On Dec. 16, Central Piedmont Community College awarded degrees, diplomas, and credentials to 1,711 students, celebrating their accomplishments and the promise of their future. 

With over 200 more graduates than the Dec. 2024 class, the Dec. 2025 class represents a 15% increase in graduates and reinforces Central Piedmont's historic growth. The group had a collective 3.34 GPA, showcasing the strength of their academic journeys.  

The college has invested in holistic support systems to help students complete their educational pathways from financial assistance, individual academic advising, and access to a professional clothing closet. Additionally, the college's Wellness Center offers wrap-around services, such as counseling and connections to local food banks.  

Community and donor support played a large role in the success of the graduates, with nearly 300 students benefiting from almost $1 million in scholarship support from the Central Piedmont Community College Foundation. 

Kristen Alvarado Sorto, who received her associate degree in cosmetology, served as the graduation speaker. She highlighted the resilience of her journey as she balanced a full-time job with the pursuit of her degree. 

"Central Piedmont has been a life-changing opportunity, not just through education, but through growth, community, and purpose," Alvarado Sorto said. "This moment is only the beginning of what each of us can achieve. As we move forward, remember this one powerful truth: We are the generation rewriting our stories -- one degree, one dream, and one victory at a time." 

Central Piedmont President Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer praised the graduates for their perseverance and potential. 

"These graduates are the future leaders, innovators, and professionals who will make a significant difference in the world," Deitemeyer said. "They didn't just earn credentials, but discovered their capacity to solve problems, lift up their families, and strengthen their future." 

The class of 2025 includes nearly 275 graduates entering career fields such as healthcare, information technology, skilled trades, and transportation, roles that are essential to keeping the community healthy, connected, and thriving. 

"Through hands-on learning, they uncovered their potential and defined their purpose," Deitemeyer said. "As they step forward -- in hospitals, tech firms, construction sites, and more -- they will shape stronger communities and create lasting impact across the region." 

Central Piedmont also highlighted several graduates whose journeys reflect courage, adaptability, and purpose: 

• Mariame Boujlil After years of caregiving and work, Boujlil graduates at age 61 with a Human Services degree, showing that dreams never expire -- they wait for courage. 
• Earl Patterson III Once doubtful about college due to a learning disability, Patterson III found his path in Simulation and Game Development, proving perseverance pays off. 
• ​​​​​​​Carla Strickland After starting as a dually enrolled student with plans for accounting, Strickland discovered a passion for welding and thrived in a field where few women are represented.

 Central Piedmont Community College and Western Governors University have extended their partnership agreement, guaranteeing a path for Central Piedmont students to pursue bachelor's degrees at one of the nation's leading online universities.

The transfer pathway is open to students who have graduated with an associate degree from Central Piedmont, and students and employees are eligible to apply for the WGU Community College Partner Scholarship, which is valued at up to $3,500. 

Since the partnership began in 2020, over 350 Central Piedmont students have continued their education at WGU, increasing from 21 students during the first year of the partnership to more than 100 each of the past two academic years.  

Top fields of study pursued by students include:  

• Information technology and software engineering  
• Business, accounting, and finance  
• Public health and nursing  

"This extension builds on Central Piedmont's long-standing focus of helping students move forward with confidence toward their academic and career goals," said Dr. Heather Hill, provost of Central Piedmont. "Together with Western Governors University, we're driving innovation in higher education creating programs that match real workforce needs, making it easier for students to keep the credits they've earned, and helping them finish their degrees faster."

"The Greater Charlotte region has seen tremendous growth in employment in the past few years, and Central Piedmont plays a critical role in preparing the local workforce for success," said Ben Coulter, Ed.D., chancellor for WGU in North Carolina. "This renewed transfer agreement will help graduates continue their educational pursuits online while juggling work and family obligations."  

Central Piedmont remains committed to transfer success, offering 18 guaranteed admission programs with colleges and universities across the Carolinas, along with agreements with four online or out-of-state institutions to give students flexible, affordable pathways to a bachelor's degree. 

WGU offers more than 120 fully accredited online bachelor's, master's and professional certificate programs spanning business, technology, healthcare, and K-12 education. Its flexible, competency-based model allows students to work at their own pace with support from program mentors, and tuition for bachelor's degrees is priced at approximately $4,000 per six-month term. Students may complete as many courses as they choose within a term, creating a path to faster degree completion and workforce entry. WGU has more than 10,000 graduates across North Carolina.