Author Archives: Brittany Peper

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

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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

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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!

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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

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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 🎉

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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 📚✨

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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! 🌟

Central Piedmont Truist Honor Scholars Shine in Innovation Competition! 🌟🏆

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Truist Scholars holding giant check for $2,500The Truist Honor Scholars proudly represented Central Piedmont at the first-ever Canopy Innovation Award Competition on November 18, and secured an impressive 2nd Place! 🎉👏

The Challenge:
Three teams from local colleges and universities were tasked with solving affordable housing issues through adaptive re-use concepts. Supported by mentors, each team presented their innovative solutions to a panel of industry experts.

Central Piedmont’s Presentation Highlights:

  • 🏠 Holistic Design: Focused on affordable housing solutions that address financial, social, and individual needs while promoting independence.
  • 🔧 Creative Concepts: Combined thoughtful design and construction with a people-first approach to housing.
  • 🤝 Dedication: The team gracefully dedicated their presentation to Haywood Community College, which was unable to participate due to Hurricane Helene’s impact.

Realtors® Choice Award – Your Vote Matters!
In addition to the competition, a Realtors® Choice Award offers an extra $1,000 prize, and YOU can help Central Piedmont win!

🗳️ How to Vote:

  1. Watch Central Piedmont’s presentation: Click Here
  2. Look for the blue Realtors® Choice tab on the right side of your screen.
  3. Select Central Piedmont and hit Submit!

⏰ Voting Period: Now through December 6, 2024 – but don’t wait, vote by December 1st to show your support! 💪✨

From the Library: Central Piedmont Instructor, Author Sean Quarmby visits Central Piedmont’s Archives

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The Central Campus Library added Room 23, a novel by Criminal Justice Technology Instructor Sean Quarmby, to their book collection.

Sean Quarmby signing a bookQuarmby visited the Parr Center’s Hagemeyer Library on Nov. 20 and signed both books, one of which will be part of the main circulation while the other will reside in the Archives for in-library use.

If you’d also like to own a copy of Quarmby’s novel, visit Barnes & Noble and other bookstores.

Week 3: The Rustic Whisk Bistro Menu & Holiday Sales

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The Rustic Whisk logo on a baby blue backgroundGet ready for some festive treats! The Rustic Whisk is excited to offer a delightful selection of winter holiday goodies. Perfect for gifting or enjoying yourself! 🎁✨

🍰 Bake Sale Offerings:

  • Red Velvet Cake 🎂
  • 12 count Gourmet Cookie Box with four iconic flavors 🍪
  • 12 count Decorated Cookie Box beautifully themed for the holidays ❄️
  • 6 count Confection Box featuring:
    • Peppermint Marshmallows
    • Gingerbread Chocolate Truffles
    • Cranberry Orange Artisanal Gummies 🍬

📅 Important Dates:

  • Pre-order Deadline: Tue., Nov. 26
  • Pick-Up Date: Thu., Dec. 5, from 9:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

🍳 Ongoing Offerings at Harris Campus:

In addition to the bake sale, you can still enjoy:

  • Breakfast Pastries
  • Lunch
  • Beverages

Find us in the Student Life Center, Harris Campus, and don’t forget to check out our weekly menu updates on social media!

📲 Follow us: @TheRusticWhiskCLT for more updates and festive fun! 🎉

📜 The Latest Issue of For The Record is Here!

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November newsletter coverThe November issue of For The Record, the newsletter from Central Piedmont Archives, is now available! Dive in to catch up on exciting updates and highlights from the Archives Department. 🌟

📰 Highlights in This Issue:

  • A farewell message from Erin Allsop 💌
  • Updates on the Archives Reading Room being used for primary source instruction 📖
  • Bee Jay Caldwell adding more personal papers to the Historic Pottstown collection 🗂️
  • A book signing by Criminal Justice Technology Instructor Sean Quarmby ✍️
  • And so much more!

🌐 How to Access

Visit our digital collections and click the “view” button to explore the newsletter.

🤝 Get Involved

Interested in collaborating with the Archives or learning more about Central Piedmont’s rich institutional history? 📧 Send us an email or visit the Central Piedmont Archives webpage.

🔧 Brian Lucas: A Lifelong Connection to Central Piedmont

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Headshot of Brain Lucas in a navy blazerIf you enjoy a bit of wordplay, you might say Brian Lucas is truly ‘welded’ to Central Piedmont. From student to instructor, program chair, and now Associate Dean of Skilled Trades, Brian’s career is a testament to his deep connection with the college.

🔨 A Central Piedmont Success Story

Brian graduated from the Welding Technology program in 2006 and returned to Central Piedmont as an instructor. Over the years, he rose to leadership roles, always carrying his passion for improving students’ lives.

