The Hammer, the literary and arts magazine of Central Piedmont Community College, has been named a Superior magazine in the 2025 NCTE Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines (REALM) contest. 

Schools from 44 states, Washington, D.C., and six countries nominated 456 student magazines for this year’s competition. Middle school, high school, and higher-education publications were all eligible for recognition.

The REALM program publicly celebrates exceptional student literary magazines produced with the support of teachers and advisers. The program is designed to encourage schools to create publications that highlight the art and craft of writing. 

What to know: 

• The Hammer received a Superior ranking in the 2025 REALM contest. 

• A total of 456 student magazines were nominated across the United States and abroad. 

• The REALM program recognizes excellence in student literary publishing and promotes the development of school-based magazines. 

• More information about the REALM program is available here. 

Congratulations to editor-in-chief Nathan Nicolau, and to all contributing students, for this outstanding achievement. 

Applications for the 2026 student commencement speaker open on Monday, Feb. 2. 

Students graduating in May 2026 are invited to apply. 

Kristen Alvarado Sorto addressed the class of 2025 in December, reflecting on the importance of pursuing dreams and staying resilient. She told graduates, “We are the generation of rewriting our stories…” 

Your opportunity to share your story is here. 

What to know: 

• Applications open Monday, Feb. 2. 
• Eligible students must be graduating in May 2026. 
• The selected speaker will represent their class at commencement and share their message with the Central Piedmont community. 

Be on the lookout for the full application information on Monday! 

Students, faculty and staff can enjoy seasonal flavors and special deals at campus dining spots. Here’s what’s on the menu: 

• Hen & Steer (Central Campus, Parr Center) – Buffalo Chicken Tenders w/ Fries – $7.99
• Catalyst Coffee Bar (All Locations) – Cardamom Chamomile Tea Latte – $4.50 for a 12oz

MyCollege will be temporarily offline Friday morning. Here’s what you need to know: 

• Date and time: Friday, Jan. 23, 5–8 a.m. 
• Access: MyCollege will resume normal access after 8 a.m. 
• Reason: Scheduled maintenance for fiscal year-end closing procedures 
• If you need tech support:  
  • Contact the ITS Service Desk through the client portal 
  • Call 704-330-5000 for assistance 

Spring semester is right around the corner. Find the most in-demand resources all in one place—the launch pad for success.

Current students—don’t miss a beat this semester! Follow Central Piedmont Student Connections on social media to stay up to date on deadlines, student services, student organizations, campus events, and so much more. 

What’s new: Our Student Connections channels are your go-to for timely updates, helpful resources, and ways to get involved on campus. 

Where to connect: 
Facebook | Instagram  

Highlights from Student Connections: 

• Important academic deadlines and registration reminders 
• Campus events, workshops, and activities 
• Student organization news and involvement opportunities 
• Tips and resources from student services 

Stay informed, stay involved, and make the most of your college experience! 

Students, faculty and staff can enjoy seasonal flavors and special deals at campus dining spots. Here’s what’s on the menu: 

• Hen & Steer — Central Campus, Parr Center 
  • Loaded BBQ Baked Potato – $8.49
• Catalyst Coffee Bar — all locations 
  • London Fog Tea Latte $4.50 for a 12 oz

Central Piedmont’s campus store at Central Campus is getting a new home. Beginning Monday, Jan. 5, the store will be located in Central High. The bookstore will adjust campus hours for the start of the spring semester. Here’s what you need to know: 

Special Saturday hours 

• Saturday, Jan. 10: Central and Levine, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. 
• Saturday, Jan. 17: Central only, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. 

First week of spring semester (Monday, Jan. 12–Friday, Jan. 16) 

• Central and Levine: Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. 
• Cato: Monday–Friday., 8 a.m.–5 p.m. 

After the first week

• College closed: Monday, Jan. 19 
• Starting Tuesday, Jan. 20:  
  • Central: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. 
  • Cato: Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. 
  • Levine: Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.