STEM Students Present at Annual Symposium 🌟

Student standing with presentation boardBetween Dec. 4-17, one group from STEM Tank and one student from the Honeywell STEM Scholars Program presented virtually during the 20th Annual State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium.

The students’ presentations were based on one STEM Tank project and a summer research project outlined below:

STEM Tank:
Project: “CPCC STEM-focused Daycare, The CP Cub Care”
Students: Brenda Sayonara Souza Oliveira, Daria Yushchenko, Hermela Yosef, David Diza, Mike Vargas.

Honeywell STEM scholar:
Project: Project completed at UNC Charlotte “Cybersecurity in the Sun: Exploring Solar Powered Cyber Attacks on Power Grids”
Student: Nicholas Wind-McJetters

💡 Coca-Cola Consolidated Apprenticeships Information Session on Jan. 7

Student welding

Central Piedmont Community College is excited to offer an opportunity to kick-start careers through hands-on learning and practical experience. In partnership with Coca-Cola Consolidated, we’re hosting an information session that could open the door to a future career for a student.

Students can complete this form to let us know they are interested or want more information.

Why Attend?

  • Get the Inside Scoop: Learn everything you need to know about the Coca-Cola Consolidated apprenticeship program directly from the experts.
  • Explore Career Paths: Discover various career certificates that could lead you to a rewarding career at Coca-Cola, specializing in:
    • Manufacturing/Warehouse Mechanic
    • Diesel Mechanic (Red Classic Transportation)
    • Equipment Services Reconditioning (HVAC and Electrical Skills)

Event Details

  • Date & Time: Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, 5 p.m.
  • Location: Central Campus, Shaw ATC Building, 1105 Charlottetowne Avenue, Charlotte
  • Registration: Secure your spot for the session and step closer to your new career.

Learn more about the apprenticeships and review Coca-Cola videos about the “day in the life” of these careers.

Remarkable Resilience: Central Piedmont Celebrates December 2024 Graduates

Graduate walking from stage back to seat, showing diploma to the cameraOn Dec. 12, 2024, Central Piedmont Community College proudly celebrated the achievements of over 1,487 graduates in a ceremony that highlighted their academic success and their inspiring personal journeys. This December graduating class, with an average GPA of 3.33, demonstrated remarkable dedication and perseverance across a diverse array of programs, setting a strong foundation for future contributions to the community.

“Graduation day is the most joyful day of the year,” said Central Piedmont President Kandi Deitemeyer. “It is a day of celebration—of hard work, determination, and the incredible promise that each of our graduates represents.”

Among the many stories of resilience and triumph, several graduates stood out:

Tiffany Glover: At 45 years old, Tiffany earned her Diploma in Adult High School. After being laid off from a trucking job, Tiffany sought a better future and found her place at Central Piedmont. With support from staff like Deandra Williams, she excelled in her studies, discovering joy in learning for the first time. Tiffany plans to return to pursue a degree in information technology and cybersecurity.

“Central Piedmont paved the way for me,” Tiffany shared. “They supported my curiosity and will continue to support my future career development in an ever-changing world.”

Stacy Goode: Even with the birth of her fifth child in September, Stacy earned her Associate Degree in Nursing while balancing the demands of clinicals, soccer practices, and parenting. Her hard work paid off, as she’ll soon begin her career at Novant Health. “Life is about facing challenges and sometimes getting thrown off the path you thought you needed to be on,” Stacy said. “But you pick yourself up and keep going.”

Laken Granger: Overcoming personal loss and grief, Laken earned her associate in arts degree and will begin her baccalaureate studies at UNC Charlotte in January. After her father’s passing and her mother’s battle with cancer, Laken found purpose in education during one of the darkest periods of her life. “My education kept me afloat and gave me purpose,” she reflected.

