CPCC to Present Distinguished Service Award on May 11
Wayland H. Cato, Jr. and His Wife Marion Honored for Generous Support

Central Piedmont Community College will present the College’s Distinguished Service Award to Marion and Wayland H. Cato, Jr. on Thursday, May 11 at the College’s commencement exercises, which will be held at 7:00 p.m. at Cricket Arena. This award is annually presented by CPCC to an individual who has provided strong support to the institution over the past year. On May 19, 2005, CPCC honored Wayland H. Cato, Jr. by naming the Northeast Campus on Grier Road and W.T. Harris Boulevard in his honor. Wayland H. Cato, Jr. and his wife Marion have been strong supporters of CPCC over the years.

Cato is the retired president, CEO, and chairman of The Cato Corporation. Born in Edgefield, South Carolina, he graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in commerce and then served as a Navy Officer for two years. He joined his father and brother, Edgar, in Charlotte where they founded The Cato Corporation, which has grown into one of the nation’s largest chain of women’s clothing stores with more than 1,200 stores in 31 states.

”Wayland H. Cato, Jr. and his wife Marion have long been supporters of our institution and the work we do,” states Dr. Tony Zeiss, president of Central Piedmont Community College. “I am pleased to be able to honor them with The Distinguished Service Award from the College. This recognition is the college’s top honor for service and commitment to CPCC.”

CPCC is the largest community college in North Carolina, offering 100 degree and certification programs, customized corporate training, market-focused continuing education, and special interest classes. CPCC is academically, financially and geographically accessible to all citizens of Mecklenburg County. In 2002, the National Alliance of Business named CPCC the Community College of the Year for its response to the workforce and technology needs of local employers and job seekers through innovative educational and training strategies. 

This release prepared by Jerri Haigler, 704.330.6660.

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