Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) will present Larry Kluttz, fixed operations director for Hendrick Honda, with the 2016 Richard H. Hagemeyer Educational Advancement Award at its spring commencement ceremony, on May 12, at Bojangles' Coliseum. The award recognizes a former CPCC student who has benefited significantly from experiences at CPCC and whose efforts have helped the community.

Kluttz's fascination with automotive work began as a teen at Piedmont High School, in Monroe, N.C., when he enrolled in an automotive mechanics class during his senior year. It was there that his passion for all things with four wheels was born.

He graduated from high school in 1969 and immediately enrolled in CPCC's Automotive Technology program where he honed his skills in electrical/electronic systems, engine repair, manual drive trains, steering/suspensions and more. Upon graduating from the program in 1970, he found employment with Gowen Oldsmobile.

Kluttz worked at Gowen Oldsmobile for 24 years, holding multiple positions, ranging from service technician, machine shop operator and shop foreman to diesel fuel shop service manager and service director. He also completed the General Motors Service Managers training program during his time with the organization as well.
Today, Kluttz spends his days working for Hendrick Honda of South Boulevard in Charlotte, N.C., one of the top performing Honda dealerships in the country. As the company's fixed operations director, he not only works with Hendrick Automotive stores throughout the area, but is also responsible for preparing the annual operating budget; setting the goals and objectives for each department; working with department managers to improve the dealership's profitability and efficiency; hiring and training managers for the service, parts and body departments; and much more.

As a result of his exemplary performance in this role over the years, he has been selected to serve as a board member for the Honda Pact Program and as an advisory board member for Independence High School's automotive program and the CPCC Co-op Automotive Service Education Program for General Motors.

"Larry has significantly contributed to the success of CPCC's Transport Systems Technology programs," said Clark Correll, chair and instructor of CPCC's Transport Systems Technology Division and Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology programs. "Over the years, he has helped employ hundreds of CPCC graduates through many manufacturers within the Hendrick Automotive Group. It is this propensity to give back and impact the journey of so many CPCC students, that makes Larry the ideal candidate for the 2016 Hagemeyer Educational Advancement Award."udy that most closely reflects Kluttz's background.

The Hagemeyer Award takes its name from Dr. Richard H. Hagemeyer, CPCC president for 23 years, who led the college from its beginnings as a trade school with 1,200 students to one of the largest N.C. community colleges. Previous award winners include Elaine Lyerly, Gary Mims, Ronald Caldwell, Sheriff Jim Pendegraph, Dr. Margaret Stanley Hagan, Paul Griffin, James White, Joe Weatherford, Chief Luther Fincher, Dr. Kenny Welch, Frances Queen, Richard Zollinger, Stanley Law, Cindy Castano, Fabi Preslar, James Taylor Jr., James E. Rogers, David L. Howard, Alain S. Miatudila Sr., Paula Vincent and Joe Vagnone.

To learn more about the Richard H. Hagemeyer Educational Advancement Award and its requirements, please visit cpccfoundation.org/alumni/hagemeyer-award-honorees/.