RCC holds Spring 2019 commencement exercises
May 10, 2019WENTWORTH – Rockingham Community College President Dr. Mark Kinlaw conferred degrees, diplomas and certificates to 162 students during the May 10 commencement exercises, held at 10 a.m. in the Robert C. Keys gymnasium. A selection of photos can be seen by clicking here.
Fifty-eight certificates were awarded across 18 areas, the most being 20 in welding technology, followed by six in cosmetology, and 32 in the other 16 programs.
Eight diplomas were awarded, including three in air conditioning, heating & refrigeration technology; two in cosmetology; and one each in computer-integrated machining, medical office administration, and practical nursing.
Associate in Applied Science degrees were conferred upon 112 students in 22 programs. This included 25 in nursing; 13 in respiratory therapy; 12 in business administration; 10 in criminal justice technology; six each in cosmetology and medical office administration coding; five each in accounting, early childhood education, information technology, and surgical technology; and 20 across 12 other programs.
Additional conferrals included 59 Associate in Arts degrees; 20 Associate in Science degrees; three Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts; and one Associate in Fine Arts.
Fifteen of the Associate of Arts degrees and 18 of the Associate in Science degrees were attained by students from Rockingham Early College High School, which is located on the campus of RCC.
Following the graduation ceremony’s processional and an invocation by graduating student Jessica Crider, RCC Board of Trustees Chair Elizabeth Maddrey welcomed everyone. Dr. Kinlaw recognized guests and Vice President of Academic Affairs Sheila Regan announced the Outstanding Student Award to LaShanda Spain Dalton, which Dr. Kinlaw awarded.
Leigh Cockram, director of Rockingham County’s Economic Development and Tourism, gave an inspirational speech.
“We can’t thank you enough for setting yourself up for a great future in Rockingham County or wherever you may land,” she said.
“In the near future, I do suspect that some of you will be entering the workforce for the first time, while some of you will be changing careers based on your newly acquired skills, and yet for others, you will be continuing your education, either here or at another institution,” Cockram said. “No matter your path forward … you will all be on a new journey that will continue to shape who you are, the life you live, and how you contribute to the betterment of others.”
She said graduation is one of those times in life that gives people an opportunity to brand or rebrand themselves into the person they want to be and know that they can be.
Cockram offered some advice to the graduates.
“Don’t burn bridges … even with a job you loathe or management you cannot stand. Company executives do talk to each other, and you never know if you will need them for a reference or for a job when you realize the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, or if they might call you back when they realize they really do need you,” she said.
Cockram urged students to network and build relationships.
“The phrase ‘it isn’t what you know but who you know’ does hold some truth. Being able to lean on someone for a reference or introduction to a company, client or prospect, will immediately lend credibility to you, and it will help you develop the partnerships that you need to be successful long-term,” she said.
“And never stop learning. Take every opportunity you can to learn from someone else. Be humble enough to recognize that you do not know everything. And ask questions,” she said. “I recently read a quote that says, ‘the measure of one’s intelligence isn’t in what they know, but the questions they ask’. So surround yourself with people smarter than you, read from authors who are experts in the subjects of which they write, and watch educational YouTube videos until your eyes cross, if that is what it takes for you to get the answers to the questions you are seeking.”
She told the graduates to continue to set goals, “for without goals and dreams, you have nothing to strive for and nothing to entice you to continue your lifelong journey of learning and personal growth. Don’t let the ways of the world or your comfort zone prohibit you from utilizing the skills you have learned to go after your dreams. For as Albert Einstein said, ‘a person with big dreams is more powerful than the person with all the facts’.”
Regan then presented the candidates, who walked the stage and also received alumni pins from Dr. Cindy Sarwi, executive director of the Rockingham Community College Foundation. Crider then gave the benediction.
