The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation (VGCCF) recently honored Charlotte Harris of Oxford with the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award at its annual Scholarship Awards Luncheon. Harris is a VGCC alumna twice over, earning both a GED and an Associate in Nursing. She ultimately went on to earn two additional college degrees, including a master’s from Walden University.
Harris has worked for over 25 years in the nursing field following her educational training. She has held various positions, such as certified nursing assistant, nurse, supervisor, MDS coordinator, home healthcare, and clinical practitioner. She currently serves as a family nurse practitioner and mentors new nursing professionals. Harris interacts directly with patients to ensure that they receive quality care, understand physician instructions, and have access to the services needed to maintain optimal health. She makes it her mission to take an all-encompassing role in supporting a patient’s wellbeing.
Charlotte Harris also volunteers with the Drug-Free Coalition of Granville County and assists with community blood drives. Additionally, she serves as a community healthcare educator, sharing her knowledge through podcasts and educational settings.
Tanya Weary, VGCCF Executive Director, introduced this year’s winner before presenting the award.
“The impact Ms. Harris has made in our communities is astounding, showcasing exemplary commitment to service to others through professional and volunteer efforts,” Weary noted. “The deeds and actions reflect Vanguard pride and loyalty to VGCC through interest, support and involvement.”
The annual VGCCF Scholarship Awards Luncheon celebrates the generous donors whose gifts support the College’s students. Scholarship recipients have the opportunity to thank their donors face-to-face, while other recipients and donors take the stage to share their personal experiences. This year’s event took place on Thursday, September 26.
About the Distinguished Alumni Award
The VGCC Foundation created its Distinguished Alumni Award in 2022 to recognize outstanding graduates of the College who went on to make a significant impact in their communities and chosen professions. The award recognizes outstanding alumni for their individual achievements, contributions to their industries or professions, and service to their community. These alumni represent the very best of the values The VGCC Foundation holds dear: extraordinary achievement, selfless public service, and a lifelong commitment to Vanguard pride. The Foundation honors one alumnus each year at its annual Scholarship Awards Luncheon.
About The VGCC Foundation
The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation offers over 300 endowments for Vance-Granville students, more endowed scholarships than any other program of its kind in North Carolina. In addition to providing scholarships and emergency assistance to deserving students, VGCCF supports a broad range of special projects involving education, training, and economic development in our community.
Numerous individuals, industries, businesses, civic groups, and churches have endowed scholarships, as well as the College’s faculty and staff. Tax-deductible donations to VGCCF have often been used to honor a person, group, business, or industry with a lasting gift to education. For more information about The VGCC Foundation, contact (252) 738-3264 or foundation@vgcc.edu.
