News and Features

• Central Piedmont celebrated 1,736 graduates at two May 15 ceremonies, highlighting how education transforms lives and communities.
• Nearly half of the graduates entered high-demand industries, from health care to tech and skilled trades.
• Graduates like Shenise Young, Chloe Mbongo, and others shared powerful stories of resilience and hope.

On May 15, Central Piedmont Community College awarded degrees, diplomas, and credentials to 1,736 students whose personal and academic journeys are shaping the region’s future. The ceremonies, held at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Bojangles Coliseum, celebrated a graduating class rich in determination, diversity, and purpose.

Student speaker Shenise Young opened the morning ceremony with a moving message of perseverance. Once a college dropout with a 0.827 GPA, Shenise returned to Central Piedmont as a wife and mother of two and completed her associate degree in arts.

“Central Piedmont didn’t just give us a degree. They loved us, believed in us, and gave us a chance some of us didn’t think we deserved,” said Young. “We’ve been given a solid foundation—and now we are built differently.”

Across both ceremonies:

• 198 graduates completed programs in nursing and allied health
• 106 in information technology
• 119 in hospitality, entrepreneurship, and service industries
• 78 in trades and automotive careers
• 36 in engineering

In addition, the college awarded $723,300 in scholarships to 263 students. Over half of the graduates will transfer to four-year institutions, including UNC Charlotte, Appalachian State, and N.C. State.

“This is how a region builds its future,” said Central Piedmont President Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer. “We educate the people who care for our families, power our businesses, and shape our communities—and they do it while working, parenting, and overcoming tremendous obstacles.”

Student Spotlights

• Shenise Young – Shared her story of redemption and renewed purpose as student speaker.
• Tyshon Freeman – From high school dropout to logistics leader, earning a degree in Supply Chain Management.
• Kiona White – Survivor of domestic violence and homelessness, now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work.
• Maryann Ingram – A 65-year-old Charlotte native and caregiver earning her high school diploma through the Career and College Readiness program.
• Chloe Mbongo – Delivered a heartfelt speech on starting again after setbacks, now a President’s List student.
• Laura Oviedo-Loyola – A young mother of two graduating from the automotive program with plans to open her own shop.
• Rakia Regan – Overcame homelessness and domestic violence while earning a Medical Office Administration degree; now employed full-time at a hospital.
• Fawad Ataee – Afghan refugee who raised his GPA from 0.7 to 3.8 while supporting his family; heading to UNC Charlotte to study project management.

These graduates embody Central Piedmont’s mission: providing accessible, life-changing education that fuels economic mobility and community strength.

“We don’t just offer classes, we open doors,” said Deitemeyer. “Every diploma represents new energy and talent flowing into our region.”

• Rising CMS seniors can take 14 credit hours of automotive classes 

• Funding provided by Bissell Ballantyne Legacy Foundation, Faison Enterprises, and The Merancas Foundation, in partnership with the Charlotte ToolBank 

• Program offers weekly financial supplement, free toolkit, and more 

This summer, Central Piedmont Community College will launch “Accelerate to Success,” a new program that gives 25 rising seniors from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools the chance to take advanced automotive classes and earn a 14-credit College & Career Promise Certification, fast-tracking them toward a career in the automotive industry. 

The program is made possible with funding from Bissell Ballantyne Legacy Foundation, Faison Enterprises, and The Merancas Foundation. The classes will take place at the Hendrick Center for Automotive Technology, located at Central Piedmont’s Levine Campus in Matthews.  

In addition to covering the cost of the courses, the funding will provide students with a daily lunch, a weekly financial supplement, and transportation coverage. Central Piedmont is partnering with the Charlotte ToolBank to equip each graduate of this program with a professional automotive toolkit, empowering them to confidently transition from classroom to career with the tools they need to succeed. 

“We are incredibly grateful to our generous donors for making this program possible,” said Christopher Facente, Central Piedmont’s dean of skilled trades and transportation. “This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity that gives high school students a real head start in the automotive industry through college-level coursework and hands-on experience. This initiative reflects our commitment to innovation in education and our belief in the potential of every student." 

