THE RED HAWK WALK

Remember, you may fly to bigger things, but you’ll always be a part of CVCC.

Spring is always a beautiful season in North Carolina—and it’s even more exciting if you’re a college graduate.

Every year, the Commencement Ceremony is a great reminder of what is possible when we set our sights on great things. Graduation is a time to celebrate the CVCC spirit.

And while the sun rose on May 12th 2023, the Valley glowed Red Hawk Red. More than 800 CVCC graduates received an associate degree, a diploma, or an adult secondary credential during the 2022-2023 school year. Though not everyone could make it to the ceremony, we were pleased to have over 500 students join us in-person at the May 12th Commencement. Graduates were invited to bring friends and family, “walkthrough” the Tarlton Complex, shake hands with President Garrett Hinshaw, receive their college degrees, and take photographs of their memorable graduation day.

Dr. Hinshaw addressed each graduate with an inspirational message. “Dear graduate,” said the CVCC President, “today is a very special day for you, your family, your friends, and our college, as we celebrate the accomplishment of a goal realized.”

He emphasized that earning a college degree takes hard work, commitment, passion, and perseverance—and that their dedication to excellence does not stop here.

“Today is also the beginning of the rest of your life,” Dr. Hinshaw continued. “I have often read that success is a journey, not a destination. So, as your journey continues, reflect on the lessons that you have learned, the challenges that you have overcome, and the confidence that you now have as a graduate of Catawba Valley Community College.”

CVCC welcomed many different types of graduates across the stage, from students who completed Early College programs to second-time students who graduated with a new degree.

There were even staff graduates like Steven Rhodarmer, CVCC’s Director of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Management Continuing Education. With the support of his family and coworkers, Steven worked hard to complete the AAS degree in Public Safety Administration, with a concentration in Emergency & Fire Management Services. With his prior educational credits, Steven was able to work a full-time position while completing the AAS program in four semesters. As he walked across the stage, it was evident that everyone around him was proud of his accomplishment.

Additionally, college employees welcomed their own children across the stage.

Dr. Jonathan Loss, Dean of Enrollment Management, had the opportunity to present his daughter with her AAS degree. Mark Sigmon, CVCC’s Department Head of Welding Technology, also stood on stage to give his son Marcus his AAS degree. “It makes

[graduating] a lot more special,” Marcus Sigmon said. “He’s the one who really put me on this path and pushed me to do my best. I wouldn’t have any of this if it weren’t for him.” Marcus has his sights set on the CVCC Engineering Program, remaining close to the family legacy.

Other graduates included Ashley HernandezMartinez, an Associate in Arts recipient gearing up to attend Cornell University. “It is exciting, and a bit scary,” Ashley stated. “I’m going to study Communications [at Cornell] and possibly minor in business.” She continued to explain that the entire family moved to the United States from their home country so that Ashley could go above and beyond to reach her dreams.

Some graduates received award recognition, like 2023 President’s Award recipient Bradley Jamison. Along with this award, Jamison was a finalist for the Governor Robert W. Scott Leadership Award through the North Carolina Community College System. He received three degrees during this year’s ceremony, including an Associate in Arts, an Associate in Business Administration and an Associate in General Education.

“CVCC has helped me achieve goals beyond my imagination,” Jamison said. “It was a lot of hard work and late nights, but that hard work paid off today. This is the most accomplished I’ve felt in my whole life. This moment paves the way for the rest of my future.”

We hope every student feels this way about their experience at CVCC. Remember: Whether you stay here or move far away after your degree, you will always be an important part of Red Hawk Nation.