Powering a Stronger Future: Campaign Updates

We invite you to follow along with the progress of Powering a Stronger Future.

Read about recent gifts. Learn about our inspiring students.

College Dedicates Leon Levine Health Sciences Center

Central Piedmont Community College dedicated the Leon Levine Health Sciences Center on October 21. The naming is in recognition of a $2.5-million grant from The Leon Levine Foundation to support health sciences education and health careers preparation at Central Piedmont. Read more

View photos of the event.

Central Piedmont student Tyler Jackson shares his story of how the Opportunity Scholarship changed the trajectory of his life and opened up a world of possibility.

College Dedicates Ruth G. Shaw Advanced Technology Center

Central Piedmont Community College dedicated the Ruth G. Shaw Advanced Technology Center, located on the college's Central Campus, on Sept. 24. "The Ruth G. Shaw Advanced Technology Center has become the cornerstone of our technology driven advanced manufacturing and engineering programs. It is a state-of-the-art training facility with which the college is proud to honor Dr. Ruth Shaw's legacy," said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, Central Piedmont president. Read more

Sally Gambrell Bridgford, President of the Gambrell Foundation, speaks about the comprehensive services that Central Piedmont offers.

The Opportunity Scholarship is one example of how this partnership is helping students overcome obstacles and thrive in school.

Dena Diorio is the Mecklenburg County Manager, responsible for leading the County and advising the Board of County Commissioners on operational and financial matters.

Mecklenburg County is a major source of funding for Central Piedmont Community College, and Dena says it's "money well spent."

Graphic explaining Central Piedmont's Emergency Fund for short-term needs of food, housing, child care, medical expenses, transportation, and technology

PNC Foundation $25,000 Grant to Support Single Stop, Emergency Fund

The PNC Foundation has awarded Central Piedmont Community College a $25,000 grant to support the college's Single Stop program, an initiative that connects students to the support services they need to succeed in college and administers the college's Emergency Fund. Read more

Few people have done more for the Charlotte community than Harvey Gantt. As Charlotte's first black mayor and Clemson's first black student, Mr. Gantt personally knows the power of education.

That's why for Black History Month 2020 he explains why he chooses to support Central Piedmont.

Acclaimed chef and Central Piedmont alumnus, Chris Coleman has had a busy year! From winning his appearance on Food Network's "Chopped" to starting his new restaurant (The Goodyear House) in NoDa, Chris has already made an impact on the food scene in Charlotte and beyond.

His journey toward #aStrongerFuture started at Central Piedmont, and you can power others' futures with your contribution to Powering A Stronger Future.

Student Government Vice President and Opportunity Scholar Yeisha Calderon is a recipient of the Opportunity Scholarship. Your gift to Powering A Stronger Future changes lives and creates #aStrongerFuture for all of us.

Click the video to hear Yeisha's story.

Dan Bailey from Steele Mechanical presenting check to Central Piedmont's Aimee Brunton and Dr. Kevin McCarthy

Steele's Mechanical Donates $50,000 to Central Piedmont Foundation

Steele's Mechanical, a mechanical contracting firm based in Lancaster, S.C., presented the Central Piedmont Foundation with a $50,000 gift on Dec. 19, to support scholarships for student veterans at the college. Steele's Mechanical President Dan Bailey, a Central Piedmont alumnus and U.S. veteran, visited the college's Central Campus to present the check to Dr. Kevin McCarthy, vice president for institutional advancement, and Aimee Brunton, director of development for Central Piedmont. Read more

Central Piedmont Faculty Are Changing Lives

Laura and James Bazán have each taught at Central Piedmont for over 20 years. During that time, they've seen countless students make real change in their lives and the lives of their families. "Central Piedmont is a place where potential and possibility work hand-in-hand to create something new," Laura said.

James and Laura are inspired to give back to the college not only because of the students they see striving toward a stronger future each day, but also because of their own life experiences. Read more

Ken Samuelson walking with 3 Central Piedmont students

Foundation Board Member Helps Power a Stronger Future for Students

Today, Kenneth "Ken" Samuelson, helps power a stronger future for Central Piedmont by serving as a member of the Foundation Board of Directors and its Planned Giving Committee. In the future, Ken will make a difference as he helps students become physical therapists, nurses, welders, heating and air conditioning specialists, auto mechanics, graphic designers, information technology professionals and more. Ken has generously named Central Piedmont a beneficiary of his Individual Retirement Account (IRA). "I believe in Central Piedmont," Ken says. "A future gift from an IRA is a smart strategy to use to invest in the college, help students, and support our community."

Raven Bell is pursuing her education at Central Piedmont. Your gift to Powering A Stronger Future helps empower students like Raven to reach their full potential and create #aStrongerFuture for all of us.

Click the video to hear Raven's story.

students and instructor using manufacturing equipment

Donor's Generous Gift will establish Center for Teaching & Learning Excellence

A donor who wishes to remain anonymous has made a significant gift commitment to Central Piedmont Community College to support the creation of a new Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence. The center will advance the best practices of impactful teaching at the college to inspire, guide, and support instructors in the key areas of pedagogy, course content and information delivery. Read more

Powering A Stronger Future The Campaign for Central Piedmont #aStrongerFuture Central Piedmont Community College

Central Piedmont Announces $40M Campaign

Central Piedmont Community College has launched the public phase of its "Powering a Stronger Future" campaign. The five-year fundraising effort seeks to raise $40 million the most ambitious and comprehensive campaign in the college's 56-year history. Read more

Central Piedmont President Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer and Campaign Committee Chair Linda Lockmann-Brooks pose for a photo

Campaign Launch Event Photos

On October 30, 2019, the Central Piedmont Foundation hosted an event to launch Powering a Stronger Future. Board members, staff, alumni, students, and supporters gathered to learn more about the impact of Central Piedmont Community College on students and the community. To see photos of the event, view the full Powering a Stronger Future Photo Gallery.