Record breaking graduation, 385 receive degrees, diplomas at Robeson Community College

“This stage has never looked better graduates,” RCC President Melissa Singler proclaimed to the record-breaking number of graduates of Robeson Community College as she took to the podium to welcome everyone to the 2023 Commencement Ceremony. “As educators, these are the moments we live for…Commencement is a celebration of a milestone. It marks the moment you cross the line between student and alum, between one phase of your lives and the next.”

With the threat of rain, the two ceremonies were moved indoors, but even with a change of venue, the spirits of the graduates were high and filled with excitement – chants of praise, applause, and laughter could be heard well beyond the walls of the auditorium.

“Today, we gather to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our graduates and to recognize the hard work and dedication that brought them to this momentous occasion,” stated Interim Vice President Dr. LaRonda Lowery. “You have shown that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.”

President Singler encouraged graduates to let this day be the beginning of a new era in their lives, creating a wave of change that would make the world a better place.

“I encourage you to make sacrifices that will enable your community to grow and prosper and above all else make good decisions that have a positive impact on those you love and care for,” stated Singler. “While the credentials you will receive in a few minutes provide evidence of your achievements, going forward, it will be up to you to define how you use your expertise.”

“Congratulations graduates, and may all of you succeed on the journey ahead,” Singler said.

Dr. Danny Stedman, RCC Board of Trustees member and Executive Director of Communities in Schools of Robeson County, gave the invocation and prayed for the students as they transitioned into official graduates.

“Lord of exceeding joy, we thank you for bringing the graduates to this point in their lives and helping them to achieve this milestone, and now as they graduate, we commit all their dreams and hopes to you,” said Stedman. “We ask that you bless each of the graduates with much success in their future careers and future lives.”

Board Chair Shirley Stockton spoke to the graduates, extending congratulations and words of encouragement.

“As Chair of the Board of Trustees, it is my great honor to congratulate each of you on behalf of the entire Board on your achievements. We celebrate each of you upon accomplishing this major milestone. Your dedication, perseverance, and sacrifice have brought you to this momentous moment,” stated Stockton.

“Today, in our uncertain world, we take pride in your commitment to education and in your traveling the road ahead,” Stockton said. “We are thankful that you entrusted Robeson Community College as the institution to ensure your success. May God continue to bless your efforts as you strive toward your dreams and future goals. Remember that with God, no obstacle is too big, and no mountain is too high.”

Vice Chair, Kyle Chavis, also gave remarks.

“We celebrate this major milestone with each of you,” said Chavis. “Graduates you are now ready for the next phase of your life, whether that is furthering your education, entering the workforce, or continuing to pursue whatever dreams and goals you have.”

“To the 2023 graduating class of Robeson Community College, let me urge you to relentlessly chase perfection,” said Chavis. “And, by doing so, do not settle for anything less than excellence in your personal life, your professional career, and your educational pursuits.”

Cecilia Holden, President and CEO of myFutureNC served as the commencement speaker.

“This degree from Robeson Community College will literally change your life,” stated Holden. “You have earned something that no one and I repeat, no one, can ever take from you – your education. You have overcome obstacles through this pandemic to be here today and because of this, your graduating class is going to have more grit and resilience than any other class who has gone before you.”

Holden spoke on the shortage of skilled labor impacting the workforce of North Carolina.

“North Carolina has a skills gap crisis. I would even go so far as to call this a state of emergency around workforce talent,” said Holden. “You could not be graduating at a better time than now, because two-thirds of the businesses across the state need employees who have some level of education after high school.”

With only about half of North Carolinians having the level of education necessary to meet the needs of our employers, Holden shared how her organization was working to get more individuals credentialed and the goal set by the lawmakers in Raleigh.

“The goal is to have 2 million North Carolinians ages 25-44 with an industry-valued credential or a college degree by the year 2030,” Holden said. “This goal was put in place to make sure North Carolina remains economically competitive now and into the future, and that our citizens have an opportunity for upward mobility and prosperity.”

Holden told the graduates that getting a degree will help open more doors of opportunity.

“Workers with an associate degree, however, can expect to earn on average more than twice as much as someone with just a high school diploma,” said Holden. “The difference in your earning potential after graduating today can have a significant impact on the health and financial security for you and your family.”

“So, not only have you changed YOUR future, but you’ve also improved the future for generations to come,” Holden stated.

With a few words of advice, Holden charged the graduates to “pay it forward” and to take the gift of education they received and find one person to encourage, to reach out and help them find a way to go to college.

“Reach out to them. Help them dream it so they can be it,” said Holden. “And then – come alongside them until they are sitting in the seat you now occupy.”

With 2023 going down in history as one of the largest graduating classes, Robeson Community College, awarded 258 associate degrees, 48 diplomas, and 79 high school diplomas, for a total of 385 credentials conferred.

Of the 385 graduates, 191 earned an associate of applied science degree, 32 completed an associate of arts, 2 were candidates for the associate of general education, 33 received the associate in science degree, 48 were awarded a diploma in a curriculum program of study, and 79 students completed the requirements for a high school diploma through Career and College Readiness.

During the service, Carolyn Watson was recognized as the longest serving faculty member at Robeson Community College and had the honor of leading the procession of faculty. Also, nursing graduate Dulce Rocha was acknowledged as the recipient of the 2023 Academic Excellence Award. The presentation and posting of colors were done by Red Springs High School JROTC. Liliana Locklear, PSRC Early College student sang the national anthem followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by SGA President Accyonia Williams.

To view photos from the graduation celebrations held on May 10, 2023 at Robeson Community College, please visit https://www.robeson.edu/class-of-2023-commencement-photos-at-robeson-community-college.

2023 Robeson Community College graduates earning an associate degree or diploma