The program runs Mondays-Thursdays from June 16-July 31, and classes offered include Intro to Transportation, PC Skills for Transportation, Basic Electrical Systems, and Climate Control Systems. 

About Central Piedmont 

Central Piedmont Community College is highly accessible and convenient to people of all ages who seek a real-world, affordable, hands-on education that will transform their lives and strengthen the economic, social, and cultural environment of Mecklenburg County. Central Piedmont is also a smart investment. At a fraction of the cost, students learn by doing, receiving a combination of technical and soft skills training from quality faculty who prepare them to enter the workforce and make a difference in their family, business, community, and world. Founded in 1963, Central Piedmont Community College has eight locations throughout Mecklenburg County, offering nearly 300-degree, diploma, and certification programs; customized corporate training; market-focused continuing education; and special interest classes. For more information, visit cpcc.edu, or connect with the college on social media at cpcc.edu/social. 

About Bissell Ballantyne Legacy Foundation 

Established in 2023 by Margaret and Smoky Bissell, the Bissell Ballantyne Legacy Foundation's mission is to invest in innovative ideas and bold leadership to drive positive outcomes in Health, Human Services, and Education across the greater Charlotte region.  

BBLF is self-directed and has elected to deeply invest in organizations that will contribute to Charlotte's success. 

About Faison Enterprises 

Faison Enterprises, Inc. was founded in 1988 by Henry J. Faison.  His vision was to create a firm that focused primarily on real estate investing, but above all to be a good corporate citizen. The firm’s mission is to honor the legacy of Mr. Faison by partnering with nonprofits on transformative initiatives. This program at Central Piedmont fulfills one of the firm’s objectives in promoting career and workforce readiness. For more information, please see www.faison.com 

About The Merancas Foundation 

The Merancas Foundation supports local nonprofits that provide opportunities to improve the lives of individuals and families experiencing economic hardship. 

About Charlotte ToolBank 

We are a nonprofit tool lending program that provides charitable organizations with year-round access to our inventory of tools for use in their volunteer projects, facility and grounds maintenance as well as special events. We provide tools to enhance the charitable sector’s capacity to serve, facilitating hands-on volunteerism in the greater Charlotte area. 

The Charlotte ToolBank maintains an 8,000 sq ft warehouse in South End and an inventory comprised of more than 358 different types of tools and special event equipment in volumes large enough to equip thousands of volunteers at a time. Access to ToolBank tools eliminates the need for agencies to incur the expense of purchasing, repairing and storing tools, reducing the costs associated with service projects and allowing these agencies to focus more of their resources on their mission. 

About Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools 

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) strives to create an innovative, inclusive, student-centered environment that supports the development of independent learners. CMS leads the community in educational excellence, inspiring intellectual curiosity, creativity and achievement so that all students reach their full potential (C-M Board of Education, 2018). 

CMS is the 16th-largest school district in the nation, providing academic instruction, rigor and support each school day for more than 141,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The district operates 186 schools throughout Mecklenburg County from its central offices in Charlotte, N.C. CMS believes setting high standards for all students creates greater opportunity for their future success – in our communities, the region and across the globe. As a result, CMS students are prepared to be leaders in a technologically savvy and competitive world. 

• Central Piedmont sets a new enrollment record with 33,000 students for Spring 2025 
• Programs aligned with local workforce needs are helping students transition directly into careers 
• Employers praise the college’s graduates for being prepared, professional, and job-ready 

Central Piedmont Community College has officially enrolled 33,000 students for the spring 2025 term, setting a new institutional record and marking the tenth consecutive semester of enrollment growth. This milestone, up from 31,741 in fall 2024, reflects the growing demand for accessible, career-focused education that meets the needs of students and the regional economy.

“This is a proud moment for our entire community,” said Amy Bruining, vice president of student affairs. “Enrolling 33,000 students is more than a number – it represents trust, relevance, and a shared belief that education should lead somewhere. Our students come here with a purpose, and we are committed to helping them reach it.”

Central Piedmont offers more than 300 degree, diploma, and certificate programs aligned with high-demand fields such as nursing, skilled trades including construction and sustainable technology, information technology, and artificial intelligence. Each program is designed with input from local industry partners to ensure graduates are job-ready and prepared for real-world careers.

