates. This venue will provide space for faculty, graduates, and their guests to safely gather and celebrate. Graduates will attend either the morning or afternoon ceremony, depending on what that best fits their schedule. Central Piedmont’s graduation ceremonies are scheduled for May 12, 2022, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., at Bojangles’ Coliseum.

In addition, Central Piedmont will host our first fall graduation ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, at 10 a.m., at Bojangles’ Coliseum. The addition of a fall ceremony will allow summer and fall graduates to be honored in the same timely way as our spring graduates.

The majority of this year’s graduates completed most of their studies during the pandemic, and we are excited to celebrate all students have overcome! Graduation is always a joyous occasion and Central Piedmont can’t wait to share in the celebration of this important moment in our students’ lives.

College Hosts 2021 Commencement Ceremonies

2021 female graduates standing in group

Central Piedmont Community College hosted multiple commencement ceremonies outdoors on its Overcash Lawn, located in front of Overcash Center on Central Campus, on May 12 and 13, to ensure the celebration of its 2021 graduates was conducted safely and in accordance with NCDHHS and CDC guidelines amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The following outdoor commencement ceremonies were held:

  • Wednesday, May 12, 2021
    • 11 a.m.: Health Science programs
    • 2 p.m.:  Skilled Trades, College and Career Readiness
  • Thursday, May 13, 2021
    • 9 a.m.:  Business, Engineering, and Technology
    • 11 a.m.: Transfer Degree Programs
    • 2 p.m.: Transfer Degree Programs

More than 800 students from the 2021 spring semester, as well as the 2020 summer and fall semesters, “marched” and received their college degrees during the first outdoor commencement ceremony the college has hosted in 35 years. (The last outdoor ceremony was held in 1986, on the Central Campus Quad.) More than 2,430 students were eligible to graduate this year.

During the May 12 festivities, Mr. Marco Gallardo Cuervo, who graduated from Central Piedmont with an Associate in Applied Science in Welding Technology degree, addressed his fellow graduates. Ms. Emma Hoff, an Associate in Arts student delivered the May 13 commencement address to her peers.This is the fourth consecutive year Central Piedmont has had student keynote speakers at graduation.

View photos from the college’s ceremonies.

It’s time to celebrate Class of 2021!

Dr. Deitemeyer standing behind recent graduateThe past year has been a challenging one for all of us in so many ways. However, the Class of 2021 has risen above the obstacles put in their way to achieve their educational goals. Class of 2021: it’s time to celebrate!

Commencement will look different this year to keep our community safe. We will be holding several outdoor ceremonies on the Overcash Lawn on Central Campus Wednesday, May 12, and Thursday, May 13, to allow for social distancing. Additional ceremonies can be added for Friday, May 14, if necessary.

Graduates are encouraged to pick up their FREE cap and gown at the Central Campus College Bookstore as soon as possible.

For your safety, we will be requiring mask usage and providing free masks for graduates and guests. Each graduate will be able to invite two guests. Additional guests can watch our free online livestreams on Facebook and YouTube.

Check your student email for information on how to register for your guest tickets and sign up for your program’s time slot.

Learn more about Graduation.

Get the latest news about this year’s event.

Central Piedmont graduation will be held on Central Campus in May

What a year! We are so proud of our graduates and plan to honor your very important accomplishment this May. Central Piedmont is happy to announce we will host multiple, in-person commencement ceremonies for our May 2021 graduates on Central Campus, May 12 – 14. Graduates from summer 2020 and fall 2020 are also invited to participate in these ceremonies, and all graduates will be able to invite two (2) guests.

You have persevered beyond unexpected challenges and overcome many obstacles along the way. To show our appreciation, we’re providing complimentary caps, gowns and diplomas. You will be able to pick up your complimentary cap and gown beginning April 1 through April 30 at the Central Campus Bookstore.

The health and well-being of our Central Piedmont community, friends, and family is of the utmost importance and remains our top priority. To comply with the current COVID-19 gathering restrictions, this year’s commencement will allow a limited number of people to attend. Details on how you can reserve your two allotted tickets will be listed on the graduation website by mid April.

Don’t worry — all ceremonies will be live-streamed for those loved ones who can’t attend in-person.

We look forward to coming together safely in May to honor and celebrate you, our 2021 Central Piedmont  graduates.

Visit the Graduation Services page for more information.

About to Graduate? Need a Game Plan?

image of graduates in the distance throwing up their graduation caps as the sun setsGraduation can be one of the most exciting, yet scary times in your life. Do you need help mapping out a game plan?  Career Services is here to help! We want to help polish your resume, interview skills and job search strategy.

Visit our job board to view employment opportunities, both part and full-time.  Transferring and still deciding on your major? We can help with that too! Get in touch with us. Career Services can help you elevate your career.

 

Central Piedmont’s Inaugural Year Up Class Graduates

Central Piedmont Community College announces its inaugural Year Up Charlotte class of 40 students graduated on July 23 during a virtual commencement ceremony, hosted by Year Up Charlotte and its long-term partner, Bank of America.

The college began partnering with the national nonprofit Year Up in August 2019, when the organization launched its Charlotte location with generous support from Bank of America, the John M. Belk Endowment, and the Duke Endowment. The intensive, yearlong program prepares students (ages 18–26) for entry-level technology and customer-facing roles in fields such as business operations, information technology, and software development and support.

Trinity Simpson, one of the students graduating from Year Up Charlotte’s first class, delivered the keynote speech at the July 23 commencement ceremony. Simpson feared that if he stayed in his small town in North Carolina, he would “be working a minimum wage job with no opportunity and become another statistic.” He has completed his Year Up internship at Bank of America in cyber security and has accepted an offer as an operations control analyst at the bank.

