Pinning and Commencement Ceremonies Celebrate WPCC’s 2024 Graduates
“Graduation is an exciting time because we get to fulfill our mission to unite with all people in our community to identify and achieve their goals,” WPCC President Dr. Joel Welch said. “Students achieving their goals and going on to even greater success beyond WPCC is what we are all about. Congratulations to the Class of 2024. We are proud of you!”
Commencement Ceremonies
● May 6th, WPCC will hold a pinning ceremony for Medical Assisting students at 5:30 pm in WPCC’s Leviton Auditorium.
● May 7th, WPCC will hold a pinning ceremony for Nursing students at 7:00 pm at First Baptist Church.
● May 8th, WPCC will hold its final pinning ceremony for Medical Laboratory Technology students at 5:30 pm at WPCC’s Leviton Auditorium.
● On May 10th, WPCC will hold two graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2024 at 4:00 pm and 7:30 pm at Comma Auditorium in Morganton, NC.
● On June 20th, WPCC will hold its graduation ceremony for the Basic Law Enforcement Training class at 5:30 pm at WPCC’s Leviton Auditorium.
WPCC 2024 Graduate Highlights
● After working as a landscaper and groundskeeper for the City of Hickory for over 19 years, Trish Passman at the age of 58, went back to school for a new career. Now, with her Medical Laboratory Technology degree, Trish will work as a scientist while tackling her next goal, her bachelor’s degree.
● Christina Fulp is completing her Associate in Arts with a 4.0 and has been accepted to UNC-Chapel Hill. Christina also served on WPCC’s Quality Enhancement Plan Steering Committee as a student representative, worked as a biology and math tutor in the Academic Success Center, and helped support a student being served by the Disability Services team.
● Luz Hernandez-Hernandez is a first-generation college student, who faced unique challenges, but her determination and perseverance brought her to the momentous achievement of graduating from WPCC. She has a passion for helping others and will continue to inspire those around her when she continues to a 4-year university for elementary education.
● After completing a recreational therapy internship at UNC Blue Ridge, Hans Bryant will graduate in May 2024 with an Associate in Applied Science – Recreational Therapy Assistant. Hans has completed his degree while balancing full-time employment, parenting, and community volunteering. Hans is pursuing Recreational Therapy licensure and full-time employment.
● A 2021 graduate of Appalachian State University in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Kendrew Vang decided to pursue a Medical Lab Technology as a foundation for his next educational endeavor. Kendrew’s next steps will be to work at Iredell Health System while waiting to enter the Lenoir Rhyne School for Physician’s Assistants
● Kathy Alanis’s journey through cosmetology school was a beautiful and challenging experience. She acquired a new skill set in nails, hair, makeup, and facials while learning the art of self-expression and confidence-building. Each day presented fresh challenges and chances for development, from mastering techniques to understanding the science behind beauty. Kathy will graduate this spring with an Associate in Applied Science in Cosmetology.