Dr. Rachel M. Desmarais has been chosen as the next president of Vance-Granville Community College. With the final approval of the appointment by the State Board of Community Colleges on Dec. 18, she becomes the seventh president in the 49-year history of the college.
The VGCC Board of Trustees selected Dr. Desmarais on Wednesday, Dec. 5, following presentations by three finalists in a series of public forums from Nov. 30 through Dec. 4.
“The Board of Trustees has concluded Dr. Desmarais possesses the key attributes of an outstanding president that were identified in our search process,” said Danny W. Wright, chair of the board. “We are confident that Dr. Desmarais will provide: the visionary leadership to help our college expand and to promote economic development in our four counties, a powerful commitment to student recruitment and retention, the dedication to improving the lives of the people in our service area, the attention to facility planning and sustainability, and the articulation of our mission and vision to the college’s employees and the communities we serve.”
Dr. Rachel M. Desmarais, chosen as seventh president of Vance-Granville Community College.
The selection comes after a nationwide search that produced 89 applicants. She will begin work early in 2019.
The executive vice president and chief operating officer of Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston-Salem since 2015, Dr. Desmarais has been with Forsyth Tech in a variety of roles since becoming a department chair in 2002. Once a student at Forsyth Tech, taking Information Technology and Programming courses in 1994-1995, Dr. Desmarais became an adjunct instructor at the community college from 1996 to 1999 while also working in the private sector. She became the vice president of information services at Forsyth Tech in 2008 and moved to vice president of planning and information services in 2010 before assuming her current position.
She earned her doctorate of philosophy in instructional design and technology from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., in 2015 after getting her masters of science in information technology management from the University of North Carolina in Greensboro in 2003. She earned a bachelor of music degree in voice performance from Mars Hill College in 1992.
She was also among fewer than 40 aspiring and emerging community college presidents nationwide who were chosen for the Aspen Institute Presidential Fellowship for Community College Excellence in 2017-2018.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve and lead Vance-Granville Community College as its seventh president,” said Dr. Desmarais after being given the news on Wednesday night. “VGCC is a special place with students, faculty, staff, and board members who care for and take great pride in the college and community. I look forward to building on the strong value and culture already present in the college to cultivate a new shared vision for VGCC and its communities. Together, we will truly be Vanguards!”
Born in Sumter, S.C., while her father was stationed at Shaw Air Force Base, she moved to Alabama when her family returned home after the Vietnam War.
“I got to watch my dad march across the stage at Auburn University as an electrical engineer,” Dr. Demarais said. “My mother was a preschool teacher. I got exposure to education at a young age, and I saw the value of it.”
Her family found a new home in Orangeburg, S.C., for her father’s first job after college and then eventually Rock Hill, S.C., where she attended middle school and completed her secondary education.
Since her move to Mars Hill, N.C., at the age of 18 to attend college, she has remained in North Carolina, noting that her career has taken her from music education to an administrative assistant in manufacturing to information technology and ultimately to community college administration.
She still has a desire to teach and said she now blends that desire with her love of information and technology to help students find success in the classroom.
“I have a real passion for using data from our students to help them learn how to learn,” she said. “Students have jobs. They have their lives to lead while going to college. They have much to juggle. We have a responsibility to make sure that the education we offer them is as efficient and effective in its delivery as it can be.
“I’m really a strong believer in institutional effectiveness,” she added. “The data can be used as a tool to help our students succeed. We need always to use it as a positive tool. An educated society is a happier, more fulfilled society.”
Her work in the private sector includes a period from 1999 to 2002 when she worked with the Womble Carlyle Sandridge Rice law firm and later a subsidiary, FirmLogic, in Winston-Salem as a systems support manager and, later, project manager. She was assistant to the director of manufacturing and a systems analyst for Highland Industries in Kernersville in 1997-1999.
She also has been actively involved in community projects in the Winston-Salem area, including the United Way; Boy Scouts of America; Forsyth Futures, a non-profit community data research organization; WinstonNet Inc., a non-profit community technology initiative; the Center for Design Innovation; and the Board of Cooperative Ministries for the Southern Province of the Moravian Church.
Dr. Desmarais has an adult son, Ian, who is currently a biotechnology major at Forsyth Tech. Her younger son, Conall, who will be completing the eighth grade, is interested in attending an early college high school. Her husband, she said, plans to retain his job in the Winston-Salem area as he is able to do the majority of his work off-site.
