Largest Graduating Class in VGCC history hears from Alumnus
Vance-Granville Community College’s 46th commencement exercises on May 15 made history in more ways than one. Most notably, the Class of 2015 was the largest in the history of VGCC, with approximately 550 graduates receiving degrees and diplomas. The record-breaking size of the graduating class corresponded with an equally huge throng of family members, friends and other guests in attendance to watch the ceremony, held at the gazebo by the lake on the college’s Main Campus.
Also making history was the commencement speaker. Dr. Maurice Godwin of Fayetteville, a VGCC Criminal Justice graduate from the Class of 1985, became the first alumnus of the college to return to address graduates of curriculum programs .
“I am one of you,” Godwin said to this year’s class. “As a graduate of VGCC, I am thrilled to come home and speak to all of these successful graduates.” His alma mater “is and will always be home to me,” he added. “There’s no doubt about it that I am standing here today because of the people at Vance-Granville, and because of the community atmosphere here.” Godwin recalled that the small classes and personal assistance he received from instructors at VGCC allowed him to succeed. “I would have been lost if I had gone first to a four-year school, and I don’t know that I would have made it,” he said. “VGCC completely changed my life. The late Thomas Long, formerly the department head of Criminal Justice for 20 years, not only changed my life but was like a father figure to me.”
After Godwin graduated with a two-year degree from VGCC, he was able to transfer all of his credits to Trevecca Nazarene University, where he completed a bachelor’s degree in 16 months. A master’s degree in Criminology at Indiana State University and a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Liverpool followed. Today, as president of Godwin Trial & Forensic Consultancy, Inc., he consults on crime scene assessment, developing psychological and geographical profiles. He is also an author and has been a professor at several universities. “The many hours I spent here at VGCC, in night classes, day classes, police academy and studying in the library ultimately resulted in a Ph.D. and a career as a psychologist and expert in criminal behavior,” Godwin said.
For the 2015 graduates, Godwin had several pieces of advice. “You will always have your doubters, but don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice,” he said. “Learn from obstacles and roadblocks, but keep your dreams alive…..Maintain long-term professional relationships with your instructors….You need to put almost as much effort into building relationships that will help your career as you have into your studies….A relentless curiosity and the ability to think outside the box will serve you well….Find time for your community. With this degree today from Vance-Granville, no matter what field of study or occupation, you can use your status to be the voice for those who have no voice….Have a plan, but be willing to abandon it.” He concluded, “In the future, I want one of you to be here where I am standing today, giving the commencement speech, and hopefully it doesn’t take 30 years.”
Following Godwin’s remarks, Dr. Stelfanie Williams, president of VGCC, said to him, “Your story of success after graduating from Vance-Granville represents the endless possibilities that we see in all of our students. You serve as a reminder of the incredible opportunities one may have as a result of education that begins here at VGCC.” She then commended the large, diverse graduating class on their dedication and hard work. “Continue to value education and training as you remember the foundation that this college provided for you,” Williams said. “We look forward to your continued involvement as alumni and leaders in our community.”
The president recognized one of the graduates, Geoffrey Arnott of Oxford, as the recipient of the N.C. Community College System’s Academic Excellence Award, which he received along with his Associate in Science degree. Arnott is transferring to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill this fall. The Academic Excellence Award is presented to one student from each college in the system every year.
Theresa Chiplis of Norlina, who graduated with a degree in Global Logistics Technology after completing degrees in Accounting and Business Administration last year, spoke on behalf of her classmates. She has served for the past two years as president of the VGCC Student Government Association, among other leadership roles. “By graduating today, we are inspiring others to attend Vance-Granville to start their educational journeys,” Chiplis said to her fellow members of the Class of 2015. To those considering going back to school, she said, “You can do it!”
Reflecting on her education and her future, Chiplis added, “Vance-Granville ignited my passion for a career in logistics, business or accounting. I am prepared for whatever opportunity presents itself because I was educated by the outstanding faculty at Vance-Granville. Also, because of the wonderful staff and resources here and especially because of the college’s partnerships with employers, I know I will be able to find a rewarding career locally. I have the tools to make the next chapter of my life successful.”
After Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs Dr. Angela Ballentine presented the candidates for graduation, VGCC Board of Trustees chair Deborah Brown assisted President Williams in presenting degrees and diplomas.
Members of this year’s class, including those predicted to graduate at the end of the summer term in July, were awarded 308 Associate in Applied Science degrees, 140 Associate in Arts degrees, 46 Associate in Science degrees and 91 technical and vocational diplomas. Many students graduated with two different credentials, and one, Susan Boyd Burnett of Creedmoor, even graduated with three degrees. Graduates ranged in age from 17 to 72.
Chiplis led the new graduates in ceremonially turning their tassels as the ceremony concluded.
Music was provided by the Vance-Granville Community Band. Bearing the ceremonial mace for commencement was Cosmetology program head/instructor Tomeka Moss, the college’s 2014-2015 Faculty Member of the Year.
Above: Dr. Maurice Godwin delivers the commencement address at Vance-Granville Community College on May 15. (VGCC Photo)
Above: Theresa Chiplis of Norlina speaks on behalf of the graduates at Vance-Granville Community College on May 15. (VGCC photo)
Above: From left, VGCC President Dr. Stelfanie Williams presents the Academic Excellence Award to Geoffrey Arnott of Oxford. (VGCC photo)
Related: Check out more photos on Flickr!
Related: Watch video from the ceremony here.
