SUMMER 1999 – State Superintendent Tells VGCC Grads To ‘Walk Plainly’ Through Sands Of Time
Dr. Michael E. Ward told 231 graduates of Vance-Granville Community College Monday evening that they will leave footprints on the sands of time as they go through life, and he urged them to “walk plainly and leave a path worthy of following.”
Ward, the state Superintendent of Public Instruction and former superintendent of Granville County Schools, was the principal speaker for the summer graduation exercises held in the college Civic Center.
John K. Nelms of Oxford, chairman of VGCC’s Board of Trustees, introduced Ward and remembered him as a teacher, principal and superintendent who was honored for his contributions to education in that county and the state. Ward is serving his first term as state superintendent.
Beginning his remarks on a light note, Ward told the graduates they were getting ready to be pushed out of the best jobs they every had. He also said the eyes of their parents and grandparents were on them, and those eyes were filled will celebration but also filled with relief.
“Their prayers are that you will be safe, happy, successful and that one day you’ll leave home,” Ward joked.
“Because I know Vance-Granville is a great community college, I know you are prepared for the next steps in your life,” Ward told the graduates. He said those steps will leave footprints and, “We should be proud of the tracks we leave behind.
“Your trail will be evident to the scrutiny of your family, friends and co-workers and you should keep asking yourself if your path is one that is worthy of being followed,” he said.
Ward told the graduates they will be loved and befriended, and they are responsible to love and befriend others. “It is my highest hope that your interests, talents, career and opportunity to serve intersect,” he said. “And I want you to be prepared to commit incomprehensible acts of kindness.”
Following Ward’s remarks, VGCC President Robert A. Miller told the capacity audience that Vance-Granville has graduated more than 15,000 men and women in its 30-year history. This was the second commencement of 1999, the first being May 15 when 246 degrees, diplomas and certificates were awarded.
Among the graduates who trooped across the stage to be recognized were 54 recipients of adult high school diplomas and 56 high school equivalency (GED) recipients. Miller told the audience that enrollment in literacy programs is up 45 percent at Vance-Granville, as well as being up 11 percent in curriculum programs and 26 percent in occupational extension classes.
Vice President Fred H. Wilson Jr., Leo Kelly Jr., dean of Continuing Education, and Marsha J. Nelson, dean of Curriculum, assisted President Miller in awarding degrees and diplomas.
Board Secretary Henrietta H. Clark gave the invocation, Vice Chairman Donald C. Seifert Sr. welcomed guests, Trustee John M. Foster presented a Bible to each graduate, and Trustee J. David Brooks gave the benediction.
