Fayetteville Technical Community College graduates urged to continue learning
Fayetteville Technical Community College President Larry Keen encouraged the school’s graduates to continue learning as he presided over his final commencement May 13.
FTCC had so many graduates that it held two ceremonies that recognized nearly 1,900 graduates who received 3,650 certificates, diplomas or associate degrees, according to a statement released by the school.
“All of today’s graduates have earned distinction through their hard work and commitment to reaching their goals,” said Keen, who is retiring this year. “It takes all of us. You’ve got to learn more, and we’ve got to learn more. Let’s do it together, and we can all move forward.”
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Mike Nagowski, CEO of Cape Fear Valley Health, gave the keynote address during the morning commencement. Dr. Y. Sammy Choi, director of the Department of Research at Womack Army Medical Center, was the keynote speaker at the afternoon ceremony.
Nagowski spoke to graduates from five programs — Public Service, Engineering and Applied Technology, Allied Health Technologies, Nursing and Continuing Education. He talked about how the students persevered with their education during a pandemic, gaining tools that will serve them in future endeavors.
“Despite what was happening in the world, you adapted and overcame,” Nagowski said. “As with all situations, you get out of it what you put into it. It’s difficult when you’re going through it to know how it ends. When you come out on the other side, the experiences make you who you are and you’re stronger for it.”
Choi addressed graduates in the Arts and Humanities, Business, Math and Sciences, and Computer Information Technology programs. He recognized the community partnerships found at FTCC, including wellness projects with Cumberland County schools and military paramedic training he called the envy of Army bases across the country.
“Through these and other collaborations, I have learned firsthand of the incredible advantages of community colleges,” he said. “FTCC in particular has provided huge dividends for the region and state.”
Choi ended with a call for compassion.
“Forgive. Be kind. Be nice,” he said. “If we all do that, I promise, the world will change.”
Two students were presented with awards for academic achievement and community involvement. Kristen Woods received the N.C. Community College System Academic Excellence Award. Jenna Warnock received the Fayetteville Technical Community College President’s Award.
Local news editor Steve DeVane can be reached at sdevane@fayobserver.com.
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This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Fayetteville Technical Community College holds graduation on May 13
