Central Piedmont Community College
A Good Investment - A Great Return
By Suzanne Bledsoe
 
                        
Our very own Dr. Tony Zeiss enthralled us today, as usual, with his quick turn of a phrase, his sharp wit and the success story of Central Piedmont Community College, more familiarly known as CPCC. Tony's tenure at CPCC since 1992 has been one of great achievement, with his commitment to the mission of CPCC to meet the needs of the community through customized training and workforce development. Under his leadership, more than 70,000 students representing 168 nations attend CPCC. The average student is about 29 years old, attending classes part time, and working full or part time. About one third of the students are married, 56% are female. They are spread around 6 campuses, all located in Mecklenburg County and classes are held in up to 200 locations including churches, high schools and YMCAs.
 
As a nationally recognized leader in workforce development, CPCC provides the means for qualified students to attain the skills necessary to meet the demands of employers. The programs and services offered address diverse cultures, include innovative and interactive techniques and technologies, and support successful student transitions to universities and colleges, the workforce and the community.
 
In measuring the success of CPCC's programs and services, Tony is proud to report a 98% student satisfaction rating. About 93% of the students required to take licensure or certification tests pass on the first try and employers report 100% satisfaction with the students that they hire through the placement office. Maintaining and improving these results is an ongoing challenge, particularly in the current economic environment. At the same time that the demand for student enrollment is increasing, county and state budget allocations to CPCC are facing severe cutbacks. The need for additional classroom space as well as equipment is significant. And faculty salaries and dollars allocated to program development are well below the national average. Tony urged us to talk to our policy makers at the county, state and Congressional level about the ongoing need for funding. He also asked us to consider providing scholarships for needy students, both corporately and individually.
 
On a final note, Tony talked to us about a current program called JOBS NOW 12 in 6 which was designed to address worker dislocation in the community. Basically it is a curriculum designed to retrain workers in six months or less in 12 specified occupations that are experiencing job growth. Other programs that have addressed job losses include career fairs (this year participation grew from 400 to about 3,200 in three events), job resource events and opportunities for and training around entrepreneurship.
 
There is no doubt that one of the jewels in Charlotte's crown is Central Piedmont Community College. Tony very graciously asked us all to consider how we might support the institution and, in so doing, improve the quality of life in our community.
     
   
Head Table: Anthony Foxx, Edwin Peacock, Mac McCarley, Ron Kimble, Tony Zeiss, Lynn Wheeler, John Lassiter;
Invocation: Tom Burgess;
Visitors & Guests: Don Carmichael; Health & Happiness: Cecily Durrett; Song: CPCC Summer Theatre; Piano: Thomas Moore: Photos by Bert

• Three new members were introduced this week: Art Ringwald introduced Phil Murphy, Winters & Co. Advisors, LLC. Contact Phil at pmurphy28@bellsouth.net; Sandy Chambers introduced Nada Vergili, Nada's Italy. Contact Nada at nada@nadasitaly.com; John Stedman introduced Fernando Ycaza, North Carolina Bank & Trust. Contact Fernando at Fernando.ycaza@ncbtonline.com. Welcome to Charlotte Rotary!
          
• Shannon Young thanked the program committee and recognized the quarterly chairs, Mike Crum, Ed Turner, Trent Merchant and Joni Davis, for their outstanding work; Jim Woodward has been named Interim Chancellor at N. C. State University; David Erdman presented A. B. Duke Scholarships to two seniors at Myers Park High School at the awards ceremony on May 29. This scholarship gives each student four years at Duke University, all expenses paid.
 
• The Youth Exchange Committee hosted a farewell party for Luciano and Carol this week. Thanks to the club members that were able to attend - Lamar Thomas, Regina Patton, Bob Elliott, Ed Wadsworth, Charles Cocke, Lee Tabor and Luther Moore; Arch McIntosh had hip replacement surgery on Tuesday and is expected to be released from Mercy Hospital on Friday.
 
• Edwin Peacock would appreciate feedback and participation at a public town hall meeting to discuss Charlotte's environment on June 11; Alice Harrison reports funding has been received to complete critical repairs to the Hope Haven facility; Charlotte Rotary has a Facebook account and Sandy Chambers is serving as the gatekeeper; Communities in Schools will celebrate 10 years of the program Dine Out For Kids, a community-wide effort to help kids stay in school and prepare for life, on June 16th. Visit www.cischarlotte.org for participating restaurants.
  
• Host family needs: Any Slevarenska (Czech Republic), August 15 to mid November/Thanksgiving. She will be at Myers Park High School; Leo Delvinquire (France), mid November/Thanksgiving to end of February/first of March. He will be at Charlotte Country Day School. Contact Luther Moore or Lamar Thomas for additional information.

Should you question the eligibility of any nominee, contact the Rotary office by 06/15/2009.