VGCC Radiography Student recognized for Academic Excellence
Vance-Granville Community College has named student Rita Hatzimimis of Wake Forest as its recipient of the North Carolina Community College System’s Academic Excellence Award for 2013. One student from each of the 58 colleges in the state system is honored with the award each year. Hatzimimis will be officially recognized at Commencement in May, when she is also scheduled to graduate with a degree in Radiography.
In 1988, Hatzimimis earned her first college degree: a bachelor’s degree from Elon College (now known as Elon University). Then, she entered the workforce. “I was one of the lucky people who had a career that I enjoyed,” Hatzimimis recalled. “This was true until the economy took a wrong turn and left a lot of us without jobs.” Despite her disappointment, Hatzimimis said, “I have always known that when one door closes, another usually opens. I am so fortunate that I chose to walk through the door to VGCC.” She was eventually accepted into the Radiography program , based at VGCC’s South Campus near Creedmoor. She calls the program “one of the most challenging experiences of my life,” but quickly adds, “I feel fortunate because now I have a career that I not only enjoy, but love. Becoming a radiographer ‘fits’ and meets my need to be challenged mentally and physically.” Hatzimimis has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA, was named to the Dean’s List and has received an endowed VGCC scholarship because of her academic success. “I have discovered new strengths about myself that, prior to embarking on this educational journey, I had no idea that I possessed,” she said. “I discovered that I am much stronger than I ever believed and that I absolutely can do anything that I want to do with my life and career.” Her message to other adults is: “It is never too late to learn something new.”
“Rita is an outstanding representative of VGCC,” said Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the president of the college. “Like many of our students, she enrolled in order to prepare for a new career, and she is on the verge of completing a degree that will open up numerous opportunities. She is not only an excellent student in a rigorous curriculum, but she is also the mother of two children. Her accomplishments are truly inspirational.”
Above: Rita M. Hatzimimis of Wake Forest, seen here on the college’s Main Campus, is VGCC’s recipient of the North Carolina Community College System’s Academic Excellence Award for 2013. (VGCC Photo)
