Tag Archives: graduation

Nominations Open for December 2024 Student Commencement Speaker! 🎓

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Graduation speaker behind the podium at May 2024 commencementCentral Piedmont’s Graduation Committee is now accepting nominations for student graduates to serve as the student speaker at the December 2024 commencement! This is an amazing opportunity to share your story and represent your fellow graduates at this special event.

🗓️ Nomination Deadline: October 23
đź“… Interviews and Selection: Concludes by November 8

Eligibility:

  • Open to students graduating in Summer 2024 and Fall 2024
  • Students selected for an interview will need to prepare a brief written reflection on their college experience.

The chosen speaker will receive guidance, rehearsal, and support to prepare their remarks for the big day!

đź”— Submit your nomination: Use the student speaker nomination form.

📧 For any questions, contact Katrina Johnson at Katrina.Johnson@cpcc.edu.

✨ Looking for Inspiration? Check out the remarks from May 2024 commencement speaker, N’dianor Gbandala.

🎓 Meet Ndianor Gbandala: From Liberia to Central Piedmont Graduation Speaker 🌍

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2024 Commencement Speaker Ndianor Gbandala in a white coat and gogglesNdianor Gbandala, an international student from Monrovia, Liberia, not only excelled as a Medical Laboratory Technology student at Central Piedmont but was also one of your May ’24 graduation speakers. Her journey to Central Piedmont began with her search for a welcoming atmosphere and a convenient downtown Charlotte location, which offered easy access to essential services and a supportive community where international students can thrive and feel at home.

A Passion Ignited by Science 🔬

Inspired by her father’s career in pharmacy, Ndianor’s passion for the sciences was further fueled by a microbiology class at Central Piedmont. This experience guided her toward a degree in Medical Laboratory Technology. “The role of laboratory professionals in healthcare drew me in; I saw a way to directly impact patient outcomes through science,” she notes.

A Transformative Experience 🌟

Ndianor’s time at Central Piedmont has been nothing short of transformative. She values the supportive learning environment, the mentorship from dedicated faculty, and the friendships that have nurtured her both personally and professionally. “The combination of a supportive community, enriching experiences, and quality education has made my time at Central Piedmont truly rewarding,” she shares.

Looking Ahead: Goals and Aspirations 🏥

Ndianor Gbandala at the podium, speaking during the 2024 Central Piedmont graduation commencement

With her degree in hand, Ndianor aims to become a Medical Laboratory Technician in a hospital setting, where she can contribute to diagnosing and treating diseases. She is also committed to furthering her education and advancing in her field. Her advice to future students? “Embrace every learning opportunity, seek help when needed, and always be open to new experiences. Central Piedmont provides a platform for growth and self-discovery; use it well.”

Preparing to Inspire 🎤

Ndianor reflected on her academic and personal growth at Central Piedmont as she prepared to address her peers at the 10 a.m. graduation commencement: “This college has not only helped me fine-tune my career path but also equipped me with the confidence to face future challenges in healthcare.” Her story highlights the impact of dedication to education and active community engagement. 🌍🎓

🎓 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!

đź‘Ź 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! 🎉

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

đź‘ś 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.

🎉🎓 Congrats Grads! Career Services is here to help you with your next steps

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Two graduates in a sea of graduates, smiling at the camera

Attention, Central Piedmont graduates! Did you know that your journey with Career Services doesn’t end at graduation? As you embark on your career path, you can continue to benefit from the invaluable resources offered by Career Services.

đź’Ľ Explore Career Opportunities:

🤝 Tap into Resources:

  • Utilize Handshake, a platform connecting you with job opportunities and career counselors. Maintain access to your Handshake account by updating your primary email to your personal email address. Learn more about retaining access using these guidelines.

đź’¬ Sharpen Your Interview Skills:

  • Dive into Big Interview to master interview techniques and conquer any existing fears. Create your alumni account using your personal email address and the login code: cpcc63.

📧 Need Assistance? For any inquiries or further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Career Services at career.services@cpcc.edu or 704-330-6551.

