Find the full 2021 Commencement Ceremony here: https://youtu.be/lNpl0lzAmjo
To celebrate graduates this year, South Piedmont Community College held a drive-through graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 15, where 138 out of 271 graduates joined the parade of cars.
“Know thyself,” challenged Dr. Maria Pharr, president of South Piedmont. “Know your talents and extol them. Know your weaknesses and work to overcome them or avoid immersing yourself in situations that focus on them. Know your heart to discover your passion. And know your soul to refresh and renew your spirit. Choose the career you were called to pursue and never stop learning.”
Congratulations were given by Edmari Correia de Castro, student government association president, on how graduates overcame a challenging two years. She encouraged graduates to embrace the challenges and to keep moving forward.
Along with honoring graduates, each year South Piedmont honors an individual who has a positive impact on the college and community. This year, Representative Craig Horn was awarded the 2020 Honorary Degree by contributing his time and resources to many across our community and the state. Rep. Horn had a transformative impact on education across the spectrum. He also chaired and served on several committees which governed education appropriations, policy, oversight, and finance reform among many other accomplishments for education.
Rep. Horn upon accepting his honorary degree, told graduates to not let their education end here. “It’s during life-changing and life-challenging events that we form our own rules of life. Put your mark on whatever it is you do in life and be proud.”
In addition to Rep. Horn, South Piedmont also honored faculty and staff with annual excellence awards. This year’s Excellence in Teaching Award was presented to Jim McAlhaney for his dedication to students inside and outside of the classroom. Recently, McAlhaney completed his 38th full marathon raising $1000 for student scholarships.
The 2021 Staff of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Makena Stewart for her dedicated work in Student Affairs including establishing the Advising Center, Library Learning Commons, and International Education.
Written by Misty McMillan