Central Carolina Community College's College and Career Readiness Commencement Exercises was held August 13 at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center.
SANFORD, N.C. - The Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center buzzed with excitement and pride on August 13 as Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) hosted its College and Career Readiness Commencement Exercises. The event celebrated the achievements of over 115 students who have completed their educational and career readiness goals.
Dr. Lisa M. Chapman, President of CCCC, opened the ceremony with a heartfelt welcome. "Welcome to this great celebration - a great accomplishment that these students have met. It's the beginning of more to come," she said. Dr. Chapman encouraged graduates to savor the moment and recognize the significance of their achievement. "You have been great as students. Please recognize it's your night. Enjoy it and appreciate everything you've done to get here."
The ceremony was marked by personal triumphs and collective joy. Dr. Kristi Short, CCCC Vice President/Chief Academic Officer, introduced the student speaker, Luisa Fernanda Patino Marin. Patino Marin, who earned her High School Equivalency diploma and a certificate in BioWork, delivered an inspiring address. She reflected on the theme of perseverance, saying, "I think that many times we think that there is a right time to do things, but today I know that life will always give us new opportunities to start again and again."
Patino Marin also paid tribute to her mother, who taught her the value of resilience and enjoyment in the journey of life. "The most important thing is not the goal but rather enjoying the journey," Patino Marin shared. Her closing remarks were a call to action for the graduates, hoping that their new beginnings would contribute to making the world a better place. "I hope that in this new stage that all of us are beginning, we can leave a world much better than the one we have found, unite more and more, and work together to create a better society."
Dr. Della Woods Newkirk, CCCC Instructor of Career and Academic Engagement, served as the Mace Bearer, symbolizing the academic honor of the day. Honor graduates Ruby Elizabeth Jordan, Joel Angel Rodriguez, and Dylan Scott Rosales were recognized for their outstanding achievements by Claudia Clayton, CCCC Dean of Career and Academic Engagement.
The Presentation of Candidates was managed by Anita Green, CCCC Career Pathways Coordinator. As the graduates' names were called, they walked across the stage, greeted by applause from their families and friends. Dr. Chapman and CCCC Board of Trustees Chair Julian Philpott had the honor of conferring diplomas, making each graduate's accomplishment a moment to cherish.
Musical entertainment was provided by Hunter Hoyle and Ken Hoyle, adding a celebratory note to the proceedings. The Invocation and Benediction were delivered by Dr. Mark Hall, CCCC Chatham County Provost.
After the ceremony, graduates and their loved ones gathered for celebrations, marking the culmination of a significant chapter in their lives.
For those interested in reliving the moments from the ceremony, photos are available for download at www.cccc.edu/slideshows. For more information about CCCC's College and Career Readiness programs, visit www.cccc.edu/ecd/college-career-readiness.
Central Carolina Community College's College and Career Readiness Commencement Exercises was held August 13 at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center.
Central Carolina Community College President Dr. Lisa M. Chapman speaks to graduates during the CCCC College and Career Readiness Commencement Exercises on August 13.
There were lots of smiles at Central Carolina Community College's College and Career Readiness Commencement Exercises held August 13 at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center.
Luisa Fernanda Patino Marin was student speaker at Central Carolina Community College's College and Career Readiness Commencement Exercises held August 13 at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center.