Greetings!

April was National Community College Month—a perfect time to spotlight the vital role Halifax Community College (HCC) plays in the Roanoke Valley and beyond. As part of this year’s #CCMonth campaign, themed “Best Decision Ever, " HCC is proof of the transformative impact of community colleges on students, families, and communities. Whether preparing graduates for the workforce, offering affordable pathways to higher education, or providing essential services like veteran support and workforce training, HCC continues to meet the evolving needs of our region.

The most exciting event on the horizon is HCC’s 2025 Commencement Ceremony, on Friday, May 9, at 1 PM. This celebration will honor the achievements of our graduates and reflect the power of community college education to change lives. We invite everyone to join us in recognizing that choosing a community college truly can be the #BestDecisionEver.

Sincerely,

Dr. Patrena Elliott

President/CEO, Halifax Community College

HCC Welcomes 2025 Commencement Speaker: Marshall Cherry to Inspire Graduates

Marshall Cherry, President and CEO of Roanoke Cooperative, will serve as the keynote speaker for the 2025 Commencement Ceremony.

Cherry has dedicated over 30 years of service to Roanoke Cooperative, a leading utility provider in northeastern North Carolina.

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The Next NC Scholarship offers an opportunity for many adults to return to school at no cost, helping them gain the skills they need to secure in-demand, high-paying jobs right in their community. Through the Better Skills. Better Jobs. initiative, we engage directly with adults who have earned some college credits but haven’t yet received a degree or certification. This initiative features community events, social media promotions, targeted digital marketing, and personalized resources to make it easier for adult learners to reconnect and re-enroll. Thanks to our collaborative efforts with the John M. Belk Endowment, myFutureNC, and several other state and local partners, we’re excited to launch this special outreach campaign to welcome even more adult learners back to college!

Better Skills. Better Jobs Link: https://betterskillsbetterjobs.com/halifax-community-college/

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Honoring Local Excellence at the 2025 Progressive Community Awards

Left to Right: Judge Brenda Branch, Alice Irby, Brandy Freeman, and Diamond Faulcon

On April 24th, the 2025 Progressive Community Awards ceremony celebrated individuals making a meaningful difference in our region. Community members submitted nominations in three categories: Community Bridge Builder, Business Impact, and Youth Leader. This year’s recipients are Judge Brenda Branch and Alice Irby, honored with the Community Bridge Builder Award for unwavering dedication to unity, collaboration, and justice; Diamond Faulcon, recipient of the Business Impact Award for driving economic growth and opportunity; and Brandy Freeman, awarded the Youth Leader Award for her outstanding leadership and positive influence among her peers.

These honorees exemplify the spirit of service and empowerment that continues to strengthen our community. Congratulations to all four awardees on this well-deserved recognition, and a special thank you to our sponsors: Enviva, Dominion Energy, You Can Too Foundation, and Weldon in Action.

Phi Theta Kappa Brings Easter Cheer to Local Nursing Center

Left to right: Maria Castanon, Sharon Williams, Kaitlyn Mazor, Gary Redding, Pauline Daye, Cleveland Pitt, Crystal Powell, Carleigh Jarratt, Miane Harrison, Alex Rowe

HCC’s Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society spread Easter cheer to residents and staff at Northampton County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Jackson, NC. PTK members delivered festive Easter bags filled with thoughtful items, including seasonal treats.

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HCC Earns Military Friendly® School Designation for 2025–2026

HCC has been awarded the 2025–2026 Military Friendly® School Gold designation! This recognition underscores our commitment to student veterans and their families. Over 1,800 institutions participated this year, with only 830 receiving special awards—HCC among them.

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Your Law Enforcement Career Starts at HCC: Enroll in BLET Today

HCC’s Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) course begins July 7! Completing the course opens doors to positions in local police departments, sheriff’s offices, campus security, and state law enforcement agencies. This could be your #BestDecisionEver if you're looking for a profession that allows you to serve your community and make a real impact. Whether you’re starting fresh or changing careers, HCC’s BLET course can help you achieve your goals. Enrollment is open now, and space is limited. Contact blet@halifaxcc.edu to learn how to apply and begin your journey toward becoming a certified law enforcement officer.

Shift Gears Toward a New Career: CDL Training Starts May 19 at HCC

Ready to start your trucking career and take control of your future? HCC’s Truck Driving Academy is now enrolling for its upcoming CDL Class A Training course, running from May 19 through July 18. This program prepares students to become licensed commercial drivers, opening the door to high-demand jobs in the transportation and logistics industry. Enrollment is limited, so don’t wait to secure your spot. For more information or to register, call 252-536-6377 or email workforce@halifaxcc.edu. Your career in trucking is ready to roll—are you?