VGCC Graduates More than 400 in Outdoor Ceremony
State Board of Community Colleges chair Hilda Pinnix-Ragland saluted the graduating class of Vance-Granville Community College as the principal speaker at the college’s spring commencement exercises on May 17. While praising ALL 434 graduating students, Pinnix-Ragland mentioned in particular John Sides of Creedmoor, who was uniquely celebrating the completion of four degrees at once. Speaking in front of the gazebo by the lake on the college’s main campus, Pinnix-Ragland offered five principles for success in life: “Do what you love. Be a good listener. Learn how to learn. Don’t get carried away with the gadgets. Finally, stay close to those you love.” She also used the title of a classic Earth, Wind & Fire song as a piece of advice: “Keep your head to the sky.”VGCC trustee Dr. G. Thomas Houlihan introduced Pinnix-Ragland, a Cary resident who is also Northern Regional vice president for Progress Energy. Houlihan noted that she is the first chair of the state community college board to deliver the keynote address at a VGCC graduation.Joan D. Ayscue of Henderson, president of Vance-Granville’s Student Government Association and a graduate in Recreation and Leisure Studies, was the student speaker. VGCC Board of Trustees chairman Donald C. Seifert, Sr. introduced Ayscue as “someone who exemplifies what it means to be a student leader” and recognized her contributions as the student member of the board of trustees during the past year. In her speech, Ayscue thanked Parker and the school administration for their open doors and dedicated support, the board of trustees for the decisions that they made to guide the school’s forward direction, and the staff for “keeping everything in order.” To the faculty, Ayscue said, “There are not enough thankyous for all that you have done for us… the ones who taught us all we needed to make it here today. We have had the best of the best — instructors and advisors who encouraged us, challenged us and rode this journey through with us.” Ayscue said that her VGCC experience had been “one of God’s blessings on my life” and that the diverse group of graduates were now prepared to be leaders in their fields and in their communities.The spring graduating class consisted of 434 students. Students were awarded 273 Associate in Applied Science degrees, 14 Associate in Arts degrees, three Associate in Science degrees, five Associate in General Education degrees, 22 technical and vocational diplomas, 105 adult high school diplomas, and 23 high school equivalency diplomas, or GEDs.After Vice President of Instruction Marsha J. Nelson and Dean of Adult Basic Education Leo Kelly, Jr. presented candidates for graduation, Board of Trustees chair Seifert assisted President Parker in presenting degrees and diplomas. Ayscue then led the new graduates in ceremonially turning their tassels. At the same time, she asked them to join her in shouting the new rallying cry, “Go Vanguards!” Ayscue was instrumental in developing the concept of the “Vanguard” as the school mascot, which was approved by the Board of Trustees in March. Trustee Opie Frazier concluded the program with a benediction.Students serving as marshals for Spring Graduation included Adrian E. Davis and Faye B. Orr, both of Henderson; Kati Brantley Ayotte and Tina Williams Holden, both of Louisburg; Shalom Ann Cherian, Dawn Mathews Tom and John Williamson, all of Oxford; and Nichelle L. Taylor of Wake Forest.This graduation was the first of two such ceremonies held annually at the college. Summer graduation is scheduled for August 8.Above: Hilda Pinnix-Ragland (at podium) delivers the commencement address at Vance-Granville Community College’s spring graduation exercises on May 17, as (from left, seated) VGCC Board of Trustees chairman Donald C. Seifert, Sr., student speaker and Student Government Association president Joan Ayscue, and President Randy Parker listen. (VGCC Photo)
