Greetings! Here's your monthly guide to what's happening at CFCC. |
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A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Cape Fear Community College
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Greetings from Jim Morton - CFCC President |
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Dear Sea Devil Community,
Spring is certainly in the air! The blooming azaleas and sunshine are providing some much-needed cheer. I hope you are enjoying the beauty of the season.
We’re approaching the end of our spring term and I am happy to report the return of face-to-face instruction for the fall term. We will also have many online and hybrid options for students who need them. I am looking forward to seeing students back on campus.
Registration for the summer and fall terms officially gets underway April 19, 2021. Students may choose from a variety of start dates and course-delivery formats. Please click here to learn more about fall semester options. Visit cfcc.edu/register to get more information and register. Please help us spread the word about all the great things we have to offer at CFCC.
Fighting the Stigma
Community colleges are a great choice for students all over the country, but a negative stigma still exists regarding the quality of community college instruction and credentials. Cape Fear Community College is fortunate to have tremendous community support and healthy enrollment numbers, but we want to put an end to community college stigma in our community and beyond. This year, an essential part of our communication strategy is to tell stories of students who find success at CFCC and use those stories to fight the misconceptions that still exist about community colleges. Our campaign efforts have been well-received. We often hear feedback about the impact CFCC makes in people's lives. Here’s a recent comment:
"I just want to say thank you for being so inspiring and helping get rid of the stigma against community college… I've decided to go to a community college until I get the credits required to transfer to a state school, then I'm planning on going to med school. I felt a lot of shame in my decision because so many of my friends are going to universities, but I now feel like this decision is the most financially strategic and just a good fit for me. Thank you for helping me realize this!"
This is what it's all about – empowering students to make intelligent decisions that work for their lives - educationally and financially. Please help us to spread the word about the benefit of community colleges. Your efforts to tell our story will help us continue to make strides in dispelling myths about community colleges.
I appreciate your support and wish you a wonderful spring.
Go Sea Devils!
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Jim Morton, CFCC President |
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Here's a look at recent happenings at CFCC... |
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CFCC ADN and LPN Programs Ranked Best in NC by Nursing Schools Almanac |
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“We are proud to be recognized by Nursing Schools Almanac for the accomplishments of our Associate Degree Nursing and Practical Nursing programs. Our outstanding nursing faculty is focused on quality education and student success,” said Dr. Mary Ellen Naylor, CFCC Dean of Health Sciences. “The success of our nursing students exemplifies the commitment CFCC has made to prepare graduates who are committed and eager to be part of a team and meet the healthcare needs of our community.”
Learn more about the ADN and LPN programs at CFCC and read more about this exciting recognition here.
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HEERF II: More Financial Assistance Coming For Students |
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For students struggling with college expenses during the pandemic, help is in sight. CFCC has received $2,363,220 from the federal government to assist students with costs associated with attending college.
On March 19, 2021, the U.S. Department of Education announced new assistance to institutions regarding use of COVID-19 relief funds through the duration of the pandemic. Through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRSAA) program, approximately $22.7 billion will be allocated to distribute to institutions of higher education to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). CFCC is required to prioritize the distribution of this funding for students with exceptional financial need, including emergency costs the arise due to COVID-19, such as:
- Tuition
- Food
- Housing
- Health care (including mental)
- Childcare
Students, apply for assistance here.
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CFCC Culinary Student Locks in Dream Job at Award-Winning Blackberry Farm Restaurant |
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Cape Fear Community College culinary student and soon-to-be graduate Dylan Rhodes, 18, is slated to start his dream job with Blackberry Farm following his upcoming May graduation.
As a homeschooled high school student, Rhodes took advantage of CFCC's Career and College Promise Program (CCP) and enrolled in college-level courses his junior year, positioning him to earn an associate degree just a year after his high school graduation.
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“Not only is the Career and College Promise program allowing me to graduate with my associate degree a year after high school, but it saved me a lot of money. Now I'm heading into the working world with no debt.” – Dylan Rhodes
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Rhodes worked while in school, and through his hard work and networking, he discovered career opportunities at award-winning restaurants on Blackberry Farm, one of America's most celebrated luxury resorts. After an extensive interview process, Rhodes walked away with two different offers.
