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Amazing CPCC Instructor Gives Back to the College that Gave Her Hope
last modified
2008-03-13 13:37
Renee Prim was only 21 years old when a playground injury left her paralyzed. After rallying through rehabilitation, she took advantage of what CPCC had to offer through education and then employment. After working more than 27 years at the College in the instructional lab as a facilitator and instructor, Prim and her husband David Cole have decided to give back to the College that offered hope to Prim. A generous gift of their nearly 22 acre farm near Shelby to Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) will provide support to students with special needs. On Friday, March 14 at noon, CPCC will dedicate the fourth floor of the Instructional Technology (IT) building on Central Campus as the Prim-Cole Center (Central Campus – corner of Elizabeth Avenue and Charlottetowne Avenue). After her accident in 1973, Prim decided to obtain more education at CPCC. Her mother wheeled her to class. Prim taped lectures, borrowed notes from classmates, and took oral exams. Prim had previously earned an executive secretarial degree from CPCC. She then went on to obtain an associate in arts and programming degrees from CPCC, a bachelors degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in business administration, as well as an online masters in business administration from the University of Phoenix. Prim retired from CPCC in 2002 after serving 27 years in the instructional lab as a facilitator and instructor. Her husband also worked in the same lab as a part-time instructor for 19 years. “Renee Prim is truly an amazing individual,” states Dr. Tony Zeiss, President of CPCC. “She has served as an inspiration to many at the College. We’re excited to be able to dedicate the Prim-Cole Technology Center in honor of their generous gift and the tremendous example she and her husband shared with this College. Her gift will continue to help students with special needs at 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. -30- |