The search process for the new president began in September when the Trustees selected the firm of Executive Leadership Associates (ELA) LLP of Emerald Isle to help the board create a profile of the ideal presidential candidate needed for VGCC, to guide the search process and to recruit and screen applicants. Applications and nominations were accepted beginning Oct. 8 with a deadline of Nov. 9.
Serving on the VGCC Trustees’ presidential search committee were Trustees Deborah Brown, chair; Herb Gregory, vice chair; N. Annette P. Myers, Abdul Sm Rasheed, Donald C. Seifert, Sr., and Sara C. Wester.
With the guidance of ELA, a consortium of former North Carolina community college presidents, the list of candidates was narrowed to five by the board’s search committee. On Nov. 19, at the regular bimonthly meeting of the board, the Trustees trimmed the list to three finalists who were invited to the college to meet with staff and faculty, county officials, chamber members and the public to participate in individual forums. Attendees were given the opportunity to provide input on each finalist via a form distributed at the forums or verbally to representatives of ELA in attendance.
The board met on Dec. 4 following the last of the interviews with candidates. A final decision on the selection was made at a continuation of that meeting, on Dec. 5, following the results of a vetting process conducted by the State Board of Community Colleges.
“After this carefully executed selection process, we believe Dr. Desmarais has the background and the experience to move us and our communities forward,” Trustee Wright said. “We do appreciate our two other finalists who showed such a strong interest in helping our college advance, and we owe much to the members of the public sector who also attended the forums and assisted us in this search process as well.”
The two other finalists were Dr. Quentin Johnson of Mooresville, vice president of Student Support Services at Guilford Technical Community College in Greensboro, and Dr. Melanie Thornton of Albany, Ga., vice president of academic affairs at Columbus Technical College in Columbus, Ga.
The new president succeeds Dr. Stelfanie Williams who left in August to become the vice president for Durham affairs at Duke University. Dr. Gordon Burns, retired president of Wilkes Community College, is serving as interim president for VGCC until Dr. Desmarais takes office.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Dr.-Rachel-Desmarais.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2018-12-06 16:56:422018-12-06 16:56:42Dr. Rachel Desmarais Chosen as Next President of VGCC
Alice Watkins, a 27-year member of the NC Alzheimer’s Association, called into Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
While only one of several types of dementia, Alzheimer’s is, according to Watkins, “certainly the most prevalent.” Typically affecting those age 65 to 85, the currently irreversible disease is characterized by a progressive loss of memory and ability to complete everyday tasks.
“The two things that I always try to get people to understand about Alzheimer’s is that it is a form of dementia and that it is not a normal part of aging,” said Watkins. “We have found, through research, that the disease can start 20 years before noticeable symptoms appear,” Watkins said.
As the disease progresses, the afflicted may forget how to engage in tasks such as brushing their teeth or taking a bath. “Getting them to take a bath and taking their license away are two of the most critical things children of parents with Alzheimer’s have to deal with,” said Watkins. “They are accustomed to their parents being in charge and telling them what to do.”
Watkins cautions that not all issues with memory or the completion of tasks lead to a diagnosis of dementia. “Things that can be fixed, such as a vitamin B-12 deficiency or a urinary tract infection can often mimic signs of dementia.”
While deficiencies and infections can often be cured, currently Alzheimer’s cannot. “Alzheimer’s is the third leading cause of death and the most feared of the diseases in the United States,” Watkins said. “There is currently no cure.”
Watkins remains hopeful that one day a cure will be discovered and is encouraged by upcoming research efforts. “We are seeing more young researchers getting involved, exploring new avenues of research and examining how diseases link. We are also seeing more of an international effort to find answers.”
One branch of dementia research is currently focused on traumatic brain injury and its effect on the military, specifically. “Researchers are finding that more and more returning military personnel are suffering from traumatic brain injury and PTSD, and many of these cases are progressing into Alzheimer’s,” said Watkins.
Increased research, additional funding and getting people into clinical trials is the key to speeding up the process of finding both a cause and cure, Watkins believes.
“We are getting better with diagnostic tools. If we find one tool that can definitively say ‘this is Alzheimer’s disease,’ then we will be one big step ahead. Right now, there is not such a tool; instead, everything else is ruled out.”
Even with a “ruling out” diagnosis made, the only way to know for sure that the disease was Alzheimer’s is with an autopsy after death, said Watkins.
According to Watkins, groups such as UsAgainstAlzheimer’s based out of Washington, D.C., are responsible for Congress’ recent allocation of $425 million to Alzheimer’s research. “That brings the disease, for the first time, to $2.3 billion in research.”
