May 25, 2025 – Davidson-Davie Community College continues to grow with each passing year, and this academic year is no exception. The college celebrated the accomplishments of 1,320 graduates during today’s commencement ceremony. All told, the college awarded 1,962 credentials – including 707 associate degrees, 212 diplomas and 1,042 certificate and pathway completions.
Jenny Varner, president of the college, asked graduates to encourage others to attend college. “Do me a favor and tell them what you have accomplished – what all 1,320 of you have accomplished. And encourage them to cross this stage, too,” she noted.
In her commencement address, Varner added that the hard work of these students does not go unnoticed, noting that people in the community often cheer when she tells them about the graduating class. “Everyone in that room – even without knowing you personally – knew how much you had accomplished and what it meant for you to be crossing this stage today. … I’m going to promise you something that I want you to remember – you might be crossing this stage to a new future, but just remember that you will always have a home here, and will always be part of the Davidson-Davie family.”
Following the conferral of degrees, Magali Del Carmen Martinez-Cruz, Student Government Association president, reiterated Varner’s message of looking toward the future, inspiring students to not fear what the future holds – citing her own personal experience of anxiety, fear and worry of the unknown. But in the end, she made the decision to take control and not let those fears define who she wants to be.
“We often believe that it’s the big decisions, dramatic leaps and bold announcements that shape our future. But in reality, it is the small acts of change that quietly mold who we are and who we become,” Martinez-Cruz said. “Had I not joined Student Government, I would not have met some of the most driven and intelligent people I now call friends. I wouldn’t have attended leadership conferences where I got to speak with like-minded individuals and collaborate.”
Martinez-Cruz, who will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill this fall, added it’s often the decisions we fear the most that define us.
“Whatever your next steps may be, I hope you create a place for yourself wherever you go. … Whether your next move is big or small, own it,” Martinez-Cruz noted. “Don’t let anyone dim your light because now more than ever, the world needs you. Looking out into this crowd, I see future lawyers, paralegals, nurses, educators, doctors, techs, welders, artists, creators, and students who dream big. Your journey matters. You matter.”
Davidson-Davie Community College (www.DavidsonDavie.edu), which incorporated Davie County into its name in 2021, 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, Davidson-Davie offers more than 40 degree and professional certificate programs, as well as affordable college-credit coursework to students who plan to transfer to four-year schools. With a mission to serve the changing needs of students competing in a global environment, Davidson-Davie is committed to quality education, innovative and equitable learning experiences, training, and support across a wide range of 21st-century career fields.
For more information:
Jared Bowman
Associate Vice President, Marketing & Communications
336.224.4664
Jared_Bowman@DavidsonDavie.edu