Nash Community College Alumni News - May 2019 
2019 Outstanding Alumnus Named

Donna Reams

Donna H. Reams of Nashville, NC was recognized as the 2019 Outstanding Alumni Award recipient at the Curriculum Graduation ceremony Friday, May 17, 2019. The annual award honors a graduate or student who is making outstanding contributions in their chosen profession and service to their community.

Donna Reams enrolled at Nash Community College in 1995 in the Physical Therapist Assistant program. A Dean's List student, she was a member of Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society, secretary of the Physical Therapist Assistant Student Organization, was inducted into Who's Who among Community College Students, and served as a tutor. Donna graduated from Nash Community College with an Associate in Applied Science degree in 1997, with honors.

Donna's 22 years of clinical experience and dedication have been devoted to teaching best practices to countless Physical Therapist Assistant students. Her work ethic, strong interpersonal skills, and leadership qualities have helped her excel in her career.
"Donna is a most deserving recipient of the Outstanding Alumnus Award," NCC Vice President for Instruction and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Tammie Clark said. "In addition to the professional advancement she has realized at Nash-UNC Health Care Systems, Donna has provided thousands of hours of valuable service to the NCC Physical Therapist Assistant program as a clinical instructor since graduating over 20 years ago. Considering the countless patients and students Donna has affected, her impact on the Rocky Mount community has been substantial."

Donna Reams is actively involved in her church and community, supporting causes such as the United Way, Adopt a Family and Relay for Life. Congratulations Donna!


Nash Honors Graduates

Nash Community College celebrated curriculum commencement Friday, May 17, 2019, recognizing 555 students for completion of 680 degrees, diplomas, and certificates at the College's 51st annual graduation ceremony.

North Carolina Senator Rick Horner delivered the keynote address at the ceremony held in Brown Auditorium. NCC President, Dr. Bill Carver gave each graduate a two-dollar bill as they walked across the stage. "Hopefully, this will be the first $2.00 of the fortune you will make after leaving here to make your way in the world," he said. Carver also announced the planting of three trees in honor of the Class of 2019. "You are the year of the peach. Mark your calendars for five years, maybe four," he said, "when these trees mature and we will sneak a few."
Nurses Pinning

The Nash Community College Associate Degree Nursing pinning ceremony was held Thursday, May 16 in Brown Auditorium. The time-honored tradition connects past nursing traditions with today's healthcare professionals. The College recognized 31 nursing graduates.

"This ceremony is always very moving and symbolic," NCC President Dr. Bill Carver said. "We see the symbols before us here, the lamps. I am proud that Nash Community College has kept this tradition alive."
High School Equivalency Grads

Nash Community College celebrated the accomplishment of 80 high school equivalency graduates at a commencement ceremony held Thursday, May 16 in Brown Auditorium. The High School Equivalency program is offered on campus and online at no charge. Students learn language arts, mathematics, science and social studies at their own pace and test every 60 hours to determine progress. Following successful completion, students earn a high school equivalency credential.
Electric Line Construction Graduation and Signing Event
 
Nash Community College celebrated its Electric Line Construction Technology program third class certificate graduates on Thursday, May 9, 2019, with a pole climbing rodeo, graduation ceremony and signing event. Nash Community College's Electric Line Construction curriculum prepares students for line construction in rural and utility settings through laboratory and practical applications. NCC students master competencies including elements of electricity, overhead pole and electrical line construction, safety codes and applications, electric power system, transformer installations, and more. An emphasis on safety is embedded in Nash Community College's program as students earn OSHA, CDL and CPR certifications during training.

During the career signing event, graduates made commitments to begin their careers with electric line and utility employers including PWC-Fayetteville, Pike, Four County Electric Membership Corp., Forbes Brothers Timberline, Edgecombe/Martin Electric Membership Corp., and the City of Wilson. "Attrition in the utility industry, resulting from retirement, has increased the urgency for NCC to train students in Electric Line Construction Technology. It is important for this college to invest in training a highly-skilled workforce and to be a step ahead in responding to industry needs," NCC President Dr. Bill Carver said. "These individuals are part of a premier program that takes pride in preparing students to operate safely and successfully as valuable members of utility teams."