VGCC Warren Campus marks 40th Anniversary of College

Vance-Granville Community College brought the celebration of its 40th anniversary to the college’s Warren County Campus in Warrenton on Sept. 23. Warren County Campus Dean George A. Henderson welcomed VGCC students, trustees, administrators, instructors and local citizens to “an exciting day for Warren Campus and for Warren County… to honor our students, re-dedicate our campus, and celebrate our history.”

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. Parker said that classes were offered in Warren County even before the area officially became part of the college’s service area in 1978. Ten years later, Parker said, “With the support of the Warren County commissioners, VGCC brought quality higher education and training into Warren County when this campus was built and dedicated in 1988. Since then, countless students and businesses have benefited from having VGCC close at hand.” The president expressed appreciation to Warren County for supporting the local campus over the years.

VGCC Board of Trustees chair Donald Seifert, Sr. of Henderson said that facilities like Warren Campus “are so important because they bring education to the people, making it more convenient for everyone to access the training they need to compete in the domestic and global economy.” Seifert cited Warren Early College High School, a partnership with Warren County Schools, as an example of a collaborative effort by the college and the community. Danylu Hundley, principal of the high school located on the Warren Campus, was among the guests.

State legislators were represented by state Rep. Michael Wray. County leaders were also on hand, including county commissioner Ernest Fleming, who is also the official Warren County liaison to the VGCC Board of Trustees, county manager Linda Worth, who is a VGCC graduate, and Warren County Board of Education member Roberta Scott, who is VGCC’s Adult High School coordinator. Dollie Burwell was there representing U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield’s office.

The celebration included a “Student Appreciation Day” reception, complete with a special 40th anniversary cake. The activities were part of a series of anniversary events held at all VGCC campuses during September. The Franklin County Campus near Louisburg will hold the final 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, right:
From left, VGCC President Randy Parker and Board of Trustees member Sara C. Wester of Henderson cut the cake at a Sept. 23, 2009 reception at Warren County Campus during a celebration of the college’s 40th anniversary. (VGCC photo)

Above, left
From left, VGCC President Randy Parker and Warren County Campus dean George A. Henderson listen as Board of Trustees chair Donald Seifert makes remarks at a Sept. 23, 2009 celebration of the college’s 40th anniversary. (VGCC photo