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.”

Student Spotlight: Shania Johnson 🌟

Headshot of Shania JohnsonShania Johnson, a first-generation college student from Charlotte, NC, embodies resilience and determination.

After graduating from Garinger High School in 2020, she attended UNC Greensboro. Despite an impressive start, she faced mental health struggles and the unexpected passing of her father.

Realizing she needed a change, Shania returned to Charlotte and enrolled at Central Piedmont in Spring 2023.

🌟 Highlights:

  • Peer Mentor: In TRIO Student Support Services (TRIO-SSS), Shania built meaningful relationships and grew personally.
  • Academic Success: Graduated with an Associate in Arts in psychology, with aspirations to eliminate stigmas around mental health therapy in minority communities.

💬 Her Journey: “Attending Central Piedmont helped me understand that everyone’s path is different, and that doesn’t lessen your personal accomplishments,” Shania shared.

This fall, Shania will start her social work degree at UNC Charlotte. 🎓🌟

🎓 Central Piedmont Celebrates Spring 2024 Graduates 🎓

Group of graduates waiting to march, taking a selfie

On May 9, more than 1,025 students crossed the stage at Bojangles Coliseum to receive their college credentials during Central Piedmont’s spring commencement ceremonies. The event was a vibrant celebration of academic achievements, with ceremonies held in both the morning and the afternoon.

Student Keynote Speakers:

  • Morning Ceremony: Ndianor Gbandala, a 2024 graduate with an associate degree in medical laboratory technology, inspired her classmates by sharing her journey and the obstacles she overcame.
  • Afternoon Ceremony: Brianna Duncan, who earned her associate degree in nursing in 2024, addressed the audience, recounting her path to success and the challenges faced along the way.

Both speakers were met with enthusiastic applause for their moving speeches, which struck a chord with fellow graduates and attendees alike.

Two graduates smiling and holding a #cpccgrad cutout

Worth Noting:

  • Degrees Awarded: Students graduated with degrees, diplomas, or certificates from both for-credit and non-credit programs.
  • Flexible Ceremony Times: To accommodate different family schedules, Central Piedmont allowed graduates to choose between morning or afternoon ceremonies for their “walk.”

This year’s commencement not only highlighted the personal stories of perseverance and triumph but also continued Central Piedmont’s tradition of having graduates serve as keynote speakers, adding a personal touch to the celebration of academic success. Congratulations to all the graduates on their well-deserved achievements! 🎉