To help students stay on track, the college recently introduced multi-term registration. This allows students to register for an entire academic year at one time, reducing stress and helping them plan ahead. Students can currently enroll in summer 2025, fall 2025 and spring 2026 courses. Central Piedmont also offers various support services including academic advising, career coaching, and hands-on learning environments tailored to students' goals.

Affordability remains a key priority. The college provides nearly $4 million in scholarships each year, along with tuition payment plans that require no interest, fees, or credit checks. These tools remove financial barriers and open doors to education for a diverse and growing student body. During the 2024-2025 academic year, more than 2,000 students received scholarships, and over 6,000 students took advantage of payment plan options.

Naidelyn Cruz, a dental assisting student graduating this summer, credits Central Piedmont with preparing her to enter the profession.

“My experience at Central Piedmont has been the most rewarding education I’ve ever had,” Cruz said. “The instructors went above and beyond to ensure we learned the material and could apply it in real-world settings. The hands-on lab felt like a real dental office, and my externship helped me build my confidence. I was recently offered a position at the dental practice where I trained.”

That practice is Dentistry of the Carolinas, a long-time employer partner of the college.

“For nearly a decade, Dentistry of the Carolinas has partnered with Central Piedmont, and it continues to be one of our most valuable relationships,” said Tyler Hammock, director of human resources for Dentistry of the Carolinas. “The program produces well-trained graduates ready to thrive in a real dental office. We have been fortunate to hire many of these students who come to us prepared, professional, and eager to make a difference. The combination of strong instruction and hands-on experience makes them a valuable asset to our team.”

From high school students earning tuition-free college credit to adults reentering the workforce or making a career change, Central Piedmont serves learners at every stage of life. Graduates strengthen the local workforce, contribute to economic mobility, and help the Charlotte region grow.

With enrollment continuing to rise and strong interest in upcoming terms, Central Piedmont remains focused on expanding access and delivering high-value education that transforms lives and drives the region forward.

For more information about enrollment, scholarships, or academic programs, visit cpcc.edu. 

• Duke Energy employees support Central Piedmont students in need of clothes for interviews and jobs
• Donations provide clothes for up to 200 students per month
• Central Piedmont is looking to expand this service to multiple campuses

Duke Energy employees made a major contribution to Central Piedmont Community College’s Professional Clothing Closet, donating thousands of items to support students as they prepare for the workforce.

The donation includes a wide array of professional attire, such as suits, dress shirts, shoes, dresses, blouses, belts, jewelry, and other accessories. This significant influx of clothing greatly expands the closet’s offerings and further empowers students as they enter job interviews and new careers.

“Supporting students with professional attire is about more than just clothes – it’s about confidence and opportunity,” said Amy Strecker, president of Duke Energy Foundation. “Every outfit donated is an investment in a student’s future, and we’re proud to partner with Central Piedmont to help empower the next generation of leaders to pursue their career goals.”

The Professional Clothing Closet, located on Central Campus in the Worrell Building, Room 1152, operates from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. every Tuesday. The initiative allows current students to select up to four complete outfits free of charge, helping them build a professional wardrobe and boost their confidence as they transition into the working world.

“The impact of helping students with clothes, especially those starting out in their careers, cannot be overstated,” said a student who recently benefited from the closet. “Professional, appropriate clothing is essential to making a good impression. Interview appropriate, quality clothing is expensive, so a student getting a suit, jacket, top, skirt, dress, and shoes for free may be the difference between getting an opportunity or losing one, which is a major barrier to cross after obtaining the degree.”

The clothing closet, which began in 2021, now serves up to 200 students per month. The college looks to expand its offerings to other campuses in the future.

• Builds a stronger emergency response workforce through expanded education, delivering benefits for Mecklenburg County residents
• Provides cutting-edge facilities for realistic, hands-on emergency response training
• Creates one of the most significant workforce development projects in the college’s history

Central Piedmont Community College, in collaboration with Mecklenburg County and local first responder agencies, is launching The Community Lifeline—a transformative initiative designed to address the growing need for highly trained emergency response professionals in the region. The initiative, one of the most significant workforce development projects in the college’s history, will expand academic programs and create a state-of-the-art training facility at the Levine Campus in Matthews, N.C.

