VGCC Graduates Get Three Tips For Success In Future Careers

The 308 graduates honored at Vance-Granville Community College’s Summer Graduation Aug. 9 have their degrees and diplomas in hand.

Their accomplishments are something no one can ever take from them, said Dr. G. Thomas Houlihan, who delivered the commencement address. But, he added, this is only the beginning, and he offered them three ideas to reflect on as they move on in their lives and careers.

First, remember that life is a journey, Houlihan said. “No matter what you have accomplished to date, your journey through life will continue as you gain more experience, put into practice the skills you have learned, and use the wisdom you have gained to benefit your family, your community and yourselves,” he said. He urged the graduates to continue to grow and keep moving forward.

Second, Houlihan told the graduates to recognize the parents, spouses, teachers and others who have helped them accomplish their educational goals. “Take time to reflect on all of those who have helped you reach this milestone and always remember those who have helped you become the person you are in 2005,” he said.

The final piece of advice Houlihan gave was to realize that we are living and competing in a changing world, affected by what happens in India, China and throughout the world. People in the United States have to work smarter in the future to maintain our standard of living, he said.

“Please don’t look at this as the end of the line,” Houlihan said. “Instead, think about how important it will be for you to continue to learn more and more as the world we know becomes increasingly competitive,” he said.

Dr. Houlihan, who lives in Oxford, is a former superintendent of Granville County Schools, served in Gov. Hunt’s cabinet as senior education advisor and currently heads a national association dedicated to the improvement of education. He also serves on the Vance-Granville Community College Board of Trustees.

The summer graduation student speaker, John H. Williamson of Oxford, also alluded to the global challenges of a new marketplace in his remarks. Williamson received diplomas in both Electrical/Electronics Technology and Welding during the graduation exercises.

“While there are no guarantees concerning our future endeavors or our present situations, ” Williamson told his fellow graduates, “I believe our futures are bright, and we have the promise of hope and expectation in our hearts, as a result of our season of preparation here at Vance-Granville Community College.”

VGCC President Randy Parker presented associate degrees to 85 graduates, vocational and technical diplomas to 127, and 96 Adult High School diplomas and GEDs.

This was the second of two graduations held annually at Vance-Granville. On May 14, 423 graduates received degrees and diplomas.