After his May graduation, Rhodes will start his dream job at their new restaurant, Three Sisters, an extension of the Blackberry Farm property — Blackberry Mountain.
Dylan, we are so proud of you! Read more about Dylan's exciting future here.
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CFCC Soon-to-Be Grad Has Her Eyes on the Skies |
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CFCC Student Ambassador and soon-to-be graduate Gabrielle Kirkman, 19, has her eyes on the skies after being accepted to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where she will pursue a degree in aeronautical science at the College of Aviation this fall.
Originally from Greenville, NC, Gabrielle was recruited to play for the CFCC women’s soccer team. During her time on the team, Gabrielle built solid friendships and was involved in numerous community service opportunities.
In addition to playing soccer, Gabrielle was a CFCC Student Ambassador where she represented the college in many ways serving as a resource for current and prospective students and working closely with the CFCC staff. Way to go, Gabrielle!
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CFCC Food Pantry Holds Spring Holiday Food Distribution Event |
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“Being part of Ray’s Tray has been a great way for us to be a part of something bigger,” said CFCC student volunteer Eric Donner. “To see the entire CFCC community come together to help those in need has truly been an amazing experience.”
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Deshay Becton, CFCC Career Development Coordinator: Helping Students Find Their Way |
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We are so proud of our team for going the extra mile every day! At CFCC, Deshay Becton focuses on identifying students' interests and combines those interests with their values and abilities, helping them achieve their goals and attain a career. He also works with local employers to pair students with companies/organizations.
What he loves about his career? "Developing plans with students so they know they have options and seeing the relief and smiles on their faces..."
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Congrats to CFCC Chemistry Instructor Cheston Saunders! |
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Cheston's article, entitled "Best Professional Development for Online Faculty? Take an Online Course," informs educators about how to view a course through the lens of a student while having their own distance education experience. Read the article here. |
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Congrats DOCC Graduates!
March 5, 2021
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Cape Fear Community College celebrates the graduation of our most recent group of Detention Officer Certification Course (DOCC) students. Ten students from New Hanover County participated in the five-week course and passed the state exam. Congrats to all – we are very proud of you!
"CFCC is proud to offer this specialized training for detention officers. This training is essential to ensure the safety and security of detention officers as well as prison populations with whom they work. Congratulations to these officers and best of luck as they further their detention careers." – Tim Fuss, Director of Law Enforcement Programs for CFCC's Economic and Workforce Development Division
Visit our website for more information and the next class offering. |
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CFCC Partners with City of Wilmington to Offer Lead-Based Safety Training |
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In collaboration with the City of Wilmington Community Development division, CFCC is pleased to announce and offer a variety of lead-based paint safety training courses for local contractors and volunteers.
The primary goal of these training programs is to increase employment opportunities for individuals and grow the labor force of local contractors qualified as a certified renovator and/or a certified renovation firm that can perform renovation, repair, and painting projects on behalf of the City for homes where lead-based paint hazards are present.
“We’re excited to partner with the City of Wilmington to provide training that will not only help make our community a safer place but create more jobs and grow the existing workforce.” – Erica Talbert, CFCC Associate Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development
Contractors and volunteers interested in this training program should contact Marta Maietta at 910-362-7164 or mmaietta@cfcc.edu. Get more information or register here. |
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CFCC ELECTRICAL LINEWORKER SPOTLIGHT |
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Congrats to Our 10th Graduating Class of Electrical Lineworkers!
March 15, 2021
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On Monday, March 15, forty-one Electrical Lineworker students graduated, including three female graduates and twelve veterans, bringing the total number of graduates to 342 since program implementation. CFCC's Electrical Lineworker program attracts students and veterans from all over North Carolina and beyond.
Kily McGee
"My brother-in-law completed this program at CFCC when it first began, and he loved every minute of it," said Kily McGee (pictured left). "Seeing his success and all he has accomplished in two years since then, I knew it was something I definitely wanted to do. Now, having almost completed the program myself, this has been one of the most rewarding things I have done in my life. I am the proudest I could be."
