News

May 12, 2008
ECC Graduate Lost Her Job, Now Starting a New Career in Health Care

Sherry Denton was joined by her mother, Andrea Jordan, and her sister, Faye Day, for graduation at Edgecombe Community College on May 9. The rest of the family was at Wilson Community College for the graduation of Denton’s husband, Willie. Sherry Denton received the Puritan Bennett Award, presented for academic excellence in respiratory therapy.

Losing her job turned out great for Sherry Denton.

Denton, 54, a Wilson resident, worked at Wrangler in Wilson for 14 years. When the plant closed and moved overseas in 2005, she looked to higher education for her future.

She enrolled in the respiratory therapy program at Edgecombe Community College and graduated on May 9 with a job waiting for her at Wilson Medical Center. She starts May 26.

Denton’s husband, Willie, was laid off in 2004, and he returned to school at Wilson Community College. He, too, graduated on May 9, with a degree in information technology.

The Dentons are shining examples of ECC graduation speaker N.C. Representative Joe Tolson’s advice to graduates: never stop learning.

“Because of the complex world we live in, you must continue to build on your education,” he said. He spoke about the influence of technology and globalization and encouraged graduates to become involved in their communities. “We’re looking for leaders in this graduating class,” he said.

“You will prize this special day,” Rep. Tolson said. “You have achieved something that nobody can take away from you. Through your education, you will improve the quality of life for you and your family.”

ECC’s Class of 2008 comprises 306 students, including 249 degree, diploma, and certificate students; 51 GED students; and 6 Adult High School students. A capacity crowd filled Keihin Auditorium on the Tarboro campus to watch 180 of these graduates walk across the stage and receive their diplomas.

Special presentations were made during graduation by the ECC Foundation to an instructor and a staff member.

Fred Erich received the 2008 Excellence in Teaching Award. An instructor of developmental mathematics, Erich has taught at the college for 14 years.

“While many teachers are happy if a student can simply manipulate numbers to come up with correct answers, he insists that students understand what they are doing,” said Karen Andrus, executive director of the ECC Foundation, in making the presentation.

“He meets them before class, after class, and even has students call him at home for help,” she said.

Brad Hill, PC/LAN technician, received the 2008 Staff Award. An ECC employee for just five years, Hill has streamlined PC and network processes and learned new skills to save the college on outsourcing repairs.

Fellow employees said of Hill: “I have never seen a better computer tech and troubleshooter.” “He takes his job very seriously and strives to do his best.”

The ECC Foundation honored Erich and Hill with a $250 check and a plaque.

[ Return to Main News Page ]

Tarboro: (252) 823-5166 2009 W. Wilson St., Tarboro, NC 27886

Rocky Mount:  (252) 446-0436 225 Tarboro St., Rocky Mount, NC 27801