To show highlights and photos from 23 college graduations, we need to publish several blog posts. Here’s Part One, which includes Blue Ridge, Brightpoint, Central Virginia, Camp, Danville, and Eastern Shore:
Blue Ridge Community College:
Working dad Robert Atkins spoke from personal experience when he delivered the student address at Blue Ridge Community College’s commencement exercises on May 11. After working for several years post-high school, Atkins said he recognized a college degree would help him carve out a better career. “Remember that life is full of seasons and every season changes, so be adaptive,” said Atkins. “Be a student for life and never, never be ashamed of the road you took because the road in front of you has unlimited possibilities.” It was BRCC’s largest commencement in recent memory, with more than 300 graduates walking.
Learn more about BRCC’s Graduation:
Brightpoint Community College:
With family, friends, faculty and staff cheering and applauding, members of the Class of 2024 celebrated their accomplishments during Brightpoint Community College’s 56th Annual Commencement Ceremony on May 13, with about 400 graduates participating. Among the proud new Brightpoint alumni: Hamin “Daniel” Son, one of only 60 college students nationwide to receive the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. Said Son, “My experiences at Brightpoint Community College have been foundational to my growth. As a student, I enjoyed a supportive and vibrant learning environment where instructors were not only teachers but also mentors.”
Learn more about Brightpoint’s Graduation:
Paul D. Camp Community College:
Paul D. Camp Community College held Spring 2024 Commencement Exercises Friday, May 10 at the Regional Workforce Development Center in Franklin. More than 160 students received degrees, certificates, and workforce credentials. James Barlow (above, left) received an Associate of Arts and Sciences Degree in General Studies. He will attend Penn State-York in the fall. He is congratulated by Camp President Corey McCray. Grace Chappell of Windsor (with Dr. McCray, above right) received an Associate of Arts and Sciences Degree in Business Administration. She will attend Longwood University in the fall.
View a video of Camp’s Graduation:
Central Virginia Community College:
Graduates at Central Virginia Community College saw proof in the flesh that their journey could take them to positions of leadership. CVCC’s graduation speaker was Dr. William “Eddie” Amos, above, right with college president John Capps. Amos credits his educational foundation at CVCC as a pivotal life catalyst. He went on to become a technology leader and visionary in software development, data science, and organizational transformation. Amos currently serves as the Chairman of GO Virginia Region 2, spearheading initiatives aimed at job creation and economic revitalization. 400 students marched at CVCC’s May 15 commencement ceremonies and the college conferred more than 1,800 degrees and credentials during the year.
View a video of CVCC’s Graduation
Danville Community College:
Two of Danville Community College’s 550 graduates this spring represent some of the diverse sets of students that our colleges serve. Ariyah Graves earned her associate degree in liberal arts even before she finished high school. She’s convinced her studies at DCC will put her in a position to succeed when she enters Howard University in the fall. Moises Gomez earned his degree in HVAC. Gomez, 41, is father to six children and says it was a challenge to balance all of the demands on his time, but he knows his education will put him on a path to a better career.
Learn more about Danville’s Graduation
Eastern Shore Community College:
Eastern Shore Community College enjoyed its biggest commencement turnout in years, thanks in part to a decision to go “tentless” to accommodate larger attendance. Fortunately, Mother Nature cooperated. ESCC’s graduation was a bittersweet occasion as the college marked the retirements of Bonnie Nordstrom and Peggy Bennett (above right), who headed up the LPN program there.
View a video of ESCC’s Graduation:
You can access the other parts of the 2024 VCCS Graduations Wrap-up here.
