SPCC holds 2012 graduations

South Piedmont Community College completed its academic year Friday with two separate graduation ceremonies at the Union County Agricultural Services and Conference Center. SPCC President Stan Sidor presided over both for the first time since his tenure began last July.

A total of 206 of 408 candidates for a degree, diploma or certificate signed up to cross the stage during the evening commencement.

Honorary Associate in Arts degrees were presented to retiring state senator Bill Purcell and former state representative Pryor Gibson, currently senior advisor to Gov. Beverly Perdue. Purcell, who represents the 25th District that includes Anson, Richmond, Scotland and Stanly counties, has been a state senator since July 1997. Gibson served eight terms in the N.C. House before taking his current job in 2011. Both have been great benefactors of SPCC while serving in the General Assembly.

Medical Assisting Instructor Lori Starnes was awarded the 2012 Faculty of the Year award. Other finalists were Early Childhood Education Instructor Sharon Little and Criminal Justice Technology Instructor Miriam Sallee. Deidre Hatcher, a Criminal Justice Technology instructor, was named Adjunct Faculty of the Year.

Graduates Daniel E. Pruss (Electrical/Electronics Technology degree), Rene Owens (Entrepreneurship degree) and Nicholas R. Horne (Associate in Science degree) addressed their classmates, focusing on the challenges and the humorous times of their SPCC years, as well as their hopes for the future.

Earlier in the day, ceremonies were held to honor 391 General Educational Development (GED) and 15 Adult High School graduates. Speakers were GED graduates Megan Labozetta and Jennifer Faulk. Brian Wells, a GED graduate from last year, was honored for having the top GED score in the state.

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Media inquiries: Rosemary Britt, 704-272-5342, rbritt@spcc.edu