“I am in every sense of the word a product of Central Piedmont,” Brian says. “Central Piedmont is my family. This has been the best job I have ever had.”

 

🌟 Inspiring Student Success

Brian’s dedication shines through the stories he shares:

  • A first-generation immigrant who gained citizenship during the program, advanced to become a lead salesman for a major multinational company, and later returned as a Central Piedmont instructor. 🌎
  • A struggling student who turned his life around after Brian took the time to create a plan with him. That student has since graduated and now works successfully in the industry. 🚀

“I love to see the success we can provide to our students,” Brian says. “That’s why I do what I do.”

 

🛠️ Why Choose Central Piedmont?

Brian’s message to anyone seeking their next career step is simple:

“This is the place to be. Central Piedmont will set you on a pathway to success using practical applications. There is no fluff here. Everything we do is designed to maximize knowledge and your skills in your area of study.”

With passionate leaders like Brian Lucas, Central Piedmont continues to shape futures and open doors to opportunity. ✨

📚 Campus Bookstore Hours: Week of Nov. 25th

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image of bookstore entrancePlan ahead for your bookstore needs during Thanksgiving week! Here’s the schedule for the Central Piedmont Campus Bookstores:

🕘 Hours of Operation

  • Mon., Nov. 25 & Tue., Nov. 26:
    • Open 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at Cato, Central, and Levine Campuses
  • Wed., Nov. 27:
    • Open 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. at Central Campus ONLY
  • Thu., Nov. 28 & Fri., Nov. 29:
    • All Bookstores Closed for the Thanksgiving holiday 🦃

Enjoy the holiday break, and don’t forget to stock up on what you need before the closures! 🎉

Food Services Holiday Hours 🍴

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Candid shot of Central Campus Catalyst location with students in front of and behind the counter

📍 Harris Campus – Catalyst is closed from Nov. 18 through Jan 5.

📍 Central, Cato, Harper, Merancas & Levine Campuses – Catalyst will be closed from Dec. 11. through Jan. 5.

  • These locations will operate on a modified 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. schedule from Dec. 2 through Dec. 10.

📍 Central & Levine Campuses – Beach & Borough will be closed from Dec. 11. through Jan. 5.

  • These locations will operate on a modified 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. schedule from Dec. 2 through Dec. 10.

📍 Central Campus – Hen & Steer will be closed from Dec. 11. through Jan. 5.

  • This location will operate on the following modified schedule from Dec. 2 through Dec. 10:
    • Hen & Steer Breakfast: 8:30-10 a.m.
    • Hen & Steer Gastro Grill & Cosmos: 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

All locations will be closed starting Dec. 11 and will reopen on Jan. 6 with regular hours.

🧘‍♀️ De-Stress Before Finals at Central Piedmont 🧘‍♂️

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Four students on Central Campus, smiling with the skyline behind them

Feeling the pressure of finals? Take a break and join us for a relaxing De-Stress Event at the Harper Campus Library. Central Piedmont’s Counseling Services is hosting a special session to help you unwind and recharge.

Event Details:

  • When: Tues., Dec. 3
  • Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Where: Harper Campus Library

What’s Happening:

  • 🧴 Create your own coping kits: Personalized tools to help you manage stress.
  • 🌸 DIY aromatherapy scents: Craft calming blends to take home.
  • 🎨 Coloring stations: Express your creativity and relax with some art.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take care of your mental health! For more info, reach out to Brittany Lutton.

See you there! 🌟

🧘‍♀️ Unwind with Counseling Services at Merancas Campus

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Student doing yoga

Take a break and recharge! Join Counseling Services for a day full of stress-busting activities and mindfulness practices. Drop by on Thur., Dec. 5, from 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. at Merancas IV to focus on your well-being. 🌟

🎨 Activities Include:

  • Coloring to spark creativity 🎨
  • Writing gratitude letters 💌
  • Jewelry making to express yourself 💎
  • Aromatherapy to soothe your senses 🌿
  • Fun games and tasty snacks 🎮🍪

🧘‍♀️ Special Session: Mindfulness and Subtle Yoga

  • Time: 2:30–3:30 p.m.
  • Location: Merancas IV, Room 100
  • Re-center with gentle yoga and mindfulness techniques.

This event is open to all students and is your chance to relax, connect, and recharge as the semester wraps up. See you there! ✨

🌟 New Campus Wellness Center to Open at Central Piedmont in Jan. 2025

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Dr. Deitemeyer and Alma Adams in front of the Wellness Center sign at the ribbon cutting event

Big news for Central Piedmont students and employees! Thanks to a $575,000 congressionally directed award, the college is opening a state-of-the-art Campus Wellness Center on Central Campus this January. 🎉

💚 What is the Campus Wellness Center?

