Deborah S. Hart Named 2014 Alumnus of Year
Morganton, NC – Each year, Western Piedmont Foundation recognizes an Alumnus who has given unselfishly of his or her time and talents to advance the mission and goals of Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC) and the local community.Deborah S. Hart, (center) recently received the College’s 2014 Alumnus of the Year award from Ron Martin, Trustee Chair (left) and Dr. Jim Burnett, President.
As a first-year WPCC student in 1975, Ms. Hart’s initial objective was to obtain an Associate in Arts degree. But as is often the case with college students, her evolving course schedule drew her into another direction: she enjoyed her science classes so much she began working part-time as a Lab Assistant.
Ultimately, Ms. Hart graduated from Western Piedmont in 1978 with Associate degrees in both Arts and Science. Following a few years of work in the banking and retail sectors, Ms. Hart moved to California where she worked as an Executive Assistant and was recognized on at least four occasions for her commitment and service to the organizations for which she worked. She also rose to positions of greater management responsibility.
In 1995, Ms. Hart became Director of Events at SEGA, a Japanese multinational video game developer, publisher, and hardware development company. While there, she managed more than 75 events annually and a staff of four, while also assisting in the development of the video industry’s largest annual private trade show in Los Angeles. She also coordinated the installation of and managed a 10,000 square foot interactive gaming experience at Disney’s EPCOT.
Ms. Hart took a big step forward in her career when she established “Criket Strong, Inc.” in 1996, a company specializing in event planning, trade shows, expositions and fairs. After 18 years of business, her organization has expanded through direct referrals in creating events for Super Bowl celebrations and the Atlanta Olympics along with countless fundraisers, charity functions, and video game industry promotions. For her quality work, Ms. Hart has received numerous awards and recognition from clients including Namco Bandai of America, SEGA of America, and Qbe (pronounced cube), the first generation in the design of any computer “tablet,” for excellence in booth designs and services.
Beyond her considerable professional accomplishments, the College’s Alumnus of the Year is also a member of the American Business Women’s Association and has given of her time to SPCA, Susan G. Komen, Hospice, the Arthritis Foundation, and Feed the Hungry among others.
Ms. Hart is grateful for the opportunity to learn as well as for the support and guidance she received while at Western Piedmont Community College.
“The College’s Western Piedmont Foundation is extremely important in aiding students to obtain the education that they may not otherwise afford,” she shared. “I personally benefitted from financial aid during my time at Western Piedmont, both from the government and through working as a Lab Assistant at the College. Without those, I very well may not have had the education nor the confidence to explore the world as I have done.”
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Western Piedmont Community College is situated in the picturesque rolling foothills of Morganton, North Carolina, and has served the citizens of Burke County since 1964. Each year, more than 10,700 students pursue personal enrichment, new skills for a job or career, high school diplomas, college degrees, and transfer pathways. Registration for Fall Semester is Thursday, Aug. 14. Apply online or visit the Western Piedmont campus to apply in person.