Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute honored a total of 750 graduates in ceremonies held Friday, May 12 at the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center in Lenoir.
CCC&TI Board of Trustees Chairman Larry Taylor opened the ceremony by welcoming special guests, congratulating the graduates and listing the college’s accomplishments over the last year.
“Regardless of the path that brought you here, you have completed a tremendous task,” he said.
The Class of 2017, Taylor noted, included:
Ann Smith, of the CCC&TI Board of Trustees, presented this year’s Trustees’ Student Awards of Merit to Julio Gonzalez and Kiersten Walker. The awards are selected based on faculty nominations for outstanding academic achievement, extracurricular activities and community service.
Presented by Vice President of Curriculum and Adult Education Margaret Hampson, the Dr. Donald Lackey Award for Excellence in Teaching was awarded to Melinda Laws, Director of the Medical Assisting program. The award honors a faculty member who characterizes personal dedication, concern for student welfare and academic excellence.
In his charge, Poarch congratulated the graduates, and thanked the college’s trustees, faculty and staff for their hard work. He also offered words of encouragement.
“If you are committed to excellence, if you are committed to being the best … that commitment will shine through in all you do in life,” Poarch said. “Be committed to excellence in the classroom, in your work, in the community, in all that you do. This level of commitment will follow you well beyond the graduation stage tonight and help you lead successful careers and productive lives.”