The initiative is critical as the region experiences rapid population growth and increasing demand for emergency medical services (EMS), fire protection, and law enforcement. The Community Lifeline effort will prepare the next generation of first responders while enhancing the skills of those already serving, ensuring Mecklenburg County remains ready to respond in times of crisis.

“As a community college, we serve as the workforce development engine for the county—and we are thrilled to be able to facilitate cross-agency public safety training,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont Community College. “Our region relies on our first responders and emergency personnel every day, and with our expanded programs and new best-in-class facilities, we can provide safe spaces for these brave individuals to train, learn and grow. We appreciate the partnership with agencies across the county – many of whom have been supporting the design and providing input to ensure the facility will serve their current and future training needs.”

State-of-the-art training facility for first responders

The training facility will be an advanced, real-world learning environment where students and professionals from multiple agencies, including EMS, fire and law enforcement, will train together. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the facility will feature simulation spaces replicating real-life emergency scenarios, including:

• A single-family residence
• A townhouse
• A convenience store
• A burn building
• A vehicle burn area
• An entrapment space
• A drive-thru building 
• A hospital/hotel simulation space 

The college is also investing in a specialized driving course with two distinct tracks, which will allow emergency vehicle operators to refine their skills under realistic conditions.

The facility will include a state-of-the-art soundproof indoor practice firing range, enabling law enforcement to train locally and obtain required certifications in a controlled, credentialed-access environment.

“Central Piedmont continues to be the largest feeder of paramedics to MEDIC, with a strong pipeline of well-prepared graduates entering the field,” the Mecklenburg EMS Agency said in a statement. “Since Dec. 2022, 21 paramedic students have graduated from the college, and from just the 2023 and 2024 EMT cohorts alone, we have hired over 50 Central Piedmont graduates. Being part of the planning for the Community Lifeline ensures that future EMTs and paramedics will train in a facility that mirrors the demands of the field and prepares them to serve Mecklenburg County with excellence.” 

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings also praised the facility’s focus on realistic and advanced training. 

“As a police chief who joined the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department more than 30 years ago, I’ve seen firsthand how critical it is to ensure our officers are ready for the challenges they face,” Jennings said. “The Community Lifeline initiative will provide our officers with advanced training in realistic, high-pressure situations, making them better prepared than any previous generation. By strengthening their skills and response capabilities, this facility will have a direct, positive impact on the overall public safety of the community we serve.” 

Expanding academic programs in emergency response

In addition to hands-on training, the Community Lifeline will expand Central Piedmont’s academic programs in public safety and emergency response. New curriculum offerings will include:

• Mental health and wellness training for public safety personnel
• Proactive conflict resolution techniques
• High-tech medical and crisis simulations
• Cross-agency fire, EMS, and law enforcement programming
• Virtual reality (VR) and drone-based training

These enhancements will help address workforce shortages while ensuring first responders have access to continuous, high-quality education.

Leaders from across the region’s public safety agencies are expressing strong support for the initiative. 

“Charlotte Fire is proud to support our neighboring departments through mutual aid during emergency calls,” the department said in a statement. “Charlotte Fire and Central Piedmont have a long-standing relationship when it comes to training firefighters, and being included in the planning of the facility ensures it will reflect the real-world challenges we all face. This space will allow agencies across the county to train together — preparing side by side for the real-life events we respond to in the field.”

“I am excited about the forthcoming collaboration between the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), the other townships’ law enforcement agencies, and Central Piedmont Community College regarding the training facility,” said Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden. “This partnership will facilitate the unification of first responders within our county, enabling joint training sessions at the newly constructed state-of-the-art training facility. With this facility, we will enhance our preparedness for future challenges and ensure the continued safety and well-being of our community.”

Penny Dunn, interim chief of police for the Town of Matthews, highlighted the long-term value of the facility for regional preparedness. 

