RCCC reschedules commencement for December

SALISBURY – More than 650 graduates will receive associate degrees, diplomas and certifications at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College this spring, a demonstration of the resilience and perseverance of the Class of 2020, despite the challenges from COVID-19.

“Having such a large number of graduates is a wonderful testament to our belief that the power of education truly does change lives,” Carl Short, Chair of the College’s Board of Trustees said. “I applaud their accomplishments, hard work and resiliency amid the challenges students, faculty and staff faced in the midst of COVID-19.”

RCCC has rescheduled its spring commencement ceremonies to Friday, December 18, 2020, at the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center. The commencement, originally scheduled for May 15, was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are extremely proud of our graduates and all that they have accomplished,” said Cyndie Mynatt, Vice-Chair of the College’s Board of Trustees. “Commencement is a wonderful milestone, and we want to celebrate and honor our graduates with their friends and family in attendance.”

The College was faced with the decision of whether to hold virtual commencement ceremonies in May or postpone the date to a later, in-person commencement.  RCCC surveyed students, faculty and staff to determine an option that would be most meaningful to graduates and their families. The majority of respondents chose an in-person ceremony at a later date.

“It is a point of pride for me that they chose Rowan-Cabarrus for their educational journey, and I wish each and every graduate the very best for a bright and fulfilling future,” RCCC President Carol Spalding said.

Two ceremonies will be held in December for students to receive degrees, diplomas and certificates: a morning ceremony for college transfer graduates, and an afternoon ceremony for graduates of technical programs and high school equivalency.

Livingstone to host virtual Open House today

SALISBURY – Livingstone College will host a virtual open house today via its official YouTube page. The college’s spring open house in April was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The virtual open House is from 1 to 3 p.m.  and will feature opening remarks by President Jimmy R. Jenkins, as well as information from financial aid, residence life, student activities, health services, athletics, band and Summer Bridge Program representatives.

The speakers will accept questions via YouTube’s chat on the day of the event, or students and parents can submit questions in advance by emailing them to admissions@livingstone.edu.

While the on-campus open house affords students an up close and personal experience of Livingstone College, this
abbreviated virtual event is designed to offer a snapshot of campus life, provide important information regarding the fall
semester, and answer parents and students’ questions, said Dr. Tony Baldwin, enrollment manager and associate vice
president for the operations of student affairs.

“Our Office of Communications has created an immersive virtual tour for students and parents that allows them to feel as
if they are on campus in lieu of onsite visits,” Enrollment Manager and Associate Vice President for the Operations of Student Affairs Tony Baldwin said.

“We have to adapt to the times and today, virtual meetings and tours are the safest way to conduct business due to social distance practices.”

No registration is required for the Open House. Students and parents can simply tune in at 1 p.m. May 21 on Livingstone’s official YouTube page found here: Livingstone College YouTube.