Tag Archives: commencement

Remarkable Resilience: Central Piedmont Celebrates December 2024 Graduates

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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.”

🎓 Bri Duncan: A Story of Resilience and Triumph 🎓

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Headshot of Bri Duncan in her graduation cap with stethoscope around her neck

Bri Duncan’s journey at Central Piedmont is an extraordinary example of resilience, dedication, and the power of support. Hailing from Wirtz, Virginia, Bri faced the unique challenges of being a single mother and returning to school as an adult. Despite these hurdles, she achieved remarkable academic success, earning dual degrees in nursing and fine arts.

Key Achievements:

  • Academic Excellence: Bri’s stellar performance earned her a place in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
  • Scholarships: Her hard work was further recognized through scholarships like the Cato Future Nurse Scholar award, helping her graduate debt-free.

Driven by personal challenges, including her son’s serious health issues, Bri was inspired to pursue a career in critical care nursing. She has accepted a position at Atrium Health’s Carolina Medical Center in the Medical ICU, ready to provide empathetic care in critical moments.

Overcoming Personal Challenges:

  • Supportive College Environment: During her time at Central Piedmont, Bri faced significant personal obstacles, including her son’s recovery from a stroke and their home being flooded. The college stepped in with crucial support, offering a semester of compassionate withdrawal and allowing her to manage her family’s crises without compromising her educational aspirations.

As a commencement speaker, Bri shared her inspiring narrative with her peers, highlighting the importance of persistence, community support, and utilizing every resource available. Her message is clear and profound: Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, and never waver in the pursuit of your dreams.

🎓 Central Piedmont Celebrates Spring 2024 Graduates 🎓

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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! 🎉

🎓 Celebrate Central Piedmont Graduates at Bojangles Coliseum! 🎓

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Central Piedmont Community College graduates, facing the stage during commencement at Bojangles ColiseumGet ready to cheer on the hardworking graduates of Central Piedmont as they celebrate a significant milestone in their lives. We invite you to be part of this momentous occasion, celebrating the achievements of your classmates and friends.

Event Details

  • Location: Bojangles Coliseum
  • Date: Thurs., May 9, 2024
  • Times: Ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Important Notes:

Can’t Join Us In Person?

No worries! Whether you’re near or far, you can still be part of the excitement. We willCentral Piedmont graduate in her cap and gown, posing for the camera with an arm on a railing be livestreaming both ceremonies on YouTube at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tune in to celebrate together, no matter where you are!

👏 Let’s Applaud Our Graduates: This is more than just a ceremony—it’s a celebration of dedication, perseverance, and success. Your presence, whether in person or online, means the world to our graduates and the Central Piedmont community. See you there! 🌟

🎓 Central Piedmont May Graduation Commencement Details

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Graduates at commencement, cheeringCentral Piedmont is thrilled to honor our graduates’ hard work and achievements as they walk across the stage to commemorate this momentous milestone. We hope you will join us in celebrating your classmates and friends! 🎉

📍 Location: Bojangles Coliseum
🗓️ Date: Thurs., May 9, 2024
⏰ Times: 10 a.m. and 2 p.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. and 2 p.m.

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

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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

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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.

Graduates: Nominate Yourself to Speak at Graduation

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You have a story – and its worth telling! Central Piedmont’s Graduation Committee is now accepting nominations of student graduates to serve as the student speaker at this year’s 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 March 11 via the student speaker nomination form, and interviews and selection will conclude by April 1. Students selected for an interview will be asked to share 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 Emma Hoff, last year’s student speaker. Please submit the 2022 Graduation Student Speaker Nomination form to help our selection committee identify top candidates.

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

100 Days Until Graduation

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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

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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.

Central Piedmont graduation will be held on Central Campus in May

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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.

Drive-Thru Graduation Ceremonies Celebrate Class of 2020

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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.

Meet Your 2019 Commencement Speaker: Desiree Kinker

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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!