The students enrolled in Central Piedmont’s Year Up program at the beginning of the 2019 fall semester. Participants spent their first semester taking technical and professional skills classes taught by Central Piedmont and Year Up staff, and then participated in a full-time, credit-bearing internship at a corporate partner firm during the spring term, learning the real-world skills they would need to excel in the workforce.

“The Year Up Program provides a challenging and nurturing space for students to get the skills they need to succeed in today’s workforce,” said JJ McEachern, dean of enrollment management at Central Piedmont. “As a result, it’s one of the most successful partnerships in higher education. It not only supports students during their educational journey, but also through the career phases of their life.”

The program is provided to students at no cost. Throughout the year-long program, students earn college credits and receive access to a robust offering of services and supports from Year Up to promote their success, including an educational stipend. They also have access to Central Piedmont’s many services, including the college’s library and tutoring resources,

Nationwide, 90% of Year Up graduates are employed or attending college within four months of completing Year Up, with average starting salaries of $42,000/year. Because of the program’s ability to help move the economic mobility needle, it has garnered the support of multiple community partners across the Charlotte region, including the John M. Belk Endowment, the Duke Endowment, Bank of America, and Leading on Opportunity.

Drive-Thru Graduation Ceremonies Celebrate Class of 2020

In celebration of its Class of 2020, Central Piedmont hosted drive-thru graduation ceremonies July 29 and 30 on its Cato Campus, located in northeast Charlotte. More than 440 Central Piedmont 2020 graduates participated in the two-day event, which included ceremonies for the college’s traditional undergraduate programs, as well as its College and Career Readiness programs (high school completion, Accelerated Career Training, and NCWorks Next Gen).

Central Piedmont’s graduation committee designed the college’s drive-thru graduation ceremonies with the health and well-being of its faculty/staff, students, and their family and friends in mind. As a result, all event volunteers and graduates were asked to wear face coverings, and social distancing and state guidelines were followed during the ceremonies.

“It was important we recognize our 2020 graduates’ accomplishments, especially during this unprecedented time, when so many of them had to overcome multiple obstacles to achieve their educational goals this year,” said Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont, who was on-site both days to personally congratulate graduates. “The Class of 2020 is a resilient group of individuals. I look forward to hearing their many success stories and wish them all the best in their future endeavors.”

The college offers nearly 300 programs to get students real-world ready. Affordable and flexible Central Piedmont classes can help students earn the skills to fast track into a career pathway or lay the foundation for a four-year degree. Registration for the fall 2020 term is open. The college looks forward to welcoming new and returning students on Aug. 10.

View the graduation event photo gallery or watch the ceremony live-streams on Facebook.

Live Stream the 2020 Drive-Thru Program Ceremonies Today and Tomorrow

We’re so excited Central Piedmont students will have their graduation day! We encourage family, friends, and Central Piedmont faculty and staff to cheer on our graduates by watching the live stream of the ceremony on Facebook and YouTube.

As a reminder, the 2020 Commencement will be celebrated on the Cato Campus as a drive-thru ceremony on Wednesday, July 29, and Thursday, July 30. The ceremony takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on both days, with graduates arriving at an assigned window of time according to their academic program.

Our graduates deserve recognition for the dedication and resilience they’ve shown in their journey toward earning a degree, diploma, or certificate.

Several changes have been made to this year’s ceremony to ensure our graduates are properly honored for their hard work while making every effort to promote a safe and healthy experience. Additional details about the 2020 drive-thru graduation are available on the website, including information about the ceremony process, safety protocols, and program timeslots.

Join us via livestream on Facebook  and YouTube today and tomorrow to celebrate and cheer on Central Piedmont’s Class of 2020!

Graduation Ceremony Postponed

Central Piedmont has made the difficult but necessary decision to postpone the spring graduation ceremony planned for May 14, in response to the coronavirus pandemic and local and state stay-at-home orders.

We areDr D holding diploma t commencement deeply disappointed our graduates will not experience a traditional, large-scale graduation this semester, but we will do everything we can to celebrate this monumental accomplishment. This current situation remains fluid, but we are excited to announce plans are underway for smaller, in-person degree-based graduation ceremonies to be held between July 29-31 held in Halton Theatre. Please mark your calendars and plan accordingly!

The health and well-being of our Central Piedmont community, friends, and family is of the utmost importance and remains our top priority. We’re grateful for the commitment and dedication our students have shown during these challenging times. The Graduation Committee is also exploring other ways to honor our graduates in the month of May. Details of alternative graduation plans will be communicated in the coming days and weeks. We will keep you updated with the latest developments and how they may impact graduation activities.

Stay healthy, and safe. We look forward to celebrating with our graduates soon!

Meet Your 2019 Commencement Speaker: Desiree Kinker

The Graduation Committee is pleased to announce Desiree Kinker as the 2019 student Desiree Kinkerspeaker for graduation! Desiree is graduating with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts, is a member of the Central Piedmont NC Student Culinary Competition Team, a former Ruth G. Shaw Scholar, and an active community volunteer.

Those who know Desiree are familiar with the smile that greets you at her first hello, but few are probably aware of the journey that might lie beneath. Desiree is graduating in May as a successful culinary student, but the road that got her this far has bumps and bruises and many downs and ups. Though Desiree greets you with light, she’s not afraid to tell you about the tough challenges she has faced and overcome during her life and as a student.

Desiree is a true example of how Central Piedmont can lift an individual from where they begin and catapult them into their own, unique future. She is a prime example of a student who valued and leveraged relationships around her, working hard (and with great wisdom) to build a better life and bring light to any space she enters. We are proud of her and of all of our graduates, and we are excited to hear her message!