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Alumni Spotlights

“CFCC trained me for real life” — David Eakins

Even before graduating from CFCC’s Computer Integrated Machining (CIM) program, David Eakins secured a job working for Interroll Group, a leading global provider of machinery handling solutions. After graduating from Cape Fear, Eakins landed a job with GE Aviation in Castle Hayne, NC as a CNC (computer numerically controlled) operator. In this position, Eakins …
Army Corps veteran finds next career move through CFCC

Brent Springer is a retired veteran who served with the Army Corps of Engineers. Among other tasks during his military career, Springer learned how to operate heavy equipment for building roads and bridges. Shortly after retiring from the military, Springer decided to pursue a career in construction as a civilian. He considered attending a …
Barbering grad opens luxury barber shop in downtown Wilmington, NC

After serving in the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, NC, Steve Grissom worked as an arborist, climbing trees to inspect them. When his knees started complaining, Grissom began to look for a new line of work. He still had strong hand-eye coordination and decided to pursue his interest in barbering. Researching …
Catching up with CFCC Alumni Jose Garcia

On a recent trip to Wilmington, NC, CFCC Alumni José Garcia stopped in to visit the campus, faculty, and his little sister, Emily. We caught up with José, and he was happy to give us an update and share his success story! During his time at CFCC, José was very active on campus. Through …
CFCC Adult High School Grad Finds Her Passion in Counseling and Takes Next Steps at CFCC

CFCC adult high school graduate Crystal Harris discovered her passion at CFCC and is on her way to a career as a substance abuse counselor. “I used to struggle with questions like ‘what am I supposed to do now?’ and ‘how am I supposed to support my family?’” said Crystal Harris, CFCC adult high school …
CFCC AFA-Visual Arts Grad Transfers from the Port City to the Windy City

CFCC Associate in Fine Arts-Visual Arts graduate Jack Estep admits to not being ready for a 4-year university right after high school. The CFCC Merit Scholar decided that Cape Fear Community College was a great juncture between high school and the university level. Not only was the cost more affordable, but classes were also …
CFCC alum Brian Allen now principal of Burgaw Middle School

Brian Allen, a CFCC alum and New Hanover County native, recently assumed the role of principal at Burgaw Middle School. Prior to his new position, he opened Surf City Elementary School where he served as the principal for the past five years. Allen’s early exposure to the world of education and mentoring began through …
CFCC alumna creates platform for artists to speak their peace

Mahlaynee Cooper graduated from CFCC in December of 2017 with an Associate in Fine Arts degree in theatre. As a non-traditional student, her adult life left little room for extra school activities. “It’s different when you return to school after many years,” Mahlaynee said. “With my limited time, my priority was to focus and …
CFCC Alumna Named Eugene Ashley High School Teacher of the Year

Eugene Ashley High School Principal, Patrick McCarty, and Fatima Sail. Wilmington, NC – Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) alumna, Fatima Sail, has been recognized as the Eugene Ashley High School Teacher of the Year for 2023-2024. Fatima has taught French at Ashley for the past four years and is licensed to …
CFCC alumni excels as VP of national dining solution company

With over 20 years in the hospitality industry, Matt Smythe, a CFCC Culinary Arts graduate, now holds the position of Vice President of Operations at LifeWorks Restaurant Group. A national provider of premier customized dining solutions, Lifeworks designs outstanding dining establishments for clients aiming for top-tier workplace results. In his role, Matt collaborates with …
CFCC alumni nominated for Primetime Emmy Award

Wilmington, NC – Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) proudly announces that one of our alumni, Susan Russell, has been nominated for the prestigious Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Period Costumes for a Limited Series or Anthology Movie. Susan worked as a Costume Supervisor on the locally filmed George and Tammy set. Susan has worked …
CFCC alumni signed on with Alimerka Oviedo Baloncesto, professional basketball team in Oviedo, Spain

Introducing Demetric Horton, a distinguished CFCC alumni! Demetric made his mark as a vital player on the CFCC Men’s Basketball team during the 2018-2019 season, leaving an indelible impression. His remarkable skills and unwavering commitment were undeniable throughout his time with the team. After completing his bachelor’s degree at NC A&T, Demetric’s journey elevated …
CFCC alumni strikes gold with UNC-Charlotte 49ers

Ismael Urbina enrolled at Cape Fear Community College with three goals in mind. Reduce the cost of college. Raise his grade point average to help him achieve his third goal: Enter a nursing program. He succeeded at all three. With stops at UNC-Chapel Hill and Johns Hopkins University, Urbina’s now on his way to …
CFCC alumni to compete in world deaf football championships