Your journey toward a fulfilling career doesn’t have to be navigated alone. Take advantage of these resources and let Career Services continue to support you in achieving your professional goals! 🚀

Spring 2024 Graduation Information

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Commencement December 2023Important Deadlines

  • March 12, 2024 – Last day for students to apply to be included in the May Graduation Ceremony printed program.
    *Important note: Students must apply and be found eligible for graduation before or by this date in order for their names to be included in the printed program.*
  • April 13, 2024 – Last day to register for the May Graduation Ceremony. You will receive an email through the Marching Order website. Registration emails will come from noreply@marching.com.
    *Important note: You must be found eligible for graduation in order to receive a registration email.* If you do not receive a registration email and believe you are eligible for graduation, please contact your advisor or graduation@cpcc.edu.
  • April 23-25, 2024 – The Graduation Fair will be held on these dates at the Central Campus Store. This will be your first opportunity to pick up your caps and gowns for the Graduation Ceremony.
    • Time:
      10 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day
    • Address:
      1112 Charlottetowne Ave
      Charlotte, NC 28204
    • If you are not able to pick up your cap and gown at the Graduation Fair, they will be available at the bookstore through Wednesday, May 8, 2024, during normal business hours.
  • May 9, 2024 – Graduation Ceremony at Bojangles Coliseum. The start time is 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and check-in will begin an hour and fifteen minutes before the ceremony’s start time.

May 2024 Graduates: Nominate Yourself to Speak at Graduation

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Evelyn-HillYou have a story – and it’s worth telling! Central Piedmont’s Graduation Committee is now accepting nominations of student graduates to serve as the student speaker at commencement. Nominated students would share pride in their educational journey and a passion for Central Piedmont and be willing to share their experience and wisdom during the celebration.

Nominations will be accepted until February 29, 2024, via the student speaker nomination form, and interviews and selection will conclude by March 15. Students selected for an interview will be asked to prepare their speech through a brief written reflection on their college experience. The selected graduate will receive guidance, rehearsal, and support for their official remarks.

Check out the remarks to the graduating class from Evelyn Hill, a previous student speaker. Only students graduating in Fall 2023 or Spring 2024 are eligible to participate in the May 2024 graduation ceremony.

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

Congratulations to our May Graduates!

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3 graduates smile while holding their diploma folders.

Congratulations to all of our Central Piedmont graduates who participated in our ceremonies on Thursday, May 11.

Our events celebrated the graduation of more than 900 students who registered to participate in the ceremonies out of the nearly 1,900 graduates who were eligible from the college, College & Career Readiness, and our middle colleges. Graduation speaker at the podium.

Read more about Central Piedmont’s May graduation.

Enjoy the recordings of the ceremony livestream:

Graduates smile for a selfie in student lineup.

Celebrating our May 2023 Graduates

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A group of graduates wearing caps and gowns smile during a selfie

We can’t wait to celebrate our newest Central Piedmont graduates on Thursday, May 11. Two ceremonies will be held at Bojangles Coliseum.The graduates react to the silver and gold streamers falling over their heads at graduation

Guests can attend in-person for the 10 a.m. and the 2 p.m. ceremonies, and you can also view the livestreams on YouTube. Nearly 1900 students are receiving degrees and diplomas this semester.

Find more details about the graduation ceremonies, including livestream links, on our commencement website.

May Graduates: Nominate Yourself to Speak at Graduation

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Evelyn Hill speaking at Commencement, May 12th, 2022

You have a story – and it’s worth telling! Central Piedmont’s Graduation Committee is now accepting nominations of student graduates to serve as the student speaker at the May 2023 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 Wednesday, March 8 through the student speaker nomination form, and interviews will be conducted through March 17.

Students selected for an interview will be asked to prepare a sample of their speech through 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 Evelyn Hill, one of the May 2022 student speakers. Please submit the May 2023 Graduation Student Speaker Nomination form to help our selection committee identify top candidates.

If you have questions regarding nominations, please email: jesse.bennett@cpcc.edu.

