Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

KANNAPOLIS — At Rowan-Cabarrus Community College’s annual Student Leadership Awards banquet, several students were recognized for outstanding achievements and later introduced to college trustees at their monthly board meeting.

“I am quite proud of these students for their dedication to the college and their fellow students,” said college President Carol S. Spalding.

Stacy Burgess received the Outstanding Community Service Award, given for exemplary community service, contributions to the quality of life in the community, and involvement with campus clubs and activities.

“Stacy is a recent graduate of our radiography program and has continued to be a high achiever in her club from the beginning of her involvement,” said Natasha Lipscomb, director of student life and leadership development. “She works hard to organize events, mentors freshmen and maintains a high GPA in this very selective and demanding academic program. One special project, Backpacks for Homeless Veterans, gained attention through the local newspapers and was a club project with enormous impact.”

Wilbert Torrence was awarded the Silver Leadership Award. The award recognizes commitment to academic excellence by maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. The student must be a first-year student with less than 30 credit hours completed and should be an active member of a campus organization.

“Wilbert has a passion for being involved and connected. Since the first day of classes, he jumped in and did not look back. He is quick to lend a hand and get involved,” said Lipscomb. “He has adopted the motto, ‘Where there is a way, there is a means.’ He has looked for ways for the club to collaborate both internally and externally and he uses his influence to encourage students and help them become involved on campus.”

Cynthia Rickman received the Golden Leadership Award, given for commitment to academic excellence by maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. The recipient must be an active member of an organization for more than two semesters. The recipient is recognized for having assisted the club adviser and club members in providing meaningful opportunities for the student body. The award recognizes good character in helping the club make good decisions.

“Cynthia has been a pillar for her club by participating in many programs, including breast cancer awareness, the homeless veterans’ project, STEM Open House, mentoring freshmen students in the radiography program, outreach to high school students and other college events,” said Janet Spriggs, chief operating officer for the college over the Division for Student Success and Service Excellence.

Anthony Martino, a member of Phi Theta Kappa, was awarded the Eddie H. Myers Leadership Award.

Myers was the past vice president of student sServices and adviser to the Student Government Association. He played a significant role in the success of student body initiatives. He helped organize student clubs on both state and local levels. The award is given in his honor to a student who demonstrates the leadership qualities of self-discipline, good citizenship, commitment to lifelong learning and the ability to overcome adversity. The student must have a 3.0 GPA or higher and contribute to the success of a club or organization on campus.

“Anthony is a student who continually demonstrates leadership qualities through his actions,” said Spriggs. “Anthony has a 4.0 GPA and has advocated for the Phi Theta Kappa chapter here at Rowan-Cabarrus by getting students connected, inspired and motivated. Anthony has helped his club grow by building a team with a ‘let’s get this done’ attitude. He is an award-winning member of his club and has been recognized for his commitment to the club’s annual service project. He personally solicited and delivered supplies valued over $500 to local animal rescue shelters.”

Bobby Ingram was awarded the Student Life Award, recognizing participating in student life, enthusiasm and a willingness to work hard.

“Bobby has used his opportunities to grow tremendously in his role over the last two years,” said Lipscomb. “He is quick to offer a helping hand and is an advocate for the student body in any way possible.”

At Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, students are encouraged to get involved in activities and organizations beyond the classroom that take their education to the next level, Spalding said.

“We believe that our ever-expanding set of extracurricular activities and communications creates a holistic student experience, developing well-rounded graduates,” said Spalding. “It’s all about developing leaders and helping them engage in their community.”

For more information about Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, visit www.rccc.edu/apply2017 or call 704-216-7222.