Graduates are listed below by city of residence and degree, diploma or certificate earned:
ADVANCE
Bradley Shane Phillips – Associate in Arts Degree
ASHEBORO
Lakema Marie Herb – Respiratory Therapy Associate in Applied Science Degree
BLANCH
Caleb C. Jones – Welding Technology Certificate
BROWNS SUMMIT
Gloria Patricia Friel – Associate in Science Degree
Wendy Gail Sanchez – Early Childhood Education Certificate
BURLINGTON
Kristin Diana Miller Wheeler – Respiratory Therapy Associate in Applied Science Degree
CHINA GROVE
Hayden H. Wilson – Associate in Arts Degree
CLAYTON
Avarie Symone Hands – Associate Degree Nursing Associate in Applied Science Degree
CLEMMONS
Graciela Rico Martinez – Associate in Arts Degree
DENVER
Zachary McGinnis – Associate in Arts Degree
EDEN
Sandra Allen – Early Childhood Education Certificate
Chasity Blair Bailey – Welding Technology Certificate
Gideon Lee Biggs – Electrical Systems Technology Associate in Applied Science Degree; Electrical Systems Technology Mechatronics Certificate; Electrical Systems Technology Programmable Logic Controllers Certificate; Electrical Systems Technology Robotics Certificate; and Electrical Systems Technology Industrial Wiring Certificate
Victaysha Tionne Broadnax – Cosmetology Certificate
Brook Nicole Burgess – Cosmetology Certificate
Mark A. Butler – Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Certificate
Christopher Matthew Cipoletti – Welding Technology Certificate
Bridgett Tamara Cook – Office Administration Associate in Applied Science Degree
Amy Nicole Crews – Associate Degree Nursing Associate in Applied Science Degree
Victor Grant Dodson – Accounting and Finance Associate in Applied Science Degree
Grace-Anne Maria Ellington – Early Childhood Education Certificate
Victoria Marlene Neal Ellison – Computer Information Technology Small Business IT and Networking Certificate; and Computer Information Technology Certificate
Scott Wayne Fagge – Welding Technology Certificate
Eli Fleming – Associate in Arts Degree
Ashley Gantt – Business Administration Associate in Applied Science Degree
Triston Dakotah Hale – Business Administration Associate in Applied Science Degree
Tabatha G. Hall – Associate in Arts Degree
Addison Kyle Handy – Welding Technology Certificate
Grayson Hensley – Welding Technology Certificate
Tommy Jacob Kennedy – Electrical Systems Technology Mechatronics Certificate, and Industrial Systems Technology Troubleshooting Certificate
Tiffany Paine Kirkman – Cosmetology Certificate
Hannah Barnes LeSueur – Accounting Associate in Applied Science Degree, and Business Administration Associate in Applied Science Degree
Linda Marie Gonzalez Long – Associate Degree Nursing Associate in Applied Science Degree
Pedro Fernando Lopez-Isidro – Associate in Science Degree
Meara Ashley Maurer – Medical Office Administration Coding Associate in Applied Science Degree
Madison P. Mintz – Associate Degree Nursing Associate in Applied Science Degree
Savannah Marie Parker – Cosmetology Associate in Applied Science Degree
Joy Patterson – Associate in Arts Degree
Latoria L. Pettie – Respiratory Therapy Associate in Applied Science Degree
Brandi Rayshawn Pickard – Associate Degree Nursing Associate in Applied Science Degree
Heather Marie Pinnix – Associate Degree Nursing Associate in Applied Science Degree
Jenny Ore Rhew – Associate Degree Nursing Associate in Applied Science Degree
Hannah Renae Slaughter – Associate in Science Degree
Cole Swayne – Welding Technology Certificate
Danae Tucker – Business Administration Associate in Applied Science Degree
Vanessa Lizbeth Valdovinos – Associate Degree Nursing Associate in Applied Science
GIBSONVILLE
Cori Huffines Westmoreland – Respiratory Therapy Associate in Applied Science Degree
GREENSBORO
Hannah Gabrielle Akeefe – Medical Office Administration Medical Billing and Coding Associate in Applied Science Degree
Nikki T. Attaway – Associate in Arts Degree
Jesse Royal Davis Jr. – Associate in Arts Degree
Erica Wright – Associate in Science Degree
HENDERSON
Ian Vellenga – Brewing, Distillation and Fermentation Craft Brewing Certificate
HICKORY
Dominic Colosimo – Associate in Science Degree
Weston Kerley – Associate in Arts Degree
HIGH POINT