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Ethan Thompson
"I was in the army for about six years. I loved every second of it, but I was ready for something new," said Ethan Thompson (pictured right). "I've always been an adventure-seeker and wanted a career that would challenge me. After discovering this program and doing my research, it seemed like the perfect fit."
Read more about this program and our graduates here.
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CFCC Electrical Lineworker Pre-Apprenticeship Program Recognized as the 2021 Outstanding Pre-Apprenticeship Program |
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“We are extremely grateful for this commendable recognition. This award recognizes quality pre-apprenticeship programs across the state in all the trades. Consideration was given for quality of instruction and employer support.” – CFCC Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development John Downing
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CFCC Receives $70,000 From Step Up for Soldiers |
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Pictured from left to right: Jason Bocchino, CFCC Veterans Services Coordinator; Shane Fernando, CFCC Vice President of Advancement and the Arts; Tom Russell, Step Up for Soldiers President; Logan Thompson, CFCC Foundation Director of Philanthropy; and Rachel Cavenaugh, CFCC Director of Financial Aid |
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Thank you so much to our friends at Step Up for Soldiers, who recently awarded $70,000 to the Cape Fear Community College Foundation to be used for student veteran scholarships.
Founded in 2004 by its current president, Tom Russell, Step Up for Soldiers is dedicated to supporting members of the Armed Forces. "We wanted to give back to the soldiers and their families. Family and education are very important to us," said Russell.
"The gift Step Up for Soldiers awarded to CFCC will be a great help to deserving veteran students and their families for years to come," said CFCC Coordinator of Veterans Affairs Jason Bocchino. "Mr. Russell recognizes how important higher education, workforce training, and achieving future growth is for a veteran. This generous group is committed to assisting veteran students in building a future for their families after their military careers."
Read the full story here. |
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CFCC Foundation Awards more than $500,000 in Student Scholarships |
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The Cape Fear Community College Foundation is pleased to announce more than half a million dollars in scholarships were awarded to more than 400 CFCC students for the 2020-2021 academic year, a 30% increase over the last year. The average student received over $1,200.
"Even during the trials of last year, our community enthusiastically supported our students," said Vice President of Advancement and the Arts Shane Fernando. "The education, workforce training, and basic survival needs of our region's students have multiplied as a result of the pandemic, and the good people of the Cape Fear region are rising to the occasion with incredible generosity."
Read the complete story here. For more information about scholarships and the Cape Fear Community College Foundation, visit cfcc.edu/scholarships. |
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Thank you, BMW of Wilmington!
A big shout out to BMW of Wilmington and Mr. Dixon Dickens, General Manager who recently donated $8,000 for student scholarships to fund the Tommy Baker Scholarship at CFCC! We appreciate your generosity and support of CFCC students! |
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CFCC's Logan Thompson Named Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) |
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Congratulations to our very own Logan Thompson who has been named a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). 🤩
“Obtaining my CFRE has been a pivotal moment in my professional career,” said Thompson. “CFREs don’t just take a test to gain certification – they must have a proven track record of successful fundraising, along with education and understanding of the legal and ethical implications of fundraising in their sector. There are so few CFREs in our region, and I am honored to now be amongst these incredible professionals.”
Excellent work, Logan – we are very proud of you!
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CFCC Advances Law Enforcement Training with New VirTra Simulator |
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CFCC recently installed a new virtual reality training system designed to help officers improve how they respond to an active shooter, domestic violence, and other high-stress situations.
The VirTra® simulator is designed to save first responders' and citizens' lives by allowing officers to train in real-world scenarios in locations such as a movie theater, a courthouse, or a school campus. The V-180® solution includes three large screens for a 180° immersive training environment. Outcomes are based on the actions taken by the police officer in real-time with multiple responses from on-screen persons. The immersive environment recreates psychological stressors like an elevated heart rate and high levels of adrenaline that officers experience during intense training.
Read the full story here. |
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Kudos to Joyce Spears, Children's Champion!