The ceremony also featured a heartfelt speech by Tryphene Mabiku, a Biological Studies graduate who shared her journey from growing up in the Democratic Republic of Congo to Central Piedmont. Overcoming self-doubt, language barriers, and imposter syndrome challenges, Tryphene discovered the power of community and resilience. Quoting Cicero, she reminded her fellow graduates, “If you have no confidence in yourself, you are twice defeated in the race of life. With confidence, you have won even before you have started.”

Central Piedmont’s graduates represent a wide range of accomplishments:

  • Degrees Earned: 379 Associate of Applied Science, 79 Associate of Science, and 704 Associate in Arts degrees.
  • Workforce Contributions: 361 graduates entering industries such as healthcare, engineering, business, IT, and education.
  • Community Impact: 194 Career and College Readiness students with high school credentials.

As these graduates embark on their next chapters, whether in the workforce or at four-year institutions such as UNC Charlotte, Appalachian State University, and UNC-Chapel Hill, they carry the knowledge, skills, and resilience gained at Central Piedmont.

“You are the future leaders, innovators, and professionals who will make a significant difference in the world,” President Deitemeyer told the graduates. “Share your journey. Show others that hard work, determination, and the unwavering support of family, friends, and mentors lead to success.”

STEM Tank Season Six Winners 🏆

Four STEM Tank student winners posing for a photoOn Nov. 15, 40 students participated in the STEM Tank Season Six competition, and they all did a great job.

Students were able to build critical thinking skills, communication skills, and presentation skills through research and professional development workshops.

During the competition, students presented their research proposals to a problem that lies here on campus or in the community, and were judged by Jordan Bertke and alumni Earl Alexander and Austin Perez.

First Place Winners 
Project: GRID Showcase – providing electrical power through a mobile solar panel generator in case of a power outage after a natural disaster.
Created by: Yao Georges Djaka, Vinz Karl Damuag, Roshni Shah, and Jiovani Umana
Mentor: Dr. Matt Miller

Second Place 
Project: The Central App – help students manage their budget and find discount prices on food nearby
Created by: Isis Scott, David Bartholomew, Amit Mainali, and Randolph Paul
Mentor: Tony Stanford

Third Place
Project: CIM (Central Piedmont Interactive Map) – connection and directions to campus services
Created by: Kevin Rojas Aguiar, Melissa Antunez, Adriana Castillo, Nadia Wiggins, and Imtiaz Mohammed
Mentor: Dr. Heather Song

Cosmetology in Spanish Program Launching Jan. 13; Information Session on Jan. 2

Cosmetology students working on clients in salon

This course prepares students for the Cosmetology Licensing Exam. It covers beginner-level general sciences and practices specific to infection control, sanitation, bacteriology, first aid, shampooing, draping, anatomy, disorders of the hair and scalp, and client consultation.

An information session for prospective students is scheduled from 10 a.m. – noon on Jan. 2 at City View Center.

Contact Catherine Marrow or call 704-330-4624 with questions.

Cosmetology in Spanish: Information Sessions at Central Piedmont! ✨

cosmetologyCentral Piedmont is thrilled to offer its Cosmetology program in Spanish! 🎉 This exciting initiative is designed to empower Spanish-speaking students to pursue a fulfilling career in the beauty industry.

🌟 Program Highlights:

  • 💇 Learn skills in hair cutting, coloring, salon management, manicures, and more!
  • 🎓 Prepare for the NC State Board of Cosmetic Arts Licensing Exam with hands-on training.

📅 Session Details:

  • Start Date: Jan. 13, 2025
  • Schedule:
    • Mon.-Thu., 4–9:30 p.m.
    • Sat., 9a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Cost: $180 per session (plus fees); kit and book required.

💸 Scholarships Available!

The GEER Scholarship can help eligible students cover costs.


🗓️ Attend an Info Session:

  • Mon., Dec. 9, 6-7:30 p.m.
  • Thur., Jan. 2, 10 a.m. – noon

🎓 Learn about the program, scholarship opportunities, and next steps.