Ricardo David Garcia-Reyes – Respiratory Therapy Associate in Applied Science Degree
Keesha Larell Topping – Associate Degree Nursing Associate in Applied Science Degree
HINESVILLE, GA
Christian D. Ruff II – Associate in Arts Degree
KERNERSVILLE
Tristan Perez – Associate Degree Nursing Associate in Applied Science Degree
KING
Kyle Wayne Jenkins – Surgical Technology Associate in Applied Science Degree
MADISON
Jack Anthony Barnett – Associate in Science Degree
Logan Caroline Biggs – Accounting Associate in Applied Science Degree
Emily Brumagin – Associate in Arts Degree
Alan Bullins – Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology Diploma
Jenna Brooke Bullins – Associate Degree Nursing Associate in Applied Science Degree
Crosby K. Butler – Medical Office Administration Associate in Applied Science Degree
KaDedra Lanaye Dalton – Associate in Science Degree
Amanda Nychole Dickerson – Associate in Arts Degree
Wendy Murphy Dunnavant – Respiratory Therapy Associate in Applied Science Degree
Kaitlyn Elizabeth Ellis – Associate Degree Nursing Associate in Applied Science Degree
Tara R. Foust – Accounting Managerial/Small Business Accounting Certificate
Chanler Amos Hartley – Surgical Technology Associate in Applied Science Degree
William Erin Scott Heath – Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology Diploma
Lauren Taylor Irving – Associate in Science Degree
Elizabeth Gail Morris – Early Childhood Education Associate in Applied Science Degree
Johana Guadalupe Nunez Alvarez – Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts Degree
Katlynn Elizabeth Perkins – Associate Degree Nursing Associate in Applied Science Degree
Kaitlyn O’Neal Rutherford – Associate in Arts Degree
Rachel I. Tate – Associate Degree Nursing Associate in Applied Science Degree
Austin T. Tucker – Welding Technology Certificate
Marisa Jade Wilson – Business Administration Associate in Applied Science Degree
MARTINSVILLE, VA
Chandy Jo Haskins – Associate in Arts Degree
MAYODAN
Jessica Cano Castillon – Business Administration Associate in Applied Science Degree
Katrina L. McGuire – Criminal Justice Technology Associate in Applied Science Degree
Buddy D. Smith – Welding Technology Certificate
Anna Carlisle Tosto – Business Administration Associate in Applied Science Degree
Nichalos Glenn Wright – Electrical Systems Technology Robotics Certificate, and Electrical Systems Technology Industrial Wiring Certificate
McLEANSVILLE
Kaelyn Denae Thompson – Respiratory Therapy Associate in Applied Science Degree
OAK RIDGE
Jerri Fields Pegram – Associate Degree Nursing Associate in Applied Science Degree
PELHAM
Jarrett Barksdale – Electrical Systems Technology Associate in Applied Science Degree
PROVIDENCE
Michelle Lea Simpson – Respiratory Therapy Associate in Applied Science Degree
REIDSVILLE
Rhonda Foster Adams – Early Childhood Education Associate in Applied Science Degree
Anthony Craig Anders – Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology Diploma
Dana Kenae Ashe – Business Administration Associate in Applied Science Degree
Quinndell Blackwell – Associate in Arts Degree; and Associate in Science Degree
Miranda Brooke Bondurant – Surgical Technology Associate in Applied Science Degree
Valerie Dawn Brame – Respiratory Therapy Associate in Applied Science Degree
April Lee Bryant – Associate Degree Nursing Associate in Applied Science Degree
Brittany S. Chapmon – Medical Office Administration Diploma
Kyle David Chrisco – Business Administration Associate in Applied Science Degree
Jessica Freeman Crider – Business Administration Associate in Applied Science Degree, and Business Admin Management Applications and Principles Certificate
Teresa Ibeth Cruz – Medical Office Administration Coding Associate in Applied Science Degree
William M. Dickerson – Welding Technology Certificate
Ethan James Durham – Accounting Associate in Applied Science Degree
Maison Eckstrom – Associate in Arts Degree
Logan Paige Ellington – Medical Office Administration Medical Billing and Coding Associate in Applied Science Degree; Medical Office Administration Patient Service Representative Certificate; and Medical Office Administration Medical Billing and Coding Certificate
Jordan Gray Fagg – Associate in Arts Degree
