ECC Awards 443 Credentials to Class of 2024
MC Belk Pilon, president and board chair of the John M. Belk Endowment, gave the keynote address during Commencement exercises held May 10 at Edgecombe Community College.
MC Belk Pilon, president and board chair of the John M. Belk Endowment, told Edgecombe Community College graduates to “keep pounding” during Commencement exercises at ECC.
Crystal Gray was honored as the 2024 Dallas Herring Achievement Award nominee from ECC.
Pilon gave the keynote address during the ceremony held May 10 in Keihin Auditorium. She and her team at the Belk Endowment are committed to increasing access to and completion of postsecondary education in order to give all North Carolinians the chance at long-term, family-sustaining careers.
ECC’s Class of 2024 comprises 365 students who received 443 degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Thirty-six of these students were recognized for completing Adult High School Equivalency and Adult High School diplomas.
Pilon said in her keynote address, “As you stand on the precipice of the future, I encourage you to embrace the challenges and opportunities that come your way with the same determination and resilience you’ve shown during your time here.
“For those of you who are Carolina Panthers fans like me, you know that our traditional chant is ‘Keep Pounding,’ which is led by the team at the start of each home game. The chant originated in 2004 when the late, great Panthers player and coach Sam Mills gave a pregame speech to the team about commitment, dedication, and effort.”
She continued, “So, as you face this next chapter in your lives . . . I say to you, Keep Pounding! You are strong, you are smart, and you are prepared.”
Camden Johnson was recognized as the North Carolina Community College Academic Excellence Award recipient from the college.
Pilon advised graduates to be lifelong learners. “In the journey ahead, I urge you to remain lifelong learners. The landscape of our world is constantly changing, and continuous learning is the key to adapting and thriving. Whether through formal education, professional experiences, or personal explorations, every experience is an opportunity to grow and learn.”
Graduate Crystal Gray was honored as the 2024 Dallas Herring Achievement Award nominee from ECC. A non-traditional student in her late 40s and a single mother with a full-time job, she excelled in the surgical technology program and was one of four students nationwide selected last summer for a surgical technology internship at the prestigious Mayo Clinic.
She received an associate degree in surgical technology and is now working in the neurosurgery department at the Mayo Clinic. She also has begun online classes for a bachelor’s in health science degree.
Camden Johnson was recognized as the North Carolina Community College Academic Excellence Award recipient from ECC. A member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, he has participated in Adopt-A-Highway cleanups and other chapter events.
Johnson received an associate in arts degree. He plans to transfer to UNC-Chapel Hill in 2025.
Tiffiny Wolf was honored as the Governor Robert W. Scott Student Leadership Award nominee from ECC.
Tiffiny Wolf was honored as the Governor Robert W. Scott Student Leadership Award nominee from the college. At ECC, she has been an active member of the Phi Theta Kappa student honor society. Among other contributions, this year she chaired a committee that developed a memory card game for people affected by dementia to encourage communication between caregivers and individuals with dementia.
Also participating in the graduation were ECC trustees Jerry Spruell and June Cherry, and college leaders Dr. Greg McLeod, Samanthia Phillips, Dr. Bruce Panneton, Christine Nicodemus, Michael Starling, Nacole Everette, and Dr. LaShawnda Washington.