Mother and daughter, both VGCC grads, complete bachelor’s degrees in same month

A local mother and daughter recently graduated from four-year universities within a month of each other, and they credit their previous education at Vance-Granville Community College with propelling them toward further success.

 

Marinda D. Daye and her daughter, Marinda Latoya Daye Baker, both of Henderson, both earned degrees at VGCC. Daye first enrolled at VGCC in 2001 and eventually completed three degrees, in Medical Office Administration , Office Systems Technology and Office Systems Technology/Legal . She was a student ambassador, was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, received endowed VGCC scholarships and made the Dean’s List. Meanwhile, Baker also excelled academically, making the Dean’s List more than once before graduating with an Associate in General Education in 2007.

 

Both continued their education by transferring their VGCC credits to four-year institutions. While at VGCC, Daye learned about the Business and Information Technologies Education (BITE) Community College Partnership Program at East Carolina University and decided to give it a try. The BITE partnership helps community college graduates transfer and complete their four-year degrees through online classes. She graduated in May from ECU with a bachelor’s in Business Education and while at the university was inducted into another honor society, Phi Kappa Phi. Baker transferred to Barton College in Wilson, where she graduated May 13 (appropriately enough, Mother’s Day) with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. “Vance-Granville was a gateway that helped me to continue my education,” Baker said. “Starting my education here locally made it much easier for me to get my bachelor’s degree.” Next, she would like to pursue a master’s degree in history or public administration.

 

Mother and daughter both currently work at Kittrell Job Corps Center. After completing her VGCC degrees, Daye secured a full-time job there as an administrative assistant. Now, she plans to move into teaching. Similarly, Baker’s two-year degree from VGCC helped her to become employed at KJCC as a program assistant and substitute instructor in the Adult High School program , which is operated in partnership with the college.

 

“We have so much to be thankful for,” Daye said after she and her daughter reached their latest milestones. “I can say that without VGCC, there is no way we could have accomplished our goals thus far.”  

 

Above: From left, Marinda Daye and her daughter, Marinda Daye Baker. (VGCC photo)