Ask Stanley Law, Y Community Vice President for the Dowd/Stratford Richardson YMCA’s, what the Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) means to him, and you’ll probably hear the words “life changing.” Law, a Charlotte native and former student at CPCC, has experienced first-hand how this community college opens doors and improves lives. As a result of Law’s success, he will receive the Richard H. Hagemeyer Educational Advancement Award at CPCC’s graduation ceremonies on May 10 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

During his senior year at West Charlotte High School, Law wasn’t really interested in submitting applications to any colleges or universities. Coming from a family of educators, he was concerned about how this would be received by his family. His grandmother encouraged him to “take a few classes at CPCC to keep his mind sharp.” After enrolling in a few classes at CPCC and continuing his day-time job, Law realized the importance of continuing his education. He completed fifteen credit hours at CPCC before transferring to Gardner-Webb College and obtaining a BA degree in social science.

Law currently serves as the YCommunity Vice President for the Dowd/Stratford Richardson YMCA’s in Charlotte. In this position, he is responsible for the overall vision, direction and full implementation of the Dowd and Stratford Richard YCommunity. He also serves as the Executive Director of the Dowd YMCA. Law has committed his career to the YMCA profession for more than 17 years in this region.

“CPCC helped me understand the importance of furthering my education beyond high school,” states Law. “I am forever grateful for my grandmother’s recommendation to keep my mind sharp and to CPCC for helping me get off to a great start. “

In addition to his commitment to the success of the YMCA, Law’s passion for helping others has been demonstrated by his service on various boards. Over the years, he has served on the Gardner-Webb University Student YMCA Board of Directors, Mental Health Association Board of Directors, North Carolina Outward Bound Charlotte Committee, Youth Homes, Inc. Board of Directors, Children and Family Service Center Board of Directors, Mecklenburg Partnership for Children (Smart Start), Foundation for the Carolinas Impact Fund, Junior League of Charlotte Advisory Board, and many others.

He has been honored with the Y-USA Andrew Young Diversity Change Agent Award, South Carolina State University, Charlotte Alumni Chapter Humanitarian Award, Charlotte Business Journal 40 under 40, and the YMCA of Greater Charlotte Eagle Award for Outstanding Leadership.

”It is an honor for CPCC to be able to recognize Stanley Law with the Richard H. Hagemeyer Educational Achievement Award,” states Dr. Tony Zeiss, president of Central Piedmont Community College. “Stanley serves as an outstanding role model in this community and is a perfect example of what the Hagemeyer Award is all about.”

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, Frances Queen, Richard Zollinger, and others.

Central Piedmont Community College 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.