VGCC Franklin Campus marks 40th Anniversary of College
Vance-Granville Community College concluded a month-long series of events celebrating the college’s 40th anniversary at each of its campuses with a Sept. 30 re-dedication ceremony and reception at the Franklin County Campus near Louisburg. “We’d like to think they saved the best for last,” Franklin County Campus Dean Bobbie Jo May said, “but it also happens that the events were held in the order that the campuses were established.” Similar events were held earlier in the month at Main Campus in Vance County, South Campus in Granville County, and Warren County Campus. <
State Representative Lucy Allen, Franklin County Schools interim superintendent Dr. Eddie Ingram, and Franklin County manager Angela Harris were among the guests who joined VGCC students, trustees, faculty and staff at the celebration.
In his remarks, VGCC President Randy Parker summarized the college’s history and mission. The original charter for the college, then known as Vance County Technical Institute, was issued on Sept. 4, 1969. Franklin County officially became part of the college service area in 1978. In the late 1980s, groups such as the Franklin County Economic Development Commission and the Chamber of Commerce began advocating for a permanent VGCC campus to be established in the county. “The first Franklin County Campus opened in 1991, sharing space in the human services building in Louisburg,” Parker said. “Finally, Vance-Granville had reached its long-time goal of establishing a permanent presence in each of the four counties it serves.” Franklin Campus moved into its current facility in 1998 and has significantly expanded since then. “This campus has succeeded in bringing quality higher education and job training to the people of Franklin County,” Parker said. He added that the Franklin County Campus is now VGCC’s fastest-growing campus in enrollment.
VGCC Board of Trustees chair Donald Seifert, Sr. of Henderson said that facilities like Franklin Campus “are so important because they make it more convenient for everyone to access the training they need to compete in the domestic and global economy.” He said the college and its Franklin Campus are recognized as key economic development assets for the area, and are currently helping thousands of people adapt to economic challenges.
The celebration included a “Student Appreciation Day” reception, complete with special 40th anniversary cakes.
Public events to celebrate VGCC’s anniversary will conclude with a “Festival for the 40th” on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Main Campus.
Above: From left, VGCC Board of Trustees chair Donald Seifert, Sr., state Rep. Lucy Allen and VGCC President Randy Parker cut the cake at a Sept. 30, 2009 reception at Franklin County Campus celebrating the college’s 40th anniversary. (VGCC photo)
