Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute honored 892 graduates during ceremonies held Friday, May 9 at the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center in Lenoir.
CCC&TI’s Board of Trustees Chairman Mr. Jerry Church opened the ceremonies by welcoming special guests, congratulating the graduates, and listing some of the Class of 2025’s accomplishments.
The Class of 2025 included:
• 307 first-generation college graduates
• Graduates ranging in age from 17 to 62, with the average age being 25
• 36 graduates who earned multiple credentials
• 19 Dream Scholars
• 64 TRIO/Student Support Services graduates
• 27 student athletes
• 63 individuals who earned their high school credential
• 271 adult learners and
• 11 graduates who are entering registered apprenticeships
CCC&TI Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees Mr. Dale Hamby presented this year’s Trustees’ Student Award of Merit to Associate Degree Nursing graduate Jason Johnson. Caldwell Early College High School graduate Sophia Banyai also earned the Trustees Award of Merit and was recognized during an earlier celebration for CECHS graduates. Recipients of the awards are selected based on faculty nominations for outstanding academic achievement, extracurricular activities and community service. Both recipients received plaques and a monetary award in recognition of their achievements.
Caldwell County native Nation Hahn delivered the keynote address to the Class of 2025. Hahn, a graduate of Hibriten High School, currently serves as Senior Advisor to John M. Belk Endowment. He is also co-founder of a statewide non-profit news organization, EdNC, where his work took him to each of the state’s 58 community colleges, as well as each of the 100 counties that make up North Carolina. Nation has served in a variety of leadership and board roles focused on education, housing and food insecurity. In his introduction, CCC&TI President Dr. Mark Poarch shared “Nation is a true champion of Caldwell County, CCC&TI, and all community colleges….Nation is always happy to discuss vinegar-based BBQ, the best biscuits, and his favorite small towns across the state….please welcome back my friend, Mr. Nation Hahn.”
In his address, Hahn reminded graduates that they do not necessarily have to leave the communities they call home to find opportunity and a better life. He encouraged students to look for opportunities to make life better where they are. “Growing up in Caldwell County, I heard the same message you probably did: to make something of yourself, you have to leave. Today, I’m here to tell you that message is wrong. Some of the most impactful leaders I know are transforming lives right here in rural North Carolina,” said Hahn.
Hahn also praised graduates for their resilience and fortitude in facing the challenges that the last few years have presented, globally, nationally and locally. “Class of 2025, you have certainly lived in interesting times. You’ve navigated a pandemic, watched a ground war break out in Europe, and experienced rapid shifts in technology, including the adoption of AI. And here in Western North Carolina, you lived through Hurricane Helene, when this college became not just a place of learning, but a community anchor…You have demonstrated a resilience that cannot be taught — and I can promise you that this will come in handy as you move through life.”
Hahn closed his comments by encouraging students to be champions for community colleges and the opportunities they provide throughout the state. “When people wonder if we should invest in our community colleges, speak up about how this education opened doors that otherwise would have remained closed,” he said. “As I close….my wish for all of you is that you continue to live in interesting times — not just as a bystander, but as someone who controls your own destiny. Because interesting times don’t just test us; they ultimately reveal who we are. The last few years didn’t just test you — they revealed your strength,” said Hahn. “Now go show the world what Caldwell Community College graduates are made of!”
In his charge to graduates, Poarch congratulated students on their accomplishments and reminded them that the day’s celebration was not only about their achievements and reaching this very important milestone in their lives but also a celebration of their resilience.
“If there is one word that captures the essence of the 2025 graduating class, it is definitely resilience. For these nearly 900 graduates, the diplomas they are receiving today are far more that a piece of paper…they are medals of honor. They should all be receiving honorary degrees in resilience,” said Poarch, referencing recent challenges brought about by the COVID pandemic and Hurricane Helene.
“You have been battle-tested, you have been stretched and subjected to countless challenges…and you have emerged stronger, more resilient, and full of resolve. You are ready to face any storm or hardship that this world can throw at you,” said Poarch. “So, class of 2025, the challenge is set…keep being awesome. Go forward with the same level of
courage, determination, and grit that got you through a global pandemic and a catastrophic hurricane and to this graduation stage. When the next storms come and the winds blow, stay strong and put your battle-tested, proven resiliency to work. Congratulations graduates and best of luck to all of you!”
Poarch closed the ceremonies by conferring to graduates the credentials they had earned and having them ceremoniously turn their tassels to indicate their official graduate status.
CCC&TI graduates Isiah Martinez and Hailey Bryant with their son Ezra.
CCC&TI Graduate Chanz Redick, right, receives his degree from President Dr. Mark Poarch