Recognized for its philanthropic contributions to Charlotte, N.C., Central Piedmont Community College was awarded a 2018 Lighting the Way Award and $75,000 grant by the SunTrust Foundation.

 

The SunTrust Foundation's Lighting the Way Awards recognizes select nonprofit organizations that strengthen their local communities through programs that help people better their circumstances and gain financial confidence.

 

"We're committed to building stronger communities, and our nonprofit partners are addressing community needs in innovative and very meaningful ways," said Stan Little, president of the SunTrust Foundation. "Central Piedmont is improving the lives of many people, and we applaud their mission, long-term service and the impact they're making where it's most needed."

 

"We thank the SunTrust Foundation for this gracious grant and its wonderful support," said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont. "Community colleges like Central Piedmont make such a positive impact on individuals and our communities. Central Piedmont is the hope many of our students are seeking. Hope of a better job, better wage, better life and better prospects for their family."

 

Established in 2008, the SunTrust Foundation is committed to supporting a wide range of financial well- being efforts through grants and partnerships with local philanthropic organizations. To date, the SunTrust Foundation has awarded more than $140 million in grants to organizations across the United States.

Peggy and Tom Griffin have their final plans in place, including a legacy gift to the CPCC Foundation. Tom retired from CPCC after 37 years of dedicated service. As both a Dean and VP, Education Support Services, he played a vital role in the growth of the College from an institution with humble beginnings in the Central High School Building to a college with six campuses throughout the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area. Peggy was a teacher for 36 years, most of it in the CMS system. Education is important to them and certainly a legacy for which they will be remembered.
 

Tom recently said, "Peggy and I support CPCC because the College is the key to the City of Charlotte's continued success and growth. This is illustrated by the number of students at CPCC and the College's growth to meet the needs of the community. We hope it will continue to grow."
 

CPCC trains some 55,000 students per year. These students range from Associate in Arts or Science degree candidates to college transfer students, to skills training such as dental assisting, welding and manufacturing students to those taking a course to complete a work requirement or earn a certificate. CPCC's goal is to educate students and strengthen the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community.  

 

Our sincere appreciation to Peggy and Tom for their continued support and partnership.