💅✨ Build your future in beauty with Central Piedmont! 💇‍♀️🌟

Changes to USB Storage Device Use at Central Piedmont

students in a computer labCentral Piedmont is committed to protecting your data and ensuring the security of our college-managed devices. As part of this effort, we’re implementing new controls on USB storage devices starting Jan. 16, 2025. Here’s what you need to know about this important update.

What’s Changing?

Beginning Jan. 16, only approved encrypted USB devices will be allowed on Central Piedmont-managed devices. This new measure is designed to protect sensitive information and prevent potential data breaches.

Key Details

  • Use OneDrive and SharePoint as the primary tools for storing and sharing data. These cloud-based platforms provide secure, accessible solutions that align with our data protection goals.
  • While most students’ needs will be met by OneDrive, approved encrypted USB devices may also be used if necessary.

If you have questions or need help, please submit a request through the Client Portal.

Thank you for your cooperation in making Central Piedmont a secure place for everyone! 🌐

🌍 Summer 2025 Study Abroad Scholarship Applications Due Soon! ✈️

Students sitting at a table with a map in the background Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the world while earning course credit this summer! Scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000 are available for Summer 2025 study abroad programs.

  • Application Deadlines:
    • UK/Romania: Dec. 10 (priority deadline); scholarships accepted through Jan. 22 based on availability.
    • Florence, Italy: Dec. 10 (priority deadline); applications accepted through Jan. 22 if space permits.
    • Japan: Dec. 10 (priority deadline); applications accepted through Jan. 22 if space permits.
  • Programs:
    • Florence, Italy (May 21 – June 3): Explore the art, music, and history of Florence with faculty leader Stephanie Lawrence-White. (Course: MUS 110 or associated CCE course)
    • UK & Romania (May 26 – June 6): Walk in the footsteps of Dracula author Bram Stoker with Chris Brawley and his great-grandnephew. (Course: HUM 130 or associated CCE course)
    • Japan (June 19 – 30): Discover Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo while studying Japanese culture and warlords in modern media with Princess Small and Allan DiDonato. (Course: HUM 120 or associated CCE course)

Who Can Apply?
These programs are open to all students regardless of major. Study abroad experiences enhance any academic path!

📅 Contact the Center for Global Engagement for details or to apply today!

🎓December Graduation Details

Two graduates smiling and holding a #cpccgrad cutoutCentral Piedmont is excited to honor our graduates’ hard work and accomplishments as they walk across the stage to commemorate this incredible milestone. Please join us in celebrating your classmates and friends! 🎉

📍 Location: Bojangles Coliseum
🗓️ Date: Thurs., Dec. 12

⏰ Time: 10 a.m. 

👜 Important Notes:

🎥 Livestreaming: Can’t make it in person? Join us via YouTube, where we’ll be livestreaming the festivities at 10 a.m.

Campus Stores Holiday Hours 🕜

image of bookstore entranceMonday, Dec. 2- Friday, Dec. 20, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

  • Cato and Levine will be closed 12/16

All locations will close Dec. 23 and reopen on Jan. 2.

Campus store hours for January:

Jan. 2-3: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Jan. 6- 10: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Jan. 11: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Central and Levine only
Jan. 13-16: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Jan. 17 -8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Jan. 18- 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Central and Levine only
Jan. 20 – closed

Resume regular store hours at all locations on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Happy Graduation! Alumni Resources from Career Services 🎓

Group of graduates waiting to march, taking a selfieCongratulations to our December 2024 graduates! Career Services is proud to support our alumni after graduation as they continue their career journey. Please share the following information with your graduating students so they can connect with professional development resources.

As a graduate of Central Piedmont, you can continue to utilize Career Services to assist with your job search:

Handshake – Find jobs and schedule appointments with Career Counselors using Handshake. You can maintain access to your Handshake account by updating your primary email under “Settings” to your own personal email. Click here for more information.

