VGCC Graduates encouraged to Celebrate, Appreciate and Cogitate
North Carolina Community College System official Linda H. Weiner saluted the summer graduating class at Vance-Granville Community College as the principal speaker for the college’s Aug. 7 commencement exercises. The ceremony, held in the VGCC Civic Center, was the second of two commencement events held at the college in 2008. More than 400 students graduated in May. VGCC officials plan to hold only one graduation per year in the future, starting in May 2009.
Weiner joined the N.C. Community College System in May as Special Assistant to the President for Engagement and Economic Development after a 20-year career in business, communications, lobbying, public relations and economic development. In her remarks, she focused on three verbs: celebrate, appreciate and cogitate. “When was the last time you really celebrated?” Weiner asked the graduates and assembled guests. “Celebrating our best keeps things in perspective and helps us move forward, but appreciating others, that ability to give back what is given — that’s like getting to celebrate twice.” To celebrate and to show appreciation, Weiner asked all the graduates to stand while their friends and family cheered, and all family and friends to stand while the graduates applauded them. Finally, she urged graduates to cogitate — to contemplate decisions carefully.
Stacey C. Smith of Raleigh, vice president of the VGCC Student Government Association, spoke on behalf of his classmates shortly before becoming the first graduate of the college’s Culinary Technology program. He encouraged graduates to constantly move forward and strive for success. Smith, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, modified the USMC slogan when he proclaimed, “We are the few, the proud, the VGCC Vanguards!”
The summer graduating class consisted of 210 students. Students were awarded 40 Associate in Applied Science degrees, eight Associate in Arts degrees, one Associate in Science degree, 98 technical and vocational diplomas, 46 adult high school diplomas and 17 high school equivalency diplomas, or GEDs.
VGCC President Randy Parker congratulated students, saying that research showed that each graduate would receive a $10 return for each dollar they invest in their community college education, while tax-payers receive a $3.10 return for every dollar they invest in community colleges. He encouraged graduates to “give back to your community, your family and mankind.”
After Vice President of Instruction Dr. Angela Ballentine and Dean of Adult Basic Education Leo Kelly, Jr. presented candidates for graduation, VGCC Board of Trustees chair Donald C. Seifert, Sr. assisted President Parker in presenting degrees and diplomas. Smith then led the new graduates in ceremonially turning their tassels.
Above: Linda H. Weiner, Special Assistant to the President of the N.C. Community College System (left, standing at podium), speaks at VGCC’s summer graduation exercises on Aug. 7 as (from left) student speaker Stacey Smith, VGCC President Randy Parker and Vice President of Instruction Dr. Angela Ballentine take part in a standing ovation for the graduates. (VGCC Photo)
