CPCC to Present Top Educational Award on May 11
Richard Zollinger to Receive Richard Hagemeyer Award

Ask Richard Zollinger, Associate Vice President of Instruction at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC), what the College means to him and you’ll probably hear the words, “life changing.” Zollinger, a native of Switzerland and CPCC graduate, has experienced first-hand how this community college opens doors and improves lives. As a result of Zollinger’s success, he will receive the Richard H. Hagemeyer Educational Advancement Award at CPCC’s graduation ceremonies on May 11 at Cricket Arena (7:00 p.m.).

The Hagemeyer Award is named for Dr. Richard H. Hagemeyer, CPCC’s founding president and president emeritus. The award is presented to a current or former CPCC student who demonstrates significant benefit from studies at CPCC by:

• Demonstrating community involvement and social responsibility
• Acquiring scholastic and learning skills that have led to continued personal and educational growth
• Improving his or her economic status and potential for growth
• Exemplifying positive and significant life changes

Zollinger was involved in studies at CPCC from 1981-1983, after serving in the Swiss military following high school graduation. Pursuing his dream to become more fluent in speaking and reading the English language, Zollinger traveled to Charlotte to enroll in the American English School (AES). After hearing about CPCC and what the College had to offer, he enrolled in the English as a Second Language Program (ESL) and then entered in the College transfer program. With strong support and guidance from faculty and advisors at CPCC, Zollinger went on to earn a B.A. in Psychology and a M.A. degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology at East Carolina University. Currently, he is pursuing his doctorate in higher education through NOVA Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Zollinger currently serves as the Associate Vice President for Instruction at CPCC. In this position, he supervises the six multi-campus deans; serves as a liaison for multi-campus activities with internal and external communities; oversees the budget and supports student and faculty issues. Prior to this position, he served as Dean of CPCC’s Levine Campus, Associate Dean of the Evening Campus and Special Programs, and Coordinator/Instructor of the International Business Center at CPCC.

“CPCC has not only helped me with my English, my remedial education and my preparation for succeeding at a university, but it has also given me a wonderful place to work,” states Zollinger. “My work at the College is allowing me to impact individuals who have the same need that I had in 1981 and is giving me an opportunity to give back to a community that has helped me so much. “

In addition to his service to the College, Zollinger has served on the Mayor’s International Cabinet, Charlotte Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program, Charlotte World Trade Association, Charlotte Community Relations Association, Carmel Presbyterian Church, and the Swiss Society of Charlotte. He is actively involved with Rotary serving as a Rotary Interact Leader (student club in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools) and Chair of the Rotary Youth Exchange.

”It is an honor for CPCC to be able to recognize Richard Zollinger with the Richard H. Hagemeyer Educational Achievement Award,” states Dr. Tony Zeiss, president of Central Piedmont Community College. “Richard serves as an outstanding role model and leader at CPCC and is a perfect example of what this College is all about – helping students achieve their dreams.”

Past recipients of the award include include Elaine Lyerly, Gary Mims, Ronald Caldwell, Sheriff Jim Pendegraph, Dr. Margaret Stanley Hagan, Paul Griffin, James White, Tony Weatherford, Chief Luther Fincher, Dr. Kenny Welch and Frances Queen.

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.

An archive of CPCC news releases is at http://lists.cpcc.cc.nc.us/pipermail/cpccnews/