Big Interview – Learn interview techniques and overcome your fears with Big Interview. Create your alumni account using your personal email address. Enter the login code: cpcc63.

LinkedIn – Build your network and stay up to date with our events by following “Central Piedmont Career Services” on LinkedIn.

Professional Headshots – Your online profiles are always in need of a glow up! Alumni can continue to use the professional headshot booth located at Central Campus, Central High 206.

Professional Clothing Closet – Alumni needing interview clothes are able to access the Professional Clothing Closet up to one semester after graduation.

If you have any other questions, you can contact Career Services at career.services@cpcc.edu or 704-330-6551.

Career Services Winter Break Hours ❄️

Two women talking at a career services eventCareer Services will be available to help students who are seeking support for their job search, resume writing, and exploring careers during winter break! Please share this message from our office with your students:

  • When will Career Services be open during Winter Break?  
    • We are open December 11-20, 2024, and January 2-10, 2025, Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm.
  • How can I meet with a Career Counselor? 
    • The easiest way is to make an appointment on Handshake. You can meet with a Career Counselor virtually or in-person. If you need help making an appointment, email career.services@cpcc.edu.
    • You can also come in during Drop-In Hours at our Central Campus Office, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. Our office is located at Central Campus, Central High 206. While you’re visiting, don’t forget to use our professional headshot booth!
  • Any other suggestions for career development over the winter holiday? 
    • Focus on building and connecting with your network! With 85% of jobs being filled through networking, it is important to not only search for jobs, but to talk to your connections about unique employment opportunities that won’t be found online.

If you have any other questions, you can contact Career Services at career.services@cpcc.edu or 704-330-6551. 

 

🌟 Central Piedmont Students Shine at Circle of Change Leadership Conference in L.A.! 🌟

Students in front of a bannerFrom Nov. 21-24, the Office of Mentoring & Coaching took ten students and three staff members to Los Angeles for the Circle of Change Leadership Conference. This transformative experience empowered first-generation and culturally diverse students to build leadership skills for success at Central Piedmont and beyond.

  • Conference Highlights:
    • Inspiring keynote speakers and interactive panels with industry leaders.
    • Opportunities to network with peers and mentors nationwide.
    • Critical self-reflection exercises to foster personal growth.
    • Scholarships, prizes, and attendance badges earned by all participants.

Our students represented Central Piedmont with pride and returned with valuable skills and connections for their future success.

📅 Hear Their Stories:
Join us on Tue., Dec. 4, at 1:30 p.m. in PARR 2160 as students share their incredible experiences and insights from the conference.

🎓 From Graduate to Global Leader: Muriel Maglorie’s Inspiring Journey

Muriel Maglorie head shot, wearing construction helmet Muriel Maglorie, a 2020 graduate of Central Piedmont, has built an extraordinary career in nondestructive testing (NDT), from working on iconic Navy vessels to mentoring the next generation of skilled professionals.

  • 🌟 Career Highlights: Starting as a Level I NDT Inspector at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Muriel contributed to critical projects, including the USS Nimitz, USS Theodore Roosevelt, and USS Carl Vinson, embodying a commitment to “First Time Quality.”
  • 🌍 International Expertise: Selected in 2021 and 2023 to work on the USS Ronald Reagan in Yokosuka, Japan, Muriel honed her skills while supporting the Navy’s fleet abroad.
  • 🔧 Private Sector Success: Now back in North Carolina, she inspects pumps for nuclear facilities, bringing her expertise to new challenges.

Muriel remains connected to Central Piedmont, mentoring others through the Ruth G. Shaw Leadership program and advocating for Skilled Trades. Her story exemplifies the power of perseverance and the impact of a strong foundation in technical education.

✨ Celebrate Seven Days of Gratitude with Central Piedmont!

Four students on Central Campus, smiling with the skyline behind themStarting Mon., Nov. 25, join us on social media for Seven Days of Gratitude, a weeklong celebration of the people, partnerships, and resources that make Central Piedmont extraordinary.

