Alumni Spotlight: Mark de Gruchy '15

Mark de Gruchy enjoyed the freedom that Central Piedmont gave him to not only find himself, but to also build the foundation of his personal beliefs and approach to business. 

Education was Mark's way out of working retail after being launched into the workforce from challenging high school experiences that relegated him to roles that lacked promotional opportunities. Earning his associate degree in 2015 gave him the confidence he could do anything. The ability to "complete" something sparked a never-ending thirst for knowledge. Since receiving his Associate in Arts, he has completed his bachelor's and master's degrees, with the ultimate goal of pursuing a doctorate, to conduct research that continues to cultivate his interests.

He is beyond thankful for the numerous teachers who helped him along the way. While their names escape him, their faces he will never forget. They include: the biology instructor who took the time to help him figure out how to make the material "click," the teacher in the math emporium who became an ongoing point of contact to address concerns, or the public speaking teacher who encouraged him to be himself and speak his voice. These seemingly miniscule acts impacted his life greatly and helped facilitate his goals. Central Piedmont showed him that while "life might throw roadblocks in your way, you are unique and there is a place in the world for your passions; it is only a matter of shining them up so they can sparkle like the beautiful diamonds we all are."

Today, Mark blends his interest in sociology, economics, social justice, art, and business as a marketing manager for a local Charlotte chain and owner of a freelance design business. His graphic design skills have landed him deals and featured designs with Hot Topic, Cartoon Network, All Elite Wrestling, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), and TNT. He has also  authored and published his own book.

Mark would like to remind current and future students that "if you're unsure of the path you're taking, it is that feeling of uncertainty that leads to growth. You've already made the first step by having an interest in your education. The rest of it will figure itself out."


Share your own Central Piedmont journey and successes to be considered for a future spotlight.


 

Posted in Alumni, Foundation News. Tagged as alumni spotlight, alumni success.