NC A&T Professor addresses more than 400 VGCC Graduates
At Vance-Granville Community College’s 43rd commencement exercises on May 11, graduates were encouraged to “keep on moving.” That was the refrain from the featured commencement speaker, Dr. Kimberly Ray McNeil, an Associate Professor of Marketing at North Carolina A&T State University who grew up in Henderson. She addressed more than 400 graduates before they received their diplomas and degrees in VGCC curriculum programs , in a ceremony that was held at the gazebo by the lake on the college’s Main Campus. For the first time , the large crowd of family members and others in attendance was joined virtually by viewers at home — even in other countries — watching a live video feed of the graduation exercises via the Internet.
“I charge you to embrace your college slogan, that Vance-Granville is your gateway to endless possibilities,” McNeil told graduates. She said they must consider their degrees as their foundations, and they must become lifelong learners in order to succeed. “The beauty of life is that learning is constant, if you allow it to be,” McNeil added. She implored graduates to lead lives that balance work with fun and helping others, because “what we are is more than what we do.”
Katina D. Harris of Warrenton, who served as president of the VGCC Student Government Association and graduated with an Associate in Arts degree , spoke on behalf of her classmates. She said that members of the Class of 2012 should “celebrate today,” but remember that “we still have more work to do tomorrow.” Harris said that now, graduates faced challenges of securing jobs, becoming entrepreneurs or completing four-year degrees. “I know you can make it,” she told her fellow graduates. “Being here today proves that you have the fortitude to make it through diverse obstacles,” Harris said. “Being here proves that you are a winner and you can achieve your dreams; being here today proves that you are a Vanguard, leading the way for other graduating classes to follow.”
The ceremony was the first VGCC commencement for Dr. Stelfanie Williams, who became president of the college in Feb. 2012. “Originally, you walked through the open doors of our college and very soon you will exit through the arches, on your way to a lifetime of learning and toward contributing to our economy and our community,” Williams told the class. She urged them to be active as alumni, reminding them that “VGCC will always remain your college.”
After Vice President of Instruction Dr. Angela Ballentine presented candidates for graduation, VGCC Board of Trustees chairman Donald C. Seifert, Sr. assisted President Williams in presenting degrees and diplomas. Students, including those predicted to graduate in August, were awarded 285 Associate in Applied Science degrees, 50 Associate in Arts degrees, three Associate in Science degrees, two Associate in Arts Core diplomas and 92 technical and vocational diplomas. Harris then led the new graduates in ceremonially turning their tassels. Music for the ceremony was provided by the Vance-Granville Community Band.
Above: Dr. Kimberly McNeil (standing) delivers the commencement address at Vance-Granville Community College on May 11, as student speaker Katina Harris (seated) listens. (VGCC Photo)
