VGCC recognizes Pharmacy Technology students at Pinning
Vance-Granville Community College honored 19 students who have completed the Pharmacy Technology program with a pinning ceremony, held on May 7 in the small auditorium on the college’s Main Campus. Instructor Brenda Harvey presided over the ceremony.
In welcoming remarks, Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the president of VGCC, congratulated the students and thanked the friends and family members who had gathered to help celebrate their success. President Williams noted that history was being made, because among the honorees were the very first students to complete a two-year degree in Pharmacy Technology at VGCC. The college added a new option for students to earn an Associate in Applied Science degree in the field in the fall of 2013, while continuing to offer a one-year (three-semester) diploma program .
“All of our students who complete their academic programs deserve recognition, but it is especially exciting to acknowledge the achievements of pioneering students like you,” Dr. Williams said to the degree graduates. “You actually embody the meaning of the word ‘Vanguard,’ because you are in the forefront, and you are leaders. As the health-care field continues to change, I know that you will continue to be leaders in your field.”
The graduates of the diploma program included Courtney Abbott and Tamara Marshall, both of Henderson; Anna White of Norlina; Latonya Morton of Oxford; Jimi Hicks of Raleigh; and Samantha Carter of Warrenton.
Students who completed the diploma in the past and returned to complete degrees this year included Emily Yancey of Bullock; Kristi Kirkland of Butner; Nicole Null Darnell and Krystal Schronce, both of Henderson; Brittany Collier of Norlina; Kristi Rowland and Jason Stevens, both of Oxford; Kelsey Hale of Raleigh; and Kimberly Nicole Senter of Wilton.
Those honored for completing both their diploma in December 2013 and their degree in 2014 included Victoria Burwell and Christopher Campbell, both of Henderson; Monitra Cowell of Louisburg; and Hope Brummitt of Oxford.
Carla May, who was the head of VGCC’s Pharmacy Technology program from its 2004 inception until 2013, served as the guest speaker for the pinning ceremony. She encouraged graduates to continue learning and to gain specialized training. “You will hold a leadership position in the profession because of your education,” May told students. “Many technicians working in the field have not had such formal education. Be grateful for your education; use it to be a leader and to inspire others to keep learning.”
Dr. Erica Fleming, the current head of the program, presented each graduate with a pin signifying her or his achievement, as instructor Leah Abbott read biographical statements from each one. The students then recited the “Oath of a Pharmacy Technician” to conclude the ceremony.
For more information on the Pharmacy Technology program, call Erica Fleming at (252) 738-3482 .
Above: Vance-Granville Community College Pharmacy Technology students who received their pins May 7 included, first (front) row, from left: Kelsey Hale, Latonya Morton, Monitra Cowell, Courtney Abbott, Nicole Darnell, Kimberly Senter and Samantha Carter; second row, from left: Brittany Collier, Kristi Rowland, Tamara Marshall, Emily Yancey and Kristi Kirkland; third row, from left: Krystal Schronce, Victoria Burwell, Anna White and Hope Brummitt; fourth row, from left: Jimi Hicks, Jason Stevens and Christopher Campbell.
(VGCC Photo)