March 30, 2021
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Congrats to our very own Early Childhood Education Instructor Joyce Spears, who was recently named the 2021 Children's Champion at the virtual Smart Start Breakfast for Children's Champions. Her nominator says not only is Joyce a caring, nurturing, and fun-loving instructor, but she goes the extra mile to arrange for students to visit agencies in the community and invites local members of the early childhood education community to speak in her classes. Congrats, Joyce! |
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CFCC Gets First Mini Excavator |
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CFCC's Electrical Lineworker program recently got their first mini excavator to begin incorporating more underground training. Let the digging begin!
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Annual CFCC Student Art Exhibition Now Open |
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The Wilma W. Daniels Gallery and the Cape Fear Community College Fine Arts Department are thrilled to announce our 2021 Student Art Exhibition. This annual juried show features the works of CFCC students, with winners selected across numerous categories, as well as a Best in Show winner. The exhibition runs through Friday, April 30, 2021.
This year's winners:
• Best in Show: Bella Sollosi, Sunbathing
• Photography: Karen Moody, The Shack
• Ceramics: Maggie Connelly, Bubble Pot
• Painting: Amy Covington, Float
• Drawing: Marvin Mejia, Pop Culture
• Printmaking: Joseph Parks, Balance
• Mixed Media: Sterling Powers, The Heir (triptych)
• Sculpture: Sterling Powers, Let’s Get Loud
• Design: Polina Sladkova, Cycle of Life
• Digital Media: Ray Starling, Gulls, Gulls, Gulls
Please visit the Wilma W. Daniels Gallery to view the work of these outstanding students! The gallery is open from noon to 5 pm Mondays through Fridays and 7 pm Thursdays during this exhibition. Visitors are welcome and masks and social distancing are required for entry. |
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CFCC's Theatre Department Presents 'The Laramie Project' |
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The Laramie Project is based on transcripts collected from members of the Tectonic Theatre Project who traveled to Laramie Wyoming in 1998 to interview residents about the brutal murder of Matthew Shepard, and about how the hate crime affected the town.
This production will be held in the outdoor amphitheater on the downtown campus of CFCC. A map will be provided on your e-ticket. Get more information here.
Showtimes:
Thursday, April 22, 2021 • 7:00pm, Gates: 6:30pm
Friday, April 23, 2021 • 7:00pm, Gates: 6:30pm
Saturday, April 24, 2021 • 7:00pm, Gates: 6:30pm
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Small Business Center Upcoming FREE Seminars |
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CFCC Small Business Center offers great resources to assist our local small businesses. Here's a glimpse at a few upcoming FREE events. Please attend if you can and tell a friend!
Thursday, April 15, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
WEBINAR: Competitive Advantage
Online
Tuesday, April 20, 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Webinar: Messaging Your Business; The Foundation of Effective Communication
Topic: Customer Relations
Online
Thursday, April 22, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Webinar: Access to Capital for Your Small Business
Online
Tuesday, April 27, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Virtual Lunch and Learn: Minding Your Business: Planning for the Unexpected, Part 1
Topic: Disaster Mitigation
Online
Thursday, April 29, 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Webinar: Websites Made Easy
Topic: Marketing and Sales
Online
Tuesday, May 4, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Virtual Lunch and Learn: Minding Your Business: Planning for the Unexpected, Part 2
Topic: Disaster Mitigation
Online
Tuesday, May 4, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Disaster Resiliency
Topic: Business Basics
CFCC Small Business Center, Union Station, Room U-529
This is just a snapshot of our offerings. View the entire list here. |
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Small Business Center New Partnership:
We're excited to partner with the Topsail Chamber of Commerce to provide growth and development resources and counseling for small businesses! Read the full story here. |
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Sea Devil Soccer Happening Now!
