Fabi Preslar named the 2009 Richard H. Hagemeyer Award recipient

last modified 2009-04-23 08:27
 

CPCC alumna honored for demonstrating community involvement, outstanding character.

Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) announced today that Fabi Preslar, president of SPARK Publications, is the 2009 recipient of the prestigious Richard H. Hagemeyer Educational Advancement Award. The award recognizes a former CPCC student who has significantly benefited from experiences at CPCC and whose efforts have helped the community.

Preslar attended CPCC as an advertising and graphic design student in the early 1980s, graduating in 1985 with an associate in applied sciences degree. Her career began at her alma mater, working in the College’s media productions department where she designed and produced collateral materials to promote CPCC’s many certification and degree programs. Following her tenure at CPCC, Preslar held several creative positions of increasing responsibility, among them included The Charlotte Observer and United American Video where she learned the business and gained invaluable industry experience.

In 1998, she launched her own business, SPARK Enterprises (now SPARK Publications), in Matthews, N.C., focusing on marketing design and publication development. Today, SPARK is not only a successful business venture (the company posted a 118 percent increase in revenue and a 200 percent increase in profits last year), but a committed community partner. Last year, SPARK donated more than 200 hours of marketing design services to a variety of area non-profit organizations, including Room at the Inn, A Place of Hopes and Laugh for the Cure.

In addition to her career, Preslar maintains a variety of business affiliations as well. She serves on the Graphic Arts Advisory Committee at CPCC, Festival in the Park and the Women’s Inter-Cultural Exchange, and is a member of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, Matthews Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Women Business Owners. She is also a current finalist for the 2009 Woman Business Owner of the Year award, a distinction that recognizes a local female business owner who has successfully managed a business that is more than five years old.

Reflecting on her many accomplishments, Preslar credits CPCC for much of her success. “CPCC has had a positive and lasting impact on my personal and professional life,” says Preslar. “When I chose to attend CPCC as a teen, I had no idea to what extent the College would shape my character or future. CPCC didn’t just launch my career, it launched my life; and for that I am truly thankful.”

Preslar will be recognized with the Richard H. Hagemeyer Award at CPCC’s commencement ceremony on May 14, 2009, and a one-year scholarship will be granted to a CPCC student enrolled in the College’s Advertising and Graphic Design program – the area of study that most closely reflects Preslar’s background.

“CPCC is proud to honor an individual of Fabi’s caliber with the Richard H. Hagemeyer Award,” said Dr. Tony Zeiss, president of CPCC. “She embodies everything the award stands for – commitment to community, exceptional personal growth and outstanding character.”

The award is named after Dr. Richard H. Hagemeyer, CPCC president for 23 years, who led the College from a trade school with 1,200 students to the state’s largest community college. Previous award winners include Elaine Lyerly, Gary Mims, Ronald Caldwell, Sheriff Jim Pendergraph, Dr. Margaret Stanley Hagan, Paul Griffin, John H. White, Joe Weatherford, Chief Luther Fincher, Dr. Kenny Welch, Frances Queen, Richard Zollinger, Stanley Law and Cindy Castano.

To learn more about the Richard H. Hagemeyer Educational Advancement Award and its requirements, please visit http://www.cpcc.edu/foundation/alumni.

Central Piedmont Community College is the largest community college in North Carolina, offering close to 300 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.

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This release prepared by Mallory Benz, 704.330.6613. An archive of CPCC news releases is at http://www.cpcc.edu/college-news.