CCC board approves fall graduating class

CLOVIS — The Clovis Community College Board of Trustees met last Wednesday to go over end of the year business, including approval of the Fall 2020 graduating class.

Included in this semester’s class are 86 students receiving associate degrees, 84 certifications of completion, and 80 certificates of achievement for a total of 250 graduates. An in-person commencement has been moved to May 14 at the Curry County Events Center.

“I wish to congratulate our fall 2020 graduates,” CCC President Charles Nwankwo said. “These graduates have shown resilience and persistence during this pandemic to accomplish their academic goals. I want to assure hiring managers, employers, and business owners that these graduates have shown such steadfastness and steadiness in the face of the pandemic and will make excellent additions and contributors to your enterprise.

“Please do not hesitate to hire any of them for any opportunity that may come up. Should you need a personal reference on any of them feel free to call me; I will be more than happy to vouch for their abilities.”

Trustee Lora Harlan said trustees and others are “hoping for a big party come next May.”

The board also acknowledged two retiring instructors.

Terry Davis served as an instructor in computer information systems for 20 years.

“Mr. Davis’ enthusiasm and influence extended beyond the academic side of CCC, he was a contributing and active member on most of every committee that existed at the college for the past 20 years,” Nwankwo said. “CCC was extraordinarily fortunate to have someone with Mr. Davis' knowledge, enthusiasm and dedication. He will truly be missed on the campus.”

Nwankwo credited Davis for extensive growth CCC's computer information system classes, committees, and programs — including game design certification program created through a partnership with the graphic design department.

Mae Szaloy, instructor in cosmetology, also was recognized as she was retiring after serving CCC for over 19 years. Szaloy was a graduate of the inaugural class of CCC's cosmetology program.

'She has taught hundreds of cosmetology students, many of whom are working in cosmetology fields right here in Clovis. Any time a citizen of Clovis or the surrounding area visits a salon to get a haircut or have their hair colored there's a good chance that the stylist was taught by Mrs. Szaloy,” Nwankwo said. “She leaves very big shoes to fill and we certainly will miss her.”

In other business at the meeting:

• The academic calendars for Fall 2021, Spring 2022, and Summer 2022 were approved by the board.

“As far as Covid goes it didn't influence it a whole lot at all,” Robin Jones, Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs, said.

Spring registration began Dec. 2 and is open until Jan. 25. The upcoming Winter Break will begin on Dec. 19 and go until Jan. 3. Fall 2021 registration will begin April 12 and end Aug. 27. The Fall 2022 semester will begin Aug. 23.

• The board was reminded of the change in minimum wage that will begin on Jan. 1. At that time minimum wage will rise to $10.50 per hour. CCC has student workers and contract workers who are paid minimum wage and will both see a raise after the first of the year. There are currently 21 student employees who work a maximum of 20 hours a week, but during a normal semester 60 are hired.

• Nwankwo thanked the board for its leadership and service over the year, particularly in its help navigating the ongoing pandemic.

“The year 2020 with its challenges is not without some positive aspects,” Nwankwo said. “For instance, we all here have become experts in Zoom meetings, online teaching, and online learning.”

• The next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 3.