“The concept of a facility dedicated to advanced instruction across all disciplines of emergency response is a testament to the long-term commitment to public safety in this region,” Dunn said. “Central Piedmont's choice of the Levine campus in Matthews for this facility is an honor for the community. The collaboration among Fire, EMS and Police entities of Mecklenburg County, our municipalities, and our education partner, Central Piedmont, ensures a future for excellence in first responder training.”

Engaging the community through safety programs

Beyond professional training, The Community Lifeline will serve as a resource for the broader community. Central Piedmont is exploring public programs such as:

• CPR certification courses
• Child car seat safety checks
• Teen driver safety programs

The initiative also aims to strengthen pathways for high school students interested in emergency response careers through cadet programs and Junior ROTC collaborations.

Investing in the future of public safety

With a current budget of $118 million, the training facility is funded through Mecklenburg County appropriations and private support, including a 23-acre land donation from the Hendrick Automotive Group. The facility will be located on this 23-acre tract, positioned across a road from the existing campus. The driving course will be constructed on 14-acres of college-owned land adjacent to the existing buildings.

The facility will be built in phases and is expected to be fully operational in 2028.

As with any major construction project the college undertakes, Central Piedmont has taken a comprehensive approach to environmental assessment of the land. Aligned with the county’s commitment to a sustainable tree canopy, the college will preserve nearly 20% of the trees on the 23-acre area and more than 50% on the 14-acre area. Central Piedmont is evaluating tree-planting options once the project is complete.

As emergency response challenges evolve, the comprehensive Community Lifeline initiative will help safeguard Mecklenburg County’s residents by strengthening the region’s public safety workforce through agency collaboration, advanced technology training, and community engagement.

For more information, visit the Community Lifeline Initiative.

Charlotte, N.C. - The connection between music, community, and well-being takes center stage at Music and Mind: Harnessing the Power of Community for Health, which will be held at the Parr Center Theater at 10:30 a.m. on March 29. 

This engaging panel discussion, inspired by the work of world-renowned soprano Renée Fleming, will bring together leading experts to explore the transformative impact of the arts on brain health. 

This event is guided by the NeuroArts Blueprint, a pioneering initiative merging science and the arts to improve cognitive and emotional well-being. Attendees will gain insight into how music and creativity can support mental health, boost cognitive function, and foster community connection—all backed by cutting-edge research. 

Featured panelists include: 

• Renée Fleming – Soprano, WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Arts and Health 

• Dr. Jonathan Burdette – Section Chief of Neuroradiology, Vice Chair of Research, Professor of Radiology, and Cofounder of the Laboratory for Complex Brain Networks, Wake Forest University School of Medicine/Advocate Health

• Ruth Katz – Vice President; Executive Director, Health, Medicine & Society Program; and Director, Aspen Ideas Health, The Aspen Institute; Co-director, NeuroArts Blueprint Initiative

• Susan Magsamen – Executive Director, International Arts + Mind Lab Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Co-Director, NeuroArts Blueprint

• Dr. Jen Sullivan – Enterprise Leader National Service Lines, Advocate Health; Charlotte Symphony Board of Directors

Why attend?

Whether you're a healthcare professional, artist, educator, or someone curious about the power of music, this discussion will provide practical insights into how the arts can enhance well-being. Learn how music therapy treats stress, cognitive decline, and neurological disorders—and how communities can integrate these findings into everyday life. 

Join us to discover how the arts can be a powerful tool for health and connection. 

For more information or to register, visit Central Piedmont Tix. 

Central Piedmont students and employees can attend for free with their college ID. 

Dr. Deninne Pritchett, PhD., ACUE, has been selected for the Fulbright Specialist Program, a globally acclaimed international exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Pritchett, the faculty director for Central Piedmont’s Truist Honors Program, becomes one of the select few to join the Fulbright Specialist Roster. The program has just a 20 percent acceptance rate, and Pritchett was selected due to her experience developing the honors program and her research efforts with honors scholars and doctoral learners.

The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government's flagship international educational exchange program, offering unparalleled opportunities for students, scholars, and professionals to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and teaching in elementary and secondary schools worldwide.

With this appointment, she will participate in international collaboration, sharing her expertise with host institutions across the globe and fostering a new generation of leaders in education, cultural exchange, and global understanding.

