Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

CONCORD — More than 1,700 graduates will receive associate degrees, diplomas and certifications at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College’s graduation ceremonies today at the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center in Concord.

With the college graduating its largest number of graduates ever, two ceremonies will be held this year so that graduates may invite more family members and friends.

A 10 a.m. ceremony will be held for students completing transfer degree programs — associate in arts, associate in fine arts in visual arts, associate in engineering and associate in science).

Students completing the associate in general education, a degree, diploma or certificate, high school equivalency or adult high school will participate in a 2 p.m. ceremony.

“Having such a large number of graduates is a wonderful testament to our belief that the power of education truly does change lives,” said college President Carol S. Spalding. “I applaud their accomplishments and look forward to seeing the difference they will make in the workforce and their community.”

Gina Fritz, vice president of the State Employees’ Credit Union and a Rowan-Cabarrus alumna, will be the speaker for the 10 a.m. ceremony. The 2018-19 student ambassador, Markala Tucker, will also speak at the 10 a.m. ceremony.

Eva Nicholson, 2018-19 president of the Student Government Association, will deliver the commencement address for the 2 p.m. ceremony.

This year’s graduates range in age from 16 to 70, with an average of 22.The class is 64 percent women and 36 percent men.

Thirty-three percent of the graduates live in Rowan County, 46 percent in Cabarrus County, and 20 percent from surrounding counties.

Graduating today are 125 high school equivalency students. Those graduates range in age from 18 to 65.