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SANFORD, N.C. — Building community for veterans. Homeschooling children. Showing kindness to classmates.

These are some of the ways the members of �ڰ�������'s Class of 2026 gave and received support in the many facets of their lives as they worked to achieve their dreams.

�ڰ������� proudly celebrated 663 Spring graduates on May 14 at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center, where the 68th Commencement Exercises brought together graduates, families, faculty, and friends for a day of joy, reflection, and new beginnings. 

Three ceremonies, held at 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 3 p.m., honored the accomplishments of the Class of 2026.

Graduates entered the hall to the sound of bagpipes — a �ڰ������� tradition — and were cheered on in each ceremony by the people who helped them get there. Loved ones shook pom-poms, held bouquets, and beamed with pride. 

�ڰ������� President Dr. Lisa M. Chapman addressed the graduates at each of the three ceremonies.

“You have brought honor to the Cougar Nation while you’ve been our students and we know you’ll carry that same spirit into whatever comes next as our alumni,” she said. “Whether you’re stepping into the workforce, continuing your education, or starting something entirely new, know that you carry with you the strength of this place and the belief that we all have in you.” 

Honoring Excellence

Dane Peterson, �ڰ�������'s Faculty Member of the Year, served as Chief Marshal and Mace Bearer, leading faculty into each of the ceremonies. Dr. Jon Matthews, Provost for Harnett County, presented the academic awards and Dr. Kristi Short, Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, presented the graduates. Board of Trustees Chair Julian Philpott conferred the certificates, degrees, and diplomas at the morning ceremonies, and Trustee Gladys McAuley conferred them at the 3 p.m. ceremony. The invocation was offered by Pastor Krysha Jamis of Broadway United Methodist Church.

Voices of the Class of 2026

Six student speakers brought the Class of 2026 to life through stories of kindness, courage, and perseverance.

Maximiliano Salgado, graduating with an Associate in Science, offered a tribute to the community his classmates built together.

"When I was overwhelmed, someone comforted me,” Salgado said. “When I forgot to eat, somebody went to get food with me. When I didn't understand something, someone explained it to me, and everywhere I turned, I saw that kindness around me.” 

Zoey Walter, who earned an Associate in Arts and will be transferring to a four-year university, drew laughter from the audience with her humorous anecdotes about students’ shared experiences. 

“I would like to thank my friends and family for showing up for me and supporting me through college and pushing me to do my best,” she said. “To my fellow graduates, today is proof that accomplishments and growth do not happen overnight.” 

Monique McDougald, graduating with an Associate in Applied Science in Business Administration, told how she first enrolled at �ڰ������� in 2014 — and stepped away in 2016. She returned this past fall.

"It is never too late to go after your goals," McDougald said. "Do not let fear stop you. Do not let the opinions of others define your direction. And above all, do not give up."

Jennifer Hill, a single mother of two who worked part-time while tackling a triple major in Computer Engineering Technology, Electronics Engineering Technology, and Laser and Photonics Technology, spoke of the challenges members of the class surmounted.  

"Some of us were carrying responsibilities that no syllabus would ever prepare us for,” Hill said. “And still, we showed up."

Chad Bruner, graduating with an Associate in Applied Science in Social and Human Services, came to �ڰ������� to increase his skills and knowledge after serving in the military and helping to start a nonprofit to support veterans. 

“There’s not a single person sitting here on this stage that could have done it on their own,” he said. “We’ve all had support.” 

Wendi Emerson, graduating with an Associate Degree in Nursing, told the audience she had come back to school after more than 20 years of raising and homeschooling her children. 

In her speech, she drew on the legacies of her mother and her stepfather, as well as her father who passed away during her last semester.

“Being a mom is the biggest part of who I am, you can probably tell; it’s the part of my life that matters most to me,” she told her fellow graduates. “You may not have parents who cheered you on as you worked for this degree. They may not be here today celebrating your victory. I want to be your substitute mom today and tell you I am so proud of you.”

Congratulations, Class of 2026

From veterans to first-generation college students, from parents juggling homework alongside their children's to students racing the clock on late-night assignments, the Class of 2026 arrived at graduation having already proven their kindness, courage, perseverance — and capability. 

As Salgado said as he addressed his classmates in Spanish and English at the end of his speech: “Lo bueno siempre va ser difícil, pero todo es posible … Anything that is truly worthwhile is difficult, but it is always possible.” 

Download photographs from the ceremonies at  �ڰ������� College Photos. Video of the ceremonies can be viewed on demand at .