Lenoir Community College Graduates 728
Michael Abernethy, Staff Writer
© The Free Press

Linda Cronk was more than just one of the many proud parents of graduates at Lenoir Community College’s graduation ceremony Friday night.

Both she and her son, Joseph, graduated with high honors and associate’s degrees in applied science at the ceremony.

It’s fitting that the two would graduate at the same time. Linda would be first to tell you that she and Joseph have always shared a close bond.

“We are like the best of friends,” Linda said. “Instead of just mother and son, we are friends through the thick and thin.”

LCC handed out a record 728 degrees and diplomas during the ceremony, held in the college’s student center. Last spring, the school presented 721 degrees and diplomas.

Linda and Joseph are two of the many eagerly awaiting opportunities to put their skills to use.

“It feels terrific to be finished but I have some mixed feelings,” Linda said. “I have all this energy, but I haven’t found the right job yet.”

The Hookerton residents both entered classes at LCC in the spring of 2004; Linda in the graphic arts and imaging technology program and Joseph in welding technology.

“All my kids were grown and I was always into arts and crafts and computers,” Linda said. “But I really wanted a purpose from computers other than playing on them. It looked like a really well-rounded program.”

Joseph is following in his father’s footsteps now that he’s a skilled welder. The transition from high school, in Wilkes County, to college brought out the best in him.

“I’m proud that I made it this far,” Joseph said. “I made one ‘A’ in high school and now I’m graduating with honors. I just didn’t see myself coming this far.”

Now that their journey together is at an end, Linda and Joseph have had some time to reflect.

“It’s funny, we’ve spent all this time here together, but we’ve never had a class together,” Linda said. “One thing that’s gotten me through all of this is a good sense of humor.”

That sense of humor will lead her through the uncertain time ahead.

In the meantime, she said everyone should look into courses at LCC.

“I just think the instructors here are terrific. They’re just so impressive,” Linda said. “I think this is a great community college. I recommend it to anyone, young or old.”

Michael Abernethy can be reached at (252) 527-3191, Ext. 232, or at mabernethy@freedomenc.com.