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On the evening of Friday, May 12th, Bladen Community College will honor its Class of 2023 with a special celebration event on campus including a pre-recorded graduation ceremony video where over 300 graduates will be recognized.

Beginning in 2021, Bladen Community College expanded its traditional graduation ceremony to include a campus wide celebration where graduates with their families and friends would have the opportunity to enjoy fun activities, music, complimentary food choices and colorful photo/selfie stations to capture memories. Informational exhibits and booths vital for transition from student to graduate and beyond are also included in this special event.

Our special campus celebration activities will start at 6pm until 8pm with the official launch of the graduation ceremony video on a very large, outdoor screen at approximately 8:15pm or dusk. After the special event, the video can also be viewed by the public with just a click on a link embedded in the college’s website www.bladencc.edu and social media outlets. This professionally produced video will be available for some time after the special event for viewing and archiving for years to come.

Mike Nagowski, CEO of Cape Fear Health System, will be the featured guest speaker. Mr. Nagowski assumed the position of Chief Executive Officer of Cape Fear Valley Health System in January 2008. The Health System is a private, not for profit hospital system which includes Bladen County Hospital and the other major system components are: Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, Cape Fear Valley Rehab Center, Highsmith-Rainey Specialty Hospital, Behavioral Health Care, Cape Fear Valley Hoke Hospital, and Harnett Health. Prior to coming to Cape Fear Valley, Mr. Nagowski was President of Buffalo General Hospital and Millard Fillmore Gates Circle Hospital in Buffalo, New York. The hospital CEO has a Master’s of Business Administration from Saint Bonaventure University in Olean, New York. and is a former active duty Marine.

During the campus special event, graduates will have the opportunity to have a professional photograph taken in cap and gown with the president of the college, chair of the college trustees and guest speaker as a memento of the occasion. Graduates will also receive a commemorative graduation gift bag and t-shirt.

While graduates and guests participate in fun activities, they will have the opportunity to enjoy complimentary concessions. Food Trucks will also be on campus for graduates and their guests can conveniently purchase a variety of food. Special kid activities will be offered to entertain young attendees. Music with a live DJ will add to the festive atmosphere. In addition, college and community business partners will have exhibit booths with information on making the transition from student to graduate to potential employee. Those interested in enrolling in upcoming classes at Bladen Community College will also have the chance to get more information about becoming a student at the college sponsored recruitment booth.

Dr. Amanda Lee, President of Bladen Community College, remarked in a communication that recently went out to graduates inviting them to the special event, “ I am deeply grateful for your remarkable resilience and commitment to reaching your goal of graduation. Your hard work will continue to serve you well in the future. I look forward to celebrating with you and your families, friends, our BCC family on Friday, May 12th.”