Davidson County Community College

THOMASVILLE — Preparations are underway at Davidson County Community College for its 55th commencement on Saturday, May 12. The 2018 graduating class will be awarded 1,563 credentials, with 610 associate degrees, 181 diplomas and 772 certificates.

 “I’m excited to share graduation with my friends. We’ve all worked so hard, so it’s rewarding to be able to share the stage with them,” DCCC grad Terran Tysor said. “I’m equally excited to share my big day with my family. They’ve offered me their support and encouragement since day one, so I’m happy for them to see my hard work finally paying off.”

Tysor has received an offer with Moses Cone Hospital as a medical laboratory technician following her graduation.

Commencement offers time for reflection and celebration of students’ successes as they move into new chapters in their lives. With this in mind, DCCC alumnus Kevan Chandler will be the guest speaker during the event.

Chandler is a 2004 North Davidson High School graduate. He then attended Davidson County Community College from 2006 to 2007, and went on to earn his bachelor of arts degree in counseling from John Wesley University in 2010. The youngest of three, Kevan was the second in his family to be diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

Deciding to help others overcome barriers was something he sought out as a life goal, as his degree in counseling has allowed him opportunities to work in prison ministries and drug rehabilitation centers around the southeast United States, as well as recently speaking nationwide.

An avid storyteller, he is the author of five books, including “The View From Here,” a memoir of the “We Carry Kevan” team’s adventure across Europe during the summer of 2016. Kevan is also the founder of We Carry Kevan, Inc., a nonprofit striving to redefine accessibility as a cooperative effort.

The occasion will celebrate the achievements of the DCCC family this year, as the 2018 commencement ceremony also marks Dr. Mary Rittling’s final year as college president.

“Commencement is one of my favorite events of the year,” Rittling said. “Seeing students’ excitement as they achieve this milestone is always rewarding and humbling.”

The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. in front of the Mendenhall Building.