VGCC South Campus marks 40th Anniversary of College

Vance-Granville Community College brought the celebration of its 40th anniversary to the college’s South Campus, located between Butner and Creedmoor, on Sept. 16. At a special re-dedication ceremony, South Campus Dean Cecilia Wheeler called the occasion “an exciting day for VGCC, for South Campus, and for Granville County.”

In remarks to the assembled students, trustees, administrators, instructors and guests, VGCC President Randy Parker summarized the college’s history. The original charter for the college, then known as Vance County Technical Institute, was issued on Sept. 4, 1969. Parker recalled how Granville County leaders joined counterparts in Vance County to build Main Campus in the 1970s, leading to the school’s name change. In 1982, with the help of state Rep. Billy Watkins, South Campus — the first permanent Vance-Granville campus outside of Vance County — was established in a former Department of Agriculture warehouse. The current facility was built and dedicated in 1988. Since then, Parker said, “opportunities and programs have expanded, and countless students and businesses have benefited from having VGCC close at hand. The success of South Campus was a model that paved the way for the establishment of two more campuses, in Franklin County and in Warren County.” The president expressed appreciation to Granville County leaders for supporting both the college’s main campus and South Campus over the years. Granville County commissioners were represented by Commissioner Hubert Gooch, Jr., who is also a former VGCC trustee.

VGCC Board of Trustees chair Donald Seifert, Sr. of Henderson noted that South Campus played a role in economic development for Granville County and made education and training more accessible. “As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we are reminded of how important this college is to the thousands of people who are returning to education to adapt to economic challenges,” Seifert said. “At the same time, VGCC is partnering with others to build a better tomorrow — the new Granville Early College High School is just one example.” Chris Ham, principal of the new high school which will be located near South Campus, was among the guests.

The celebration continued with a “Student Appreciation Day” reception, including a special 40th anniversary cake.

The activities were part of a series of anniversary events held at all VGCC campuses during September. The Warren County Campus in Warrenton will hold its event on Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 5 until 7 p.m. The Franklin County Campus near Louisburg will hold its event on Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4 until 6 p.m. Celebrations continue in October. The college will host a 40th Anniversary Ball on Saturday, Oct. 3, followed by a “Festival for the 40th” on Saturday, Oct. 10. Both events will be held on Main Campus.

Above:From left, VGCC President Randy Parker and Board of Trustees secretary Henrietta H. Clark of Henderson prepare to cut the cake at a Sept. 16, 2009 reception at South Campus during a celebration of the college’s 40th anniversary, as South Campus Dean Cecilia Wheeler (right) looks on. (VGCC photo)