Cape Fear Community College is proud to announce that one of our alumni and former student-athletes, Tristan Torbett has been selected to compete with the United States Deaf Men’s National Team (USDMNT) at the 4th World Deaf Football Championships. The tournament will run from September 20, 2023, to October 8, 2023, in Kuala Lumpur, …
CFCC alumni, Travis Shallow, announced as opening act for country legend, Clint Black

Credits: Erika Arlee Cape Fear Community College Alumni Travis Shallow will open for award-winning country artist Clint Black on Sunday, June 25, at the Wilson Center. Shallow, an Americana and Folk singer/songwriter, will captivate a packed crowd with a solo acoustic set. Travis Shallow graduated from Cape Fear Community College with …
CFCC automotive systems instructor keeps students on pace with industry

After working in a salvage yard and tire shop for a few years, Thomas Butler decided he was ready to advance his career. That’s when he discovered Automotive Systems Technology at CFCC and enrolled in the associate degree program. In the early 1990s, Butler graduated from CFCC’s first two-year Automotive Systems Technology program. He immediately …
CFCC boat building graduate builds dream homes

While growing up in the furniture manufacturing capital of the world nurtured his love for craftsmanship, Hickory-native Kyle Henry knew he wanted to take his skills in a different direction. He desired to build boats. Henry researched different boat-building schools and programs but found that most were costly and out of state. Except for …
CFCC culinary arts alum is beefing up business

From undecided to culinary arts alum to successful small business owner, Sam Steger shares his journey from Cape Fear to owning a thriving Wilmington restaurant. “There’s a lot of pressure on people to get a four-year degree,” said Sam Steger, local entrepreneur and CFCC alum. “I thought I wasn’t going to be successful without it.” …
CFCC Firefighter Academy Graduate Finds Her Calling as a First Responder

Wilmington, NC – On June 3, 2021, twelve students graduated from CFCC’s Firefighter Academy. Among the graduates was Amanda Cobb, a public safety officer on Bald Head Island. Cobb grew up in Alaska where she attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks and graduated with a degree in art. “I really enjoyed art. It was fun …
CFCC graduate and learning lab tutor recognized by UNCW

CFCC graduate, Caitlin Parrott, has been recognized by UNCW Cameron School of Business as the fall 2021 Outstanding Graduate in Information Technology. Parrott was nominated by her advisor at UNCW for the distinction. Parrott is honored to have received this recognition and grateful she found CFCC to help her achieve this accomplishment. Enrolling at CFCC …
CFCC graduate receives full scholarship to Amherst College

CFCC graduate Philip White Self-taught business analyst Philip White decided to return to school to pursue a formal education. He found a passion for politics and economics and knew that a college degree would improve his career options. The Whiteville native decided to begin his education journey at CFCC. WHY CFCC? …
CFCC graduate revamps career to help those in need

Following a corporate downsize, Jean Rogers found herself unemployed. While taking a moment to regroup, she discovered the happy ending for her story. Rogers enrolled at CFCC in the Human Services Technology – Addiction and Recovery Services program. Now, she is pursuing her passion for helping individuals suffering from addiction and mental health issues. …
CFCC Graduate Selected as NCSU Goodnight Scholar

CFCC class of 2021 graduate Mario Ramalho has been selected as a Goodnight Transfer Scholar at NC State University. The Goodnight Scholarship is valued at $21,000 per year for up to three years. Ramalho is among 25 Goodnight Transfer Scholars selected from across North Carolina. After serving nine years in the U.S. Navy, Ramalho enrolled …
CFCC Graduate Spotlight: Elizabeth Hare

Elizabeth Hare was pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies at UNCW when she realized a need for interpreters. During her sophomore year, she met a deaf person dependent on their parents to help interpret in the hearing world. “There’s no advocacy or support for the deaf community and interpreting, and I’m a bit …
CFCC Marine Tech grad hits the high seas

Natalia Renfrew wakes up every morning in love with her job. Despite occasionally rough seas and seasickness, Natalia is thrilled to work in the marine sciences, commenting, “It’s everything I ever wanted.” After graduating from CFCC’s Marine Technology program, she was hired by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) in Gloucester Point, VA. …
CFCC Marine Technology Grad Locks in Job with Weeks Marine

Flashback to her senior year of high school, Kaitlyn Bellas was torn between pursuing a four-year degree in marine biology from a university and a two-year degree in marine technology from Cape Fear Community College. The summer after her senior year, Bellas, working at a dive shop, was struck by the reputation CFCC’s Marine …
CFCC nursing grad locks in career at UVA Hospital

When Isaiah Norton was eight years old, his mother was diagnosed with brain cancer. Though surgery and radiation treatment cured her, the experience left Norton with a great appreciation for nurses. Norton began his nursing education in his home state of Wisconsin. But struggling to find the balance between academics and athletics, he decided …
CFCC nursing grad returns as ADN instructor

