DCCC highlights student achievement, resilience during fifty-seventh annual commencement

Darrin Hartness at lecturn between American and North Carolina flags in graduation robes.

DCCC President Dr. Darrin Hartness addresses the virtual audience during the college’s fifty-seventh commencement ceremony. The ceremony included remarks from various speakers as well as a conferring of 1,591 graduates.

May 8, 2020 – In celebration and recognition of its class of 2020, Davidson County Community College hosted its fifty-seventh annual commencement ceremony virtually on May 8. The evening ceremony included various speakers and the conferring of student credentials.

The college’s class of 2020 was comprised of 1,591 graduates. The graduates collectively earned 673 associate degrees, 253 diplomas and 1,189 certificates.

DCCC Board of Trustees Chair Kevin Firquin began the ceremony with words of welcome to all those watching.

“Human history teaches us that in every challenging situation, there is always reason to have hope and to be optimistic about the future,” Firquin said. “Your graduation is evidence of this powerful truth.”

NC Community College System President Peter Hans joined the celebration via a video message to congratulate the graduates on their accomplishments and resilience in pursuit of their education.

DCCC President Dr. Darrin Hartness also addressed the virtual audience and emphasized the significance of the ceremony.

“I wish we could be together and share our excitement in person,” Hartness said. “However, make no mistake, today is a day we celebrate all you have accomplished and all that is before you. I choose to believe this moment is representative of the future, a bright future for all of us.”

During the ceremony, the college announced a number of special recognitions and student awards. The first awarded degree of the evening went to Terry Bralley, president of the Davie County Economic Development Commission. The DCCC Board of Trustees presented Bralley with an honorary degree for his pivotal role in the establishment of the Davie Campus. He is the tenth individual in the history of the college to receive this honor.

This year’s Academic Excellence Award, a state-level award that celebrates academic achievements of students in North Carolina Community Colleges, went to David Soltani. He received his Associate of Science degree.

Eight additional students received graduation scholarships for their academic and personal achievements while at DCCC. These scholarships are designed to support students upon completion of their degrees and in preparation for the next stages of their lives.

The ceremony reached its conclusion with words from Amber Sayles, DCCC 2020 graduate and Student Government Association president. She thanked leadership for providing resources and support, faculty and staff for their work and students for their resilience, courage and determination toward reaching their goals.

Sayles concluded the ceremony by inviting her fellow graduates to join her in a vocal declaration of their accomplishment.

“I am a graduate, class of 2020,” Sayles exclaimed proudly. “Today, I joined more than half a million DCCC alumni. I did it. Say it out loud, fellow graduates. Be proud and celebrate.”

To view the full virtual ceremony, as well as the presentation of graduates, digital commencement program and congratulatory message board, visit DavidsonCCC.edu/Grad.

About Davidson County Community College

Founded in 1963, Davidson County Community College is a fully accredited, multi-campus college where students of all ages and backgrounds pursue academic and career-focused education in order to build successful futures. As one of 58 institutions within the North Carolina Community College System, DCCC offers more than 40 degree and professional certificate programs to students in Davidson and Davie counties, as well as affordable college-credit coursework to students who plan to transfer to 4-year universities. With a mission to serve the changing needs of students competing in a global environment, DCCC is committed to quality education, innovative and equitable learning experiences, training, and support across a wide range of 21st-century career fields. Visit Davidson County Community College at DavidsonCCC.edu.

Media Contact

Jonathan Williams
Communications Specialist
Davidson County Community College
Office: 336-224-4510
Jonathan_Williams@davidsondavie.edu