College celebrates record-breaking Class of 2026 at Commencement
Randolph Community College celebrated the achievements, resilience, and future promise of the Class of 2026 during its commencement ceremony held Wednesday, May 13, at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, as more than 1,400 students earned over 1,700 credentials across RCC's academic and workforce programs with a record-number 430 participating in the ceremony.
Boliek gives the commencement address.
Surrounded by family members, friends, faculty, staff, and community leaders, graduates crossed the stage to receive degrees, diplomas, and certificates representing months — and for many, years — of dedication and perseverance. The ceremony featured remarks from college leadership, a student representative, and special guest speaker North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek.
In his welcome remarks, Randolph Community College President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan reflected on the College’s continued momentum under its RCC 2.0 vision and ACES strategic priorities.
“Tonight is also a powerful reflection of RCC 2.0’s shared vision: A more Relevant, Career-focused and Committed RCC,” Ardalan said. “This vision becomes reality through ACES — we are expanding Access, strengthening Connections, improving Experience, and increasing Success.”
Student Government Association President Bullet Rundberg, who will soon earn her high school diploma from Randolph Early College High School, delivered the student address, encouraging graduates to recognize both the challenges they overcame and the opportunities ahead.
“As I stand here, looking at all of you, I do not just see graduates,” Rundberg said. “I see stories. I see people who kept going when it would have been easier to stop. I see people who chose to continue.”
Rundberg concluded with a message of encouragement and renewal for fellow graduates.
“This chapter, it ends here. But it is not the end of the story. It is just the end of one dream, and the start of another.”
The commencement address was delivered by North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek, who shared his own winding career journey and reminded graduates that success is rarely a straight line.
“It’s OK that you may not know exactly what you want to do after leaving this ceremony,” Boliek said. “Your path is going to wind. You will start off going one way and end up going another… and that’s OK.”
Interior Design graduates Gray Cloer, left, and Ella Campbell turn their tassels.
Boliek encouraged graduates to remain grounded in faith, family, and friendships while embracing future opportunities with patience and determination.
“Show up for work on time every day. Be dependable. Be the best at whatever you do. You’ll be surprised at how far that will take you.”
Following the commencement address, two Randolph Community College graduates were surprised with special $1,000 awards presented in honor of Boliek.
Ruth Lambeth, who earned her High School Equivalency diploma, and Rundberg, who earned her Associate in Arts degree, were each recognized for their determination, leadership, and academic achievement.
During the ceremony, Vice President of Learning and Workforce Development/CAO Dr. Lisa Johnson formally presented candidates for graduation, recognizing the hard work and perseverance required to reach commencement.
“Tonight reflects not only what you have earned, but what you have overcome,” Johnson said. “We are incredibly proud of you and excited for what comes next.”
Board of Trustees Chairman Reynolds Lisk Jr. officially proclaimed the graduates of Randolph Community College before graduates moved their tassels to mark the completion of their academic journey.
Closing remarks were delivered by Vice President of Student Success Dr. Lisa Carlson, who reminded graduates that their perseverance and determination will continue to shape their futures.
“The world needs people with resilience, empathy, integrity, and determination,” Carlson said. “It needs people like you.”
The ceremony opened and closed with traditional bagpipe processional and recessional performances by Bill Caudill and featured the presentation of colors by the Asheboro High School Air Force Junior ROTC.
Randolph Community College’s Class of 2026 now joins thousands of RCC alumni making an impact across North Carolina and beyond through careers, continued education, military service, and community leadership. According to a 2026 Lightcast Economic Impact Study, RCC alumni working in Randolph County generate $102.9 million in annual economic impact and support 1,673 jobs in the county.
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About Randolph Community College: Randolph Community College (RCC), under the leadership of President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan, is committed to providing relevant career training and educational opportunities. Ranked No. 1 in North Carolina by Niche.com, the College offers affordable degrees and short-term certificate programs that start throughout the year, both in person and online. To register, visit randolph.edu/register or call 336-633-0200 and expect to engage with the most competent and compassionate team of faculty and staff.