LCC Holds 61st Commencement
It was a night to remember for the nearly 250 graduates who walked across the stage at Lenoir Community College to receive degrees in the College’s 61st Annual Commencement in the Student Center.
“Congratulations, Class of 2023! This is a special night, a night for you to reflect on all that you have accomplished, a night to be thankful for those who have supported you along the way, said LCC President Dr. Rusty Hunt. “This is your moment. Enjoy it as we celebrate with each of you, and we look forward to the next chapters in your life.”
“You have persevered and have emerged from our program of study much better prepared to achieve your life’s goals and reach your dreams,” he said. “We are excited to have been a part of your educational journey and we stand ready to assist you in your future educational goals. Graduates, take time to enjoy tonight. This is an exciting time and you have earned this moment. Congratulations!”
Student speaker Alyiah Shackleford, President of the Student Government Association, encouraged the Class of 2023 to continue to pursue its dreams. “You deserve to be here, and you should feel proud of everything you accomplished here at LCC, even if it was just coming on campus for 50 minutes for a class and then going straight home,” she said.
“We all have different stories and plans; however, we all can say it took hard work and dedication to make it here tonight. Do not let challenges and barriers scare you away from doing what you are passionate about in life. It may be difficult now, but I guarantee that you can get through because you can, and you will. It’s been an honor attending LCC as a student and I don’t know about you fellow graduates but for me I will truly miss being a Lancer. Congratulations Class of 2023 may your future endeavors bring you prosperity.”
Dr. Deborah Grimes, retired Senior Vice President of Instruction & Student Services/SACSCOC Liaison at LCC, was the guest speaker for the evening. She added her congratulations to the Class of 2023 and reminded the graduates that tonight “is not the end of your journey. In fact, it’s just the opposite. It’s your beginning.”
“To the moms and dads, the brothers and sisters, the wives and husbands, the significant others, the grandparents, the aunts and uncles, the nieces and nephews, and the friends, take a bow, you’ve earned it,” she said. “Your love and support helped our graduates to get to this point.”
Dr. Grimes asked the graduates how many of them have a plan for their next steps. “You may be planning to go to work, you may be furthering your education, or you may be going into the military. Whatever your plan is, I encourage you to work your plan,” she said. Whether you know it or not, each of you could give the commencement speech tonight. Each of you has a story to tell.”
She asked five selected graduates to stand a read a quote as part of her commencement address and then she reminded the Class of 2023, “This is not your end. This is your beginning. Plan carefully and work your plan.”
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