Happy tears come at Pamlico Community College commencement

GRANTSBORO - People were talking Friday night about job interviews and studying at universities as 126 Pamlico Community College graduates moved their tassels to the left sides of their blue caps.

At 6:15 p.m., the graduates lined up in a hall in the Johnson Building, and the light cast a blue shadow from their gowns onto the walls. Two men hugged as they zipped up the fronts of their gowns. A woman took a tissue out of a pocket in her dress, and she wiped a tear from her cheek.

Angie Brousard of Lowland said she cried all day because she was happy to finally earn her associate's degree in medical assisting. Brousard worked 11 years to earn the degree. She was 16 when she began.

"I'm purely elated," she said. "This has been a long time coming. I've been bawling all day. I've got clinicals this summer and hopefully a job. I want to come back here for the cardiovascular technology program, too."

Lorraine Perschy said she hopes to find an office job in New Bern or Pamlico County. Perschy, who is 52, earned an associate's degree in office systems technology.

"I like clerical work and enjoy working with people," she said. "I like doing filing, data entry and behind-the-scenes work. This is going to be a change because I enjoyed Pamlico. You get encouragement from teachers you didn't have or know. You even get encouragement from the maintenance workers here."

Brandi Heinrich said going to Pamlico Community College was like being in a family. Heinrich, who lives in Greenville, began studying at the school in 2005.

She earned an associate's degree in electro neuron diagnostic technology and said she has two job interviews next week.

"When I started here, I knew I wanted to be in the medical field and help people," she said. "After finishing, I'm ready to start making a change in other people's lives."

DeWitt King Jr. of Maribel said he wants to change the lives of children. King, who is 21, earned an associate's degree in office systems technology. He now plans to study at East Carolina University and major in special education.

"And when I start my teaching career, I want to start it here in the county," he said.

Several hundred people filled the college's Ned Everett Delamar Center for the commencement ceremony. They clapped as school officials gave awards to several students and faculty members.

Carol Phillips, the sciences program director, received the outstanding faculty award. Kathy Mayo, the distance education coordinator, received the outstanding staff award.

Harry Cummings III received a scholarship from the college faculty. Carolyn Jones received the outstanding student award. Emily Herring received an award for the highest score on the general education development test.

A total of 126 students received associate's degrees, diplomas, nursing certificates or general education development certificates.

"We're going to miss a lot of you now," President Marion Altman said. "But some of you may even come back and get some more degrees. We hope you all always remember that this is where it started."