RELEASE DATE: April 16, 2008
CONTACT: Audrey Bailey, (919) 807-6963, Chancy Kapp (919) 807-6962
Community college student academic excellence recognized at luncheon
RALEIGH
-- One hundred sixteen students from 58 community colleges received
praise and special awards at a luncheon at the North Raleigh Hilton
today (Wednesday, April 16, 2008). This was the eleventh time more
than 600 community college staff, students and supporters, including
about 15 legislators, gathered to recognize the outstanding
accomplishments of selected students. The event was also a chance
to pay special tribute to retiring System President Martin Lancaster
(left), who with Cape Fear Community College President Eric McKeithan, created the event to praise students and give deserved
acknowledgment to the colleges that educate them.
Several speakers took the opportunity to thank Lancaster for his years of service to the community colleges and especially to the students. Dr. Pat Skinner, Gaston College president and president of the NC Association of Community College Presidents, shared her thoughts.
“Through the years he [Lancaster] has been an ambassador, a cheerleader, an innovator, and most important, a great leader,” she said. “I am certain he will say that some of his most memorable moments during these 11 years have been spent in the presence of students, especially when he has the opportunity to hear them talk about what it means to be community college students and detailing plans for the future.”
Three students shared their personal stories of success and in doing so, represented all the students in the room, each with his or her personal story of triumph over adversity or special challenges.
Nancy O. Epley (left) is pursuing two dregrees, an Associate in Science and an Associate in Applied Science in Environmental Science Technology. The Morganton resident has a 3.87 GPA. This month, she was named to the second team of the USA Today Community College All-Stars, and she is a 2008 New Century Scholar for North Carolina, an exceptional honor for an outstanding student. She also gave credit to her instructors for their “amazing” support, especially one who overcame her fear of flying to accompany Epley to Philadelphia to receive her New Century Scholar recognition.
Zavier Latez Mosely (center) graduated from high school in 1991 and said Martin Community College is giving him a chance at a better life. He is president of his college’s honor society, a supplemental math instructor and a volunteer. He is pursuing an Associate in Applied Science degree in Commercial Refrigeration Technology and has a 4.00 GPA. “I am grateful for all the experiences I have to be better than I was before,” he said.
Jasmine Lloyd (right) is pursing an Associate in General Education at South Piedmont Community College. She told the audience that the support she receives at the college makes all the difference. “The teachers are passionate about what they teach and inspire me as a student to challenge my thoughts and ideas,” she said. This experience is new for Jasmine who had no formal education since the fifth grade. Now, the Peachland resident has a 3.50 GPA and plans to be a nurse.
Dr.
Skinner also presented the Robert W.
Scott Leadership Award, sponsored by the Presidents’ Association, to
Demetrius Sykes, a college transfer graduate of Wayne Community
College now attending East Carolina University. Sykes was chosen
from among six finalists from the six trustee regions across the
state. While at Wayne, Sykes was a mentor, a student leader, coach
to two little league athletic teams and a founding member of the
Minority Male Mentoring program at the college. He served in the US
Marine Corps Special Forces and is a certified Emergency Management
Technician. He is in Athletic Training Education program at ECU.
The North Carolina Community College System enrolls more than 800,000 students in 58 comprehensive community colleges. Internationally recognized for the scope and quality of its programs, the System is North Carolina's primary provider of workforce preparation and adult education. For details, visit www.nccommunitycolleges.edu.
All photos taken by Bob Witchger, NCCCS
Last modified:
Wednesday, April 16, 2008 05:44:32 PM
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Audrey Bailey.