Jamie Hamrick

Cleveland Community College's 2018 Academic Excellence Award winner is James "Jamie" Hamrick.
Hamrick began his educational journey at CCC more than 35 years ago. He studied TV and Radio Repair and got a job with IBM in Charlotte as a Test Technician. He worked at that location for 31 years, holding a variety of positions and experiencing two ownership changes.
In the late 1990's, Hamrick began taking classes again at CCC, working toward an Associate in Applied Science degree in Electronics Engineering, but he never completed it. Recently, he came back to CCC with the intention of finishing his degree. "It is a bucket list item for me," said Hamrick. "After raising two kids, I told my wife it was time I finished what I started."
So, when the current company owners decided to close the Charlotte location, Hamrick simply switched from part-time to full-time student. Because the company moved the jobs out of the country, he was able to get support to attend school full time from the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers program. He also decided to pursue a second degree.
On May 4, 2018 Hamrick, who held a 3.9 grade point average, crossed one item off his bucket list. He graduated with his Associate in Applied Science in Electronics Engineering, plus an Associate in Applied Science in Mission Critical Operations - Operations Technology.
Hamrick was recognized on stage at graduation, receiving a medallion and a plaque from former interim president Dr. William C. Aiken.
Submitted by Paula B. Vess