Upcoming Home Games:
Men's Soccer vs. Louisburg College - Wednesday, April 14th at 3:00 pm (North Campus)
Women's Soccer vs. Barton JV - Monday, April 19th at 5:00 pm (North Campus)
Women's Soccer vs. USC Salkehatchie - Sunday, April 25th at 2:15 pm (Legion Stadium)
Men's Soccer vs. USC Lancaster - Friday, April 30th at 3:00 pm (North Campus)
Women's Soccer vs. USC Lancaster - Friday, April 30th at 5:00 pm (North Campus)
View livestream games here • View the complete athletics calendar here
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April 20, 2021 | 6 pm
Virtual Visit With Jaki Shelton Green
North Carolina's Poet Laureate
Please join us for this FREE event, where you'll meet Jaki Shelton Green, a documentary poetry professor at Duke University’s Center for Documentary Studies. Green is North Carolina’s first African American Poet Laureate.
This event will celebrate Green’s life and work. The audience will learn about documentary poetry and will watch one of her recent short films. Green will read some of her poems and will respond to a few audience questions.
Open to CFCC students, staff, and the public. Get information and join the Zoom event here.
This English Department Event is sponsored by the Office of Student Activities
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Admissions Virtual Info Session
Get a brief overview of CFCC academic programs and options, student life, and enrollment steps. Get answers to your questions and connect with appropriate resources.
Wednesday, April 14, 1:00-1:30 pm. Access session here
Wednesday, May 12, 1:00-1:30 pm. Access session here
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Financial Aid Assistance Nights Virtual Session
Do you need help paying for college? Is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid challenging for you? No need to worry - our team can help you!
Wednesday, April 14, 6:00-7:00 pm
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Registration Workshops Virtual Sessions
These workshops are designed to assist students with registering for classes after they have met with their advisor and selected appropriate courses, however, all students are welcome to attend.
There are several Registration Workshops this month. Visit cfcc. edu/events for details and dates. |
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Virtual Career and College Promise Information Session:
Homeschool High School Students
Rising Juniors and Seniors will learn how they can earn college credits, tuition-free while completing high school graduation requirements.
Thursday, April 15, 3:00-4:00 pm - RSVP required
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Virtual Career and College Promise Information Session:
Private High School Students
Rising Juniors and Seniors will learn how they can earn college credits, tuition-free while completing high school graduation requirements.
Thursday, April 15, 5:30-6:30 pm - RSVP required
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Medical Assisting Virtual Information Session
Did you know Medical Assisting is one of the fastest-growing occupations in the country? Learn about this program that will prepare you to compete as a multi-skilled health care professional qualified to perform administrative, clinical, and laboratory procedures.
Friday, April 16, 10:00-11:00 am
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This is just a partial list of happenings and program info sessions at CFCC! Check out all upcoming events at CFCC.EDU/EVENTS. |
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Keep an eye on our social media for updates on program information sessions and other upcoming events.
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News from the Wilson Center... |
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Wilson Center Drive-In Concerts Support Student Scholarships |
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The Wilson Center and the Cape Fear Community College Foundation are thrilled to announce the Wilson Center Drive-In Concerts! This series of four concerts will feature well-known performers from the Cape Fear region and will serve as the primary fundraising effort for the CFCC Foundation’s Gift of Education initiative this year. The performance on Saturday, June 27th, will be a special, dedicated fundraising performance, and will feature CFCC Merit Scholar Ava Johnson (pictured here), who will perform with Uptown Easy. All proceeds raised through this performance, and any other directed donations will go to support student scholarships at the college. All concerts will be held at the Wilson Center.
The concerts in this series are:
June 27 at 7:30 p.m.: UPTOWN EASY Soul (Benefitting Student Scholarships)
Get more information here. Click here to Give to the Gift of Education. |
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Boz Scaggs Concert Rescheduled for October 23, 2021
The Boz Scaggs concert originally scheduled for August 22, 2020, has been rescheduled. Out of an abundance of caution and to ensure the best possible concert experience, Boz Scaggs has decided to reschedule all of his 2020 concert dates. He will instead be taking the stage at the Wilson Center on October 23, 2021, at 7:30 p.m.
Ticket holders for the originally scheduled August 22 performance have been directly contacted via email regarding the status of their tickets. To ensure timely and effective contact, Ticket Central urges ticket holders to ensure that they are regularly checking the email account associated with their original ticket order.
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Sign up for the Wilson Center mailing list here.
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