Jennifer JoBeth Fuller – Associate Degree Nursing Associate in Applied Science Degree
Kayla Hacker – Respiratory Therapy Associate in Applied Science Degree
Mary Rebecca Hagwood – Associate in Arts Degree
Desire’ Victoria Hairston – Early Childhood Education Associate in Applied Science Degree
Claire Jones – Cosmetology Associate in Applied Science Degree
Jo Beth Jones – Medical Office Administration Coding Associate in Applied Science Degree, and Medical Office Administration Medical Office Billing and Coding Certificate
Brian Issac Land – Associate in Arts Degree
Damein Lee – Respiratory Therapy Associate in Applied Science Degree
Devin Ray Little – Welding Technology Certificate
Haylee Annette Little – Associate in Arts Degree, and Associate in Science Degree
Charles Randall Martin – Information Technology Associate in Applied Science Degree
Jonathon David McDonald – Criminal Justice Technology Associate in Applied Science Degree
Jacob Allen Moore – Associate in Science Degree
Jacob Martin Neal – Associate in Arts Degree
Pia Mariah Parris – Associate Degree Nursing Associate in Applied Science Degree
Ariel Pendleton – Medical Office Administration Patient Services Representative Associate in Applied Science Degree
Matthew Glen Petty – Criminal Justice Technology Associate in Applied Science Degree
Franklin M. Pleasant – Electrical Systems Technology Industrial Wiring Certificate
Vicky Priddy – Office Administration Associate in Applied Science Degree
Shonda Pulliam – Respiratory Therapy Associate in Applied Science Degree
Megan Witty Reaves – Associate Degree Nursing Associate in Applied Science Degree
Luz Jazmine Rodriguez – Accounting and Finance Associate in Applied Science Degree
Joseph Dale Ryan – Welding Technology Certificate
Amy Frances Stanley – Associate Degree Nursing Associate in Applied Science Degree
Elizabeth Dominique Stephens – Associate in Arts Degree
Sandy Strader – Associate Degree Nursing Associate in Applied Science Degree
Katherine Faith Swinson – Associate in Science Degree
Kelly Brook Tilley – Early Childhood Education Associate in Applied Science Degree
Caitlin Watlington – Associate Degree Nursing Associate in Applied Science Degree
Emalea Ann Wheeler – Surgical Technology Associate in Applied Science Degree
Keyanna Lasha Wimple – Associate in Arts Degree
RIDGEWAY, VA
Don Garland Hendrix – Respiratory Therapy Associate in Applied Science Degree
RUFFIN
Corey Delehanty – Associate in Science Degree
Kiersten Elizabeth Dery – Associate in Science Degree
Tina Keels – Medical Office Administration Coding Associate in Applied Science Degree
Rachel Kendrick – Associate in Science Degree
Kayla Miranda Motley – Associate Degree Nursing Associate in Applied Science Degree
Tongu M. Murphy – Welding Technology Certificate
Dustin Marvin Powell – Criminal Justice Technology Associate in Applied Science Degree
Rayford D. Sharpe – Welding Technology Certificate
STOKESDALE
Daniel Davis III – Information Technology Associate in Applied Science Degree
Philipp Tyler Nelson – Associate in Science Degree
STONEVILLE
Paul Dillan Fliehman – Criminal Justice Technology Associate in Applied Science Degree
Rodney Derek Gaffney – Associate in Arts Degree
Kevin Glasscock – Associate in Science Degree
Alana Eve Goin – Associate Degree Nursing Associate in Applied Science Degree
Alison Beth Pinnix – Information Technology Associate in Applied Science Degree
Tyler Jordan Sexton – Associate in Science Degree
Matthew Ryan Tredway – Computer-Integrated Machining Associate in Applied Science Degree
SUMMERFIELD
Erica Estella Locklear – Associate in Fine Arts Degree
Gavin Lee Taylor – Associate in Arts Degree
WALNUT COVE
Keylan Bleu Coe – Welding Technology Certificate
Crystal Ann Slate – Associate Degree Nursing Associate in Applied Science Degree
Chase Christian Tedder – Associate in Arts Degree, and Associate in Science Degree
WINSTON-SALEM
Jared Alan Owens – Welding Technology Certificate
YANCEYVILLE
Sarah Ivy Dudley – Cosmetology Associate in Applied Science Degree
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Gerri Hunt is director of public information at Rockingham Community College. She can be reached at huntg0780@rockinghamcc.edu or 336-342-4261 ext. 2170.
