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Excerpts from Mr. Piemont's address

Joe Piemont delivered the commencement address to CCHS's spring graduates from the School of Nursing, Radiologic Technology, and Surgical Technology. Mr. Piemont was named president and chief operating officer of Carolinas HealthCare System in November 2007, 10 years after joining the system as president of the CHS Management Company. Mr. Piemont earned his bachelor's degree in economics from UNC-Charlotte and a law degree from Emory University in Atlanta.

First, we truly value the opportunity we have had to be a part of your healthcare education at Carolinas Medical Center. The investments you have made will serve you for a lifetime.

The second thing I want to express is admiration for the hard work that landed you here this evening. I have met many graduates of our CCHS programs over the years, but I haven't met any who complained that it was "too easy."

So the one thing that is not going to change, no matter what happens with "reform," is the public's expectation of quality. In the positions that you will occupy, you are -- quite literally -- the face of the industry.

People don't judge quality by what someone like me says in a speech. They judge it by what happens to them when they approach people like you for attention and care, often in stressful circumstances. Caring counts!

In short, you made a great choice when you came to CCHS for your education. It is time to begin or continue your journey. It's been a privilege to have you as a part of our team. I congratulate you on a great achievement, and hope you will maintain your connections here on an ongoing basis. We very much look forward to staying in touch, having you back, and keeping abreast of your future accomplishments.

Read the speech in full