The community colleges named at a press conference in Washington, D.C., represent the top 10 percent in the country, according to the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. President Obama announced the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence during the White House Summit on Community Colleges in October 2010.

Community college presidents from the selected schools, including DCCC President Mary Rittling, were summoned to Washington, D.C., April 25 as the prize was announced and the competition was officially launched. Also attending were Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden and Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education.

“It is a great honor that DCCC was chosen to compete for this prestigious prize,” Rittling said. “It affirms the talent of our staff and faculty and the support of our communities in Davidson and Davie counties. It also validates the direction we are taking to ensure continuous improvement of student outcomes and success through other competitive initiatives such as Achieving the Dream.”