CFCC Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) instructor Tamara Kavanaugh began her nursing education as an adult learner at CFCC, pursuing an Associate of Arts degree in business. Although her studies started smoothly, Kavanaugh faced a rough patch when up against an accounting class. With little interest and patience for accounting, Kavanaugh reevaluated her situation. She …
CFCC student earns associate degree to continue teaching career

After relocating from California to North Carolina, Christina Rivero sought employment with the public school system. Despite 20 years of experience in elementary education, Rivero discovered that she needed an associate degree to work as a teacher assistant in the state of North Carolina. Disappointed but not discouraged, she enrolled at CFCC to pursue her …
CFCC theatre arts graduate achieves goal of formal training

Quentin Proulx (pronounced proo) arrived at CFCC with an extensive resume of acting jobs but no formal training. In 2017, he relocated to the Wilmington area from San Diego to enter the film industry and discovered CFCC’s Associate of Fine Arts – Theatre Arts program. “I have done thousands of trade shows, but I still …
CFCC’s Culinary Arts Program Is Basted in Expertise

The sounds of whisks and sizzling pans greet you as you enter CFCC’s culinary arts classroom. The aroma of sautéed vegetables and fresh seasonings tickles your nose. Class notes and ingredients are neatly arranged at each student’s station. The future chefs focus on creating their most recent culinary masterpiece under the watchful guidance of …
From airspace to cyberspace: Michael Leibler’s journey from the military to a new career

After serving in the Marines as a hydraulic mechanic on the CH53 Echo aircraft, Michael Leibler pursued a career in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning). However, due to a back injury, he found it increasingly difficult to handle the physical demands of the HVAC industry. Determined to find a new, less physically demanding career, …
From CFCC to CDC: Wilmington Native Cutter Wyatt’s Journey to Educate and Serve Public Health

Wilmington native Cutter Wyatt always planned on a career that helped and educated people. But he wasn’t sure exactly which path to follow. While planning his next step, he enrolled at CFCC to earn his transferable associate degree. Staying Local, Keeping Costs Low Living in Wilmington was one of the factors that brought Wyatt …
From First-Gen Student to First-Gen Firefighter: Meet Dulce Lopez-Jaimes

Growing up in Pender County, North Carolina, Dulce Lopez-Jaimes was raised in a family of Mexican immigrants who chose the area to call their home and bring up their children. Dulce is not the firstborn child in her family, but she is a first-generation high school graduate, a first-generation college graduate, and a first-generation …
From temp job to pastry chef: how CFCC’s baking program empowered Larry O’Driscoll

Leaving his Baltimore home to follow his new wife to Wilmington, Larry O’Driscoll also left his chocolatier business behind. Larry worked in the restaurant and baking industries for many years, but with the move, he found himself starting over in a new market. He wanted to continue his passion for baking and pastry arts, …
From vacationer to college graduate: John Gavin’s path to success as a real estate broker

CFCC alumnus, John Gavin, grew up vacationing on the North Carolina coast. After graduating from high school, he relocated to Wilmington to begin his college journey. John found choosing CFCC to be a “no-brainer” due to the school’s successful and affordable options as well as its coastal location. Recognizing his desire to obtain a …
Husband and father locks in sustainable career

At thirty-nine years old, husband and father Christopher Oliver never thought he’d be a recent graduate of CFCC’s Mechatronics Engineering Technology program. With the majority of his career spent in retail management, he decided it was time to pursue a stable career for him and his family. Aware of the diverse selection of programs at …
Husband and wife duo find work-life balance through CFCC

Tim and Jeanette Buchanan made a significant move in pursuit of a more fulfilling lifestyle. Lured by the coastal climate and hopes of a better life, the couple relocated from Ohio to the Wilmington area while retaining their positions with a national retail pharmacy chain. Despite the picturesque coastal surroundings, the idyllic lifestyle they …
Kelvin Orellana

What year did you graduate? What program were you in? I graduated from Cape Fear’s chemical technology program in the spring of 2018 and recently graduated (Fall 2021) from NC State’s agriculture science program. I also minored in plant biology and animal science. Were you involved in student activities at CFCC? Special memories about …
Q&A with CFCC Alumnus, Nate Cook

Nate Cook graduated from CFCC’s Film and Video Production Technology program in 2017. We asked Nate to share his experience in the program, where he is now, his advice to future Sea Devils, and more! Were you involved in student activities at CFCC? Special memories about class and/or instructors? I was as involved as …
The Many Sides of Jason Mott: CFCC Graduate, Best Selling Author, Nicolas Cage Fan

Jason Mott casually sits behind the podium to address the audience gathered at the New Hanover County Northeast Library. Despite his claim of being an introvert, Mott comfortably shares stories about his writing process and the struggles of becoming a published author. An Author on a Book Tour. Sounds Familiar At this event, Mott promotes …

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