SVCC Graduation: May 2009
Graduation Slide Show
Southside Virginia Community College celebrated its Commencement on May 15, 2009 with the largest number of graduates in the school’s history. A total of 840 students completed a  degree, diploma or certificate during the calendar year and were eligible to march at the graduation ceremony held on the John H. Daniel Campus in Keysville.
The Honorable Thomas C. “Tommy” Wright, Jr., Delegate in the Virginia General Assembly, delivered the commencement address.
“I thank you for the privilege of addressing you on this, one of the most significant days in your life,” he told the gathering. He also saluted the parents, relatives, friends and instructors who compiled the support team for the graduates.
“It is often said in today’s competitive economy, an advanced education is essential to success. Although access to higher education has become far more prevalent in our nation over the last half century, only a minority of students complete the course of study and get to the point where you are today. So a few moments from now, you will officially be a very big step ahead of many of your contemporaries,” Wright said.
He concluded by saying “The improvements you have made for yourself here will endure. And whether your path to success is bumpy or smooth, you are more likely to achieve success and fulfillment, just because you were here.”
During the commencement, the college held a hooding ceremony for Al Roberts, Vice President of Workforce Development and Continuing Education. Roberts recently received his Ph.D. from Old Dominion University and Dr. John J. Cavan, SVCC President, and Robert’s wife, Janet, performed the ceremony.
The Associate Degree in Humane Letters was conferred by the State Board for Community Colleges in recognition of distinguished achievement upon Joyce French, Executive Director of the Southside Planning District Commission. French has been a tireless promoter of the community college system working with state senators and delegates and congressional representatives since her graduation from SVCC in 1978. In cooperation with the Industrial Development Authority, French’s efforts have resulted in the purchase and furnishing of very sophisticated outreach centers in Chase City, South Hill, South Boston, and Clarksville valued at more than $6 million.
During the ceremony, the college recognized students named to the 2009 Phi Theta Kappa All-Virginia Academic Team who are Jena Hayes, Ashley Morris, Carrie Rogers-Cotrone and Shameka Wyche.
Graduates of the Honors Program were recognized as well. The Honors Program was established in 1983 to challenge, stimulate and involve the superior student who has high academic standards and outstanding leadership potential. Those Honors students who graduated are Heather Bevell, Jena Hayes, John David Johnson, Jr., Ashley Morris, Carrie Rogers-Cotrone and Marjorie Williams.
There were 134 high school students who completed SVCC degrees, certificates or career studies certificates before they graduated from their secondary school. These students are part of the largest Dual Enrollment Program in the state of Virginia offered by SVCC. The program allows high school students to earn high school and college credit at the same time.
Other special recognition during graduation included graduates in the Make-It-Happen program, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society graduates, Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges graduates and those completing Middle College.
(c) 2009. Southside Virginia Community College. All rights reserved.
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