CCTC celebrates nearly 500 new graduates

SUMTER, S.C. – Central Carolina Technical College held two commencement ceremonies Friday, May 6 at the Sumter County Civic Center to accommodate nearly 500 graduates.

The 10 a.m. ceremony was for students graduating from Business and Public Service programs. The 3 p.m. ceremony was for students graduating from General Education, Health Sciences and Industrial and Engineering Technology programs. Previous E.C. “Red” Kneece Teaching Excellence Award winner and CCTC Nursing Instructor Connie Houser delivered the keynote address at both ceremonies.

Engineering Graphics Technology Program Manager David Tuders was honored during the morning commencement ceremony as this year’s recipient of the E.C. “Red” Kneece Teaching Excellence Award. Tuders is consistently spoken of as one of the best instructors on campus by students and fellow faculty and regularly volunteers and participates in college-related and community service activities.

Joseph McFadden was honored with an Outstanding Alumni Award during the morning service. McFadden graduated from CCTC with an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice Technology in 2008, and furthered his education by earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Management from Morris College and a Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Troy University. Mr. McFadden is currently the Warden of Lieber Correctional Institution and a U.S. Army Veteran having served in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Felicia Heyward, a Family Nurse Practitioner at Colonial Family Practice in Sumter, was also honored with an Outstanding Alumni Award during the afternoon service. Heyward graduated from CCTC with an Associate Degree in Nursing in 2003, and furthered her education by earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Chamberlain College of Nursing and a Master of Science Degree in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner from Frontier Nursing University. She also served in the Nursing Corps of the U.S. Army and Reserves.