This new center is a holistic resource hub designed to support your mental, physical, and overall well-being. It’s a safe, confidential space where students and employees can:

  • Manage stress and discuss personal concerns
  • Access referrals to college and community services
  • Find a wide range of resources in one convenient location

🏢 Access for All Campuses

The Wellness Center will be based on Central Campus, but students from all campuses will be able to access its services. Stay tuned for:

  • Operating hours ⏰
  • Contact information 📞

We can’t wait to welcome you to the Campus Wellness Center, where your well-being is our top priority! 🌟✨

Rustic Whisk Week Two Menu, Holiday Sales 🦃

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The Rustic Whisk logo on a baby blue backgroundThe Baking and Pastry Program wants to express its sincerest gratitude for the community’s patronage during the opening week of The Rustic Whisk Bakery & Bistro.

We’re excited to share what’s new at The Rustic Whisk for week two. Each week, you’ll find new items inspired by the season that we have creatively crafted. Whether you’re in the mood for something savory or sweet, there’s always something new to discover.

We are still taking online orders for our Thanksgiving sale until Nov. 20, and our Holiday Sale until Nov. 26.

  • Location: Harris Campus, Student Life Center
  • Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Monday-Thursday

Thank you for your continued support. If you haven’t yet, please follow us on our social media pages @TheRusticWhiskCLT. Your visits help us refine our craft, and we’re thrilled to share our creations with you. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Week two menu items

🌍 Central Piedmont Students Explore History, Nature, and Sustainability in the Azores

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Group of Central Piedmont students in front of mountain range with a body of water in the backgroundOver Fall Break, a World Civilizations II class from Central Piedmont traveled to São Miguel Island in the Azores, Portugal, for an unforgettable study abroad experience. ✈️🌊

🔎 What They Learned

Students explored the 225-year relationship between the United States and the Azores, delving into:

  • The impact of U.S. industrialization, whaling, and trade on Azorean livelihoods
  • How immigration and diplomacy shaped the economic development of the islands
  • The Azores’ transformation into a hub for ecotourism and sustainable development

🌿 Connecting with Nature

The itinerary highlighted the Azoreans’ deep connection to nature and their commitment to sustainability. Students participated in activities like:

  • Whale and dolphin watching 🐋
  • Touring a milk factory, pineapple farm, and Europe’s only tea plantation 🍍🍵
  • Visiting volcanoes, black sand beaches, hot springs, and waterfall-filled mountains 🌋🏝️
  • Snorkeling in the crater of an ancient volcano 🤿
  • Experiencing an historic farm day 🐄

🖌️ Hands-On Cultural Experiences

The group also enjoyed:

  • A pottery workshop 🏺
  • A traditional Azorean cooking class 🍳
  • Plenty of delicious meals featuring local flavors 🥘

🧘 Mindfulness Meets Global Learning

Fittingly, the many immersive nature experiences paired perfectly with the group’s introductory mindfulness practices. Later this semester, students will complete projects analyzing how their travels align with a Sustainable Development Goal through an historical lens.

This trip was a powerful blend of history, culture, and sustainability, giving students a global perspective that will last a lifetime! 🌎✨

Breaking Records at Central Piedmont! 🎉

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Candid shot of students walking on a sidewalk on Central Campus

With 20,600+ degree-seeking students this fall, we’ve hit a new milestone!

Nearly 30,000 students enrolled in all programs, reflecting a 9% growth over last year. From nursing to AI, our programs and partnerships empower students and build a stronger community. 🌟
Read more about our mission, new programs, and impact in the full story! 🔗

🌞 Sunlight and Solstice 24: Central Piedmont Dance Theatre’s Fall Concert!

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Dancers in colorful clothing on a dark purple background with the words Central Piedmont Dance Theatre Presents: Sunlight and Solstice 2024Central Piedmont Dance Theatre is thrilled to present Sunlight and Solstice 24, a captivating fall concert series showcasing the talents of student and community dancers. Don’t miss this incredible event featuring choreography by Tracie Chan and Clay Daniel! 💃✨

🎟️ Get Your Tickets

  • Dates: Dec. 4 – 6
  • Location: The Parr Center Theater, Central Piedmont
  • Tickets: Purchase here

Special Offers:

  • Central Piedmont Students: Free admission with current student ID (available at the door)
  • Employees: Up to 2 tickets for $10 each with the password CPCCEMPLOYEE

⏰ Showtimes

  • Wed., Dec. 4 at noon
  • Thu., Dec. 5 at noon
  • Fri., Dec. 6 at noon