Pritchett is currently reviewing open projects to determine which host country and organization she can best collaborate with and how her partnership with them can create additional opportunities for Central Piedmont students. At any time, host institutions can select her to work on an existing project or develop one based on her skill set.

Pritchett's achievement is a testament to her dedication to academic excellence, enthusiasm for scholarly engagement, and ability to inspire and empower others. As a Fulbright Specialist, she will have the opportunity to connect with visionary leaders from diverse backgrounds, industries, and cultures, driving meaningful change and innovation.

In addition to her work with the Truist Honors Program, Pritchett is also an associate professor in psychology. She has earned the Mary W. and Wilton Parr Faculty Teaching Award at Central Piedmont and serves on the North Carolina Community College System Undergraduate Research Advisory Board.

In addition to the new associate degree program in Artificial Intelligence Technology, Central Piedmont offers two new continuing education courses this spring to support those pursuing certificates in AI. 

AI Foundations: From Curiosity to Career introduces the fundamentals of AI and explores how to use AI to improve productivity, communication, content creation, and more. Participants will learn to apply AI techniques to develop and execute real-world projects, showcasing creative and efficient problem-solving abilities. They will also learn about ethical considerations while exploring emerging trends. 

The course targets beginners curious about AI and its practical applications, professionals looking to integrate AI into their workflows, and students who want to explore AI as a career or personal interest.  

Develop in Swift: Fundamentals enables learners to join the dynamic world of Apple’s powerful programming language to create applications for iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. This course is based on Apple's curriculum and is tailored for beginners and those with basic programming knowledge. 

This course is intended for aspiring app developers with no prior experience, individuals with basic programming knowledge seeking to expand into iOS app development, and professionals aiming to enhance their technical skills for career advancement in the tech industry.  

Please email continuing education’s customer service or call 704-330-4223 for questions. 

Central Piedmont Community College is pleased to announce that Catherine Butler has joined the college as Vice President of Communications, Marketing and Public Relations. Butler is replacing Jeff Lowrance, who retired from Central Piedmont in 2024.

Butler will lead the development of integrated communications and marketing strategies that advance the college’s strategic plan as it continues to elevate student success, maximize student academic excellence and innovation, and cultivate community engagement and partnerships. She will oversee media relations, social media, employee and student communications, brand marketing and advertising, issues management, digital strategy and creative services.

“We take great pride in providing our students with clear pathways to achieve their educational, career, and life goals—while also creating meaningful opportunities to connect with and serve our community across all six of our campuses. As we continue to share our story and offerings with the region, Catherine’s expertise in crafting compelling narratives and fostering meaningful connections will help elevate Central Piedmont’s position as a leader in education and workforce development,” said Central Piedmont President Kandi Deitemeyer. “Her ability to engage diverse audiences and navigate complex communications challenges makes her an invaluable addition to our leadership team.” 

Bringing a distinguished career spanning corporate, government and consulting sectors, Butler most recently served as senior director of communications and engagement at Highline Warren, where she established and led the corporate communications function for the $2 billion organization in the automotive aftermarket industry. Her leadership in employee communications, media relations and community engagement will play a key role in amplifying Central Piedmont’s mission and expanding its reach.

Before her tenure at Highline Warren, Butler served as Principal Consultant at Slalom, advising Fortune 500 clients on communications strategies, business transformation and change management. She also held key leadership positions at the Tennessee Valley Authority and Duke Energy, where she managed crisis communications, financial communications, corporate strategy and stakeholder engagement initiatives.

Butler graduated from Villanova University with a bachelor’s degree in communications. She also completed Harvard Business School’s management development program. She currently serves on Villanova’s Department of Communications alumni advisory board and volunteers with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation, demonstrating her strong commitment to education and community service.

“As a Charlotte native, I’ve seen firsthand how Central Piedmont lives out its mission of transforming lives through education and serves as a workforce development engine for the region,” Butler said. “I’m honored to join the team and look forward to amplifying the college’s impact as we engage with students, faculty and stakeholders – and meet the evolving needs of our community.” 

On 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, four 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."