System President Addresses more than 400 VGCC Graduates in Outdoor Ceremony
Two weeks into his tenure as president of the N.C. Community College System, Dr. Scott Ralls said that it was “wonderful to be here to celebrate student success” as the principal speaker at Vance-Granville Community College’s spring commencement exercises on May 15. Over four hundred graduates received diplomas and degrees at the ceremony, which took place in front of the gazebo by the lake on the college’s main campus.
Ralls offered students five “guideposts” to consider as they move on into careers or into additional education. He concluded, “As you leave tonight as the newest-minted college graduates in North Carolina, my wish for you is this: that you learn each day as if you will live forever; that you find the passion of your own personal ‘road not taken;’ that you find the happiness of being part of something larger than yourself; that you find the common values you share with every person you meet; and that your life is like a museum — you never know what neat thing is around the corner.”
Adrian E. Davis of Henderson, the Vice President of the college’s Phi Theta Kappa honor society, a member of the Student Government Association and a student Ambassador, was the student speaker. VGCC Board of Trustees chairman Donald C. Seifert, Sr. introduced Davis as “someone who has demonstrated determination, academic excellence, and service to others.” In 2000, Davis was diagnosed with a rare kidney ailment, but he, like other students, overcame adversity while pursuing his higher education. “Vance-Granville taught us to persevere,” the Accounting and Business Administration major told his classmates, adding his encouragement to “keep pressing on, and let nothing stand in your way.”
The spring graduating class consisted of 428 students. Students were awarded 242 Associate in Applied Science degrees, 23 Associate in Arts degrees, 10 Associate in Science degrees, one Associate in General Education degree, 24 technical and vocational diplomas, 117 adult high school diplomas and 32 high school equivalency diplomas, or GEDs.
After Vice President of Instruction Dr. Angela Ballentine and Dean of Adult Basic Education Leo Kelly, Jr. presented candidates for graduation, Seifert assisted President Randy Parker in presenting degrees and diplomas. Davis then led the new graduates in ceremonially turning their tassels. VGCC’s next graduation is scheduled for August 7.
Above: Dr. Scott Ralls, president of the N.C. Community College System (left, standing at podium), speaks at VGCC’s spring graduation exercises on May 15 as (seated, from left) student speaker Adrian Davis, VGCC President Randy Parker, Vice President of Instruction Dr. Angela Ballentine and Dean of Adult Basic Education Leo Kelly, Jr. listen. (VGCC Photo)
