College News

SANFORD – Phyllis Isenhour had one word to describernreceiving her Nursing Assistant I certificate: “Wonderful!”

Isenhour and other Central Carolina Community College ContinuingrnEducation medical programs graduates were presented their certificates duringrnthe Medical Programs Graduation May 25 at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center.

For Isenhour, it’s been a long time coming.

“I worked in social services for 31 years, but I alwaysrnwanted to be a nurse,” said Isenhour, who is 70. Retirement gave her thernopportunity to pursue her dream at CCCC and a second career in a field shernloves.

Sharon Cambpell, of Bunnlevel, received her OptometricrnTechnician certificate at the graduation. She has already received four jobrnoffers.

“It feels good to have something under my belt,” she said ofrnher training.

A total of 112 diplomas and certificates were earned duringrnthe spring semester. Some students earned multiple certificates. Sixty-fiverntook part in the graduation ceremony.

Alice Gilchrist, dean of Continuing Education, gave therngraduation address. The graduation was both a happy and a poignant occasion forrnher because, after 20 years at CCCC, she was retiring the next day.

“I can think of no better way to spend the night before myrnretirement,” she said. “I believe in the community college system with my wholernheart; I believe we do an excellent job.”

Then she told the graduates, “This is your night. You havernmade such a wonderful decision. I know you will have success. You have the lookrnof success, the look of people who’ve accomplished something. No one can takernthat from you.”

She challenged the graduates to remember that they hadrnchosen careers that would make critical differences in the lives of thernpatients they served.

“You have the power to uplift,” she said, “the power ofrncompassion, the power of the human touch. I challenge you to remember howrnimportant that is.”

Following the recessional, the Civic Center lobby quicklyrnfilled with family and friends gathering around the graduates withrncongratulations. Patricia Treminio, of Sanford, got hugs from her husband, JosérnMejia, and children, Kayle and Emmie. Patricia received her Nursing AssistantrnII certificate.

“It was a struggle,” she said, then added with a big smile,rn“but it feels great!”