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.

Practical Nursing graduates first class of students

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Practical Nursing Pinning Ceremony, December 6, 2022

Central Piedmont has graduated its first class of Practical Nurses (PN), from the Dickson Practical Nursing Program. The graduates from the newly-established one-year program are now eligible to sit for the national licensure exam to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN).

LPNs work under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN), with employment opportunities found in hospitals; rehabilitation, long-term care, and home health facilities; clinics; and physicians’ offices.

The Dickson Foundation of Charlotte awarded Central Piedmont a $500,000 grant to develop the LPN program at the college to provide students an accelerated path to a meaningful career in the healthcare industry and address specific employment needs within the Charlotte region’s healthcare sector.

Apply for Graduation today!

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Student in graduation cap and gown holding a sign reading #cpccgrad22

Commencement, May 12th, 2022, Bojangles Coliseum, Charlotte, North Carolina

Central Piedmont is proud to host our very first fall graduation ceremony Tuesday, December 13, at 10 a.m. If you and your advisor have determined this is your last semester of classes and you are ready to graduate with a college degree or diploma, you can apply now for fall graduation through MyCollege (requires login). 

After we receive your graduation application, your graduation analyst will send you additional information on other actions you will need to take (it may take 2-4 weeks to process and review your application). If you are eligible for graduation after application, you will also receive an email from “MarchingOrder” noreply@marchingorder.com to register for the ceremony. 

Participating in the graduation ceremony is optional, so if you would like to be a part of this celebration, we would love to help recognize your accomplishments. You must register for the ceremony by these deadlines in order to participate in December 2022 ceremony:

  • October 20, 2022: Last day to apply for graduation in MyCollege to have your name displayed in the graduation ceremony printed program.
  • November 14, 2022: Last day to register in MarchingOrder to participate in the graduation ceremony. If you do not register in MarchingOrder by this date, you will be able to register for the May 2023 ceremony.
  • November 29 – December 1, 2022: The Graduation Fair will be held at the Central Campus Store for students participating in the ceremony to pick up your free cap and gown. Times to be determined.

Find more dates and information on the Graduation Office website and under the “Important Deadlines” tab. 

Please note that Adult High School, GED, and HiSet graduates do not need to apply for graduation. All completers will receive an email to sign up for the December ceremony through MarchingOrder. If you complete your requirements for graduation after November 14, you will be invited to participate in the May 2023 graduation ceremony.

Any questions regarding graduation or the ceremony may be directed to the Graduation Office, graduation@cpcc.edu.

We look forward to celebrating your hard work at the ceremony!

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.

It’s time to celebrate Class of 2021!

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Dr. Deitemeyer standing behind recent graduateThe past year has been a challenging one for all of us in so many ways. However, the Class of 2021 has risen above the obstacles put in their way to achieve their educational goals. Class of 2021: it’s time to celebrate!

Commencement will look different this year to keep our community safe. We will be holding several outdoor ceremonies on the Overcash Lawn on Central Campus Wednesday, May 12, and Thursday, May 13, to allow for social distancing. Additional ceremonies can be added for Friday, May 14, if necessary.

Graduates are encouraged to pick up their FREE cap and gown at the Central Campus College Bookstore as soon as possible.

For your safety, we will be requiring mask usage and providing free masks for graduates and guests. Each graduate will be able to invite two guests. Additional guests can watch our free online livestreams on Facebook and YouTube.

Check your student email for information on how to register for your guest tickets and sign up for your program’s time slot.

Learn more about Graduation.

Get the latest news about this year’s event.

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.

About to Graduate? Need a Game Plan?

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image of graduates in the distance throwing up their graduation caps as the sun setsGraduation can be one of the most exciting, yet scary times in your life. Do you need help mapping out a game plan?  Career Services is here to help! We want to help polish your resume, interview skills and job search strategy.

Visit our job board to view employment opportunities, both part and full-time.  Transferring and still deciding on your major? We can help with that too! Get in touch with us. Career Services can help you elevate your career.