  • What to Expect: Each day, we’ll highlight a specific group or aspect of Central Piedmont, sharing stories and gratitude.
  • How to Participate: Visit our accounts on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X daily. Comment on why you’re grateful for the day’s featured topic and join the conversation!
  • Miss a Day? No problem! You can always play catch up. 😊

Let’s come together to spread gratitude and make this a week to remember! 🌟 Don’t forget to use the hashtags #7DaysOfGratitude and #CentralPiedmont when you share your thoughts!

💡Reminder: Student Voices Survey Closes Dec. 1

Students outside, laughingYou have one week left to participate in the Student Voices Survey Series! Your feedback is vital in shaping the future of Central Piedmont, and the survey closes in just one week.

Survey Link: Check your Central Piedmont student email for your unique survey link.

Why Your Input Matters:

  • Influence Change: Your responses will directly impact the services and support we provide.
  • Support Strategic Planning: Your insights help us make well-informed decisions for the future.
  • Enhance Your Experience: Let us know what’s working and what could be improved.
  • Win Big: Last chance to participate and be entered for a chance to win a $100 or $500 Amazon gift card!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make your voice heard! 😊

Major Patricia Brown Wins Dan Johnson Leadership Award 🎉

Group of award winners, including Major Brown Major Patricia Brown, Senior Program Developer for Central Piedmont’s Law Enforcement Training, was recently honored with the Mecklenburg County Public County Health Dan Johnson Leadership Award for her exceptional contributions to the law enforcement community. Her dedication to innovative training has transformed the field.

  • 🚓 Champion of Training: Major Brown has shaped countless law enforcement careers through her leadership in developing impactful training programs at Central Piedmont.
  • 💡 Innovative Programs: Her advocacy for Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) and Post-Traumatic Growth education has brought groundbreaking opportunities to law enforcement and first responders.
  • 🤝 Community Impact: Over the past 15 years, her collaboration with Central Piedmont has enabled CIT to thrive and introduced Struggle Well courses to Mecklenburg County, benefiting countless community members.

We celebrate Major Brown’s leadership and vision in enhancing law enforcement training and are grateful for her tireless commitment. Congratulations, Major Brown! 🎉

Truist Honors Scholars Dive into Critical Conversations 📚✨

Central Piedmont’s Truist Honors Scholars are committed to growth—academically, personally, and socially. Recently, they participated in a transformative Common Read Engagement Experience, guided by the incredible Jamie Pollard-Smith. This initiative pushed scholars to challenge their perspectives, engage in critical discourse, and explore their place in the broader world. 🌍💡

Meet Jamie Pollard-Smith
Jamie is a full-time writing instructor at Central Piedmont, the 2022-2023 Larry M. Harding Teacher of the Year, and a passionate advocate for creative and critical thinking.

  • Education: Master of Arts from NYU
  • Roles: Coordinator for the Honors Scholar Common Read and liaison for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Library Community Read
  • Published Work: Contributor to Literary Mama, Scary Mommy, and Project We Forgot. Explore her writings at unbecoming.co. ✍️

I Never Thought of it That Way book coverThe Experience
This year’s Common Read centered on Monica Guzman’s I Never Thought of It That Way, sparking discussions on diverse perspectives and the integration of new ideas. Scholars reflected deeply, examined critical issues, and left with a broader understanding of the world.

Even if you missed this round, it’s not too late to dive in! 📖

Looking Ahead: Spring 2025 Common Read 📅
Get ready for our next selection: Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li, in collaboration with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library. This book promises an exciting exploration of identity, culture, and action.Portrait of a Thief book cover

Get Involved
If you’re a Truist Honors Scholar, don’t miss your chance to join these engaging conversations and experiences.

📩 Learn More: Contact us at honors.program@cpcc.edu

Grow your mind. Challenge your ideas. Be part of the conversation! 🌟