That figure, while staggering, is still well below funding allocated for heart disease and cancer research.
“The part that is desperately needed in all of this is funding,” Watkins explained. “I encourage people to stay on top of this by checking in with Congressional leaders. Encourage them to look at acts like the Change Act that focuses on care being provided to these patients by families and the costs they incur.”
To hear the interview in its entirety, please click here.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Alzheimers-Assoc.-Logo.png265504Kelly Bonduranthttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngKelly Bondurant2018-12-05 16:55:592018-12-05 16:55:59Increased Alzheimer’s Funding, Expanded Research Methods Offer Hope for a Cure
-Press Release, N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Farmers with damage from Tropical Storm Michael may be eligible for disaster assistance from the Hurricane Florence Agricultural Disaster Program of 2018. The $240 million bill approved today by the N.C. General Assembly would help farmers with storm damage and agricultural losses from both Hurricane Florence and Tropical Storm Michael.
The program will directly assist farmers who suffered losses to commodities planted but not harvested before Sept. 13, 2018, and livestock. The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will administer the program.
“With only two weeks left in the sign-up period, farmers cannot afford to wait to sign up for assistance,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “The application process takes about 30 minutes per farm and assistance is available through N.C. Cooperative Extension and the NCDA&CS disaster hotline at 1-866-6459403.”
The seven additional counties pending a federal disaster declaration include Avery, Vance, Wake, Warren, Washington, Watauga and Yadkin counties. With this addition, 61 of the state’s 100 counties would have received either a primary Presidential or Secretarial-disaster declaration.
“Both Hurricane Florence and Tropical Storm Michael had significant impacts to agriculture,” said Troxler. “Without this immediate assistance, it will be difficult for many farmers to continue operations.”
Initial estimates for crop damage and livestock losses to North Carolina’s agriculture industry from Hurricane Florence are estimated at $1.1 billion.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wizsfbresize_0001s_0088_NC-Department-of-Agriculture-and-Consumer-Services-Logo.jpg.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2018-11-30 16:58:252018-11-30 16:58:25Vance and Warren Counties May be Eligible for Agricultural Disaster Assistance
The Vance-Granville Community Band will present its 11th annual winter concert on Monday, Dec. 3, at 7:30 p.m. in McGregor Hall at 201 Breckenridge Street in downtown Henderson. The concert is free and open to the public.
“The concert is a classic old-fashioned band concert,” said Brian D. Miller, director of the band. “Bands should always play music that is appealing and makes sense. We have had a great tradition of performing good, solid, traditional band music in the Vance-Granville Community Band. It was John Philip Sousa’s philosophy that music should always be attractive and have great audience appeal. There is no better model for band administration and performance than the one set forth by Sousa.”
The band’s repertoire for the December concert includes a march by Sousa, the seldom-heard “Keeping Step with the Union,” a march Sousa composed in 1921 and dedicated to Mrs. Warren G. Harding, wife of the 29th president of the United States. “Sousa wrote 136 great marches,” Miller said, “but we don’t get to hear the rare ones. It’s a lot of fun to present Sousa’s lesser-known marches.”
Above: Brian Miller conducts the Vance-Granville Community Band during its 2017 winter concert. (VGCC photo)
The band will also perform a rare 1914 march entitled “Radium King.” “This march came from a golden time period of the circus march and celebrated the wonder of radium as a newly-discovered element,” Miller said. Other pieces on the concert include a famous 1960s band composition entitled “Overture In Bb,” a transcription of music from the movie “The Greatest Showman.”
Christmas season music will also be featured on the concert as well, Miller added. Patrons will hear “All Is Well,” “Greensleeves,” and a Christmas march transcribed by band member Bob Salzmann.
“We are certainly fortunate to have Bob Salzmann with us in the band,” said Miller, “because not only is he an excellent musician, he is a fine arranger. It’s great having our own arranger create music for the band.”
The audience will hear two well-known medleys of Christmas favorites, including Leroy Anderson’s all-time classic “Christmas Festival,” referred to by Miller as “one of the greatest Christmas band pieces ever.”
The band has shown significant numerical and musical growth under the baton of veteran band director Miller, who established his identity in the area as the longtime director of the Louisburg High School Band, which grew into one of the state’s largest bands in one of the state’s smallest schools and whose Symphonic and Concert Bands became known in the regional area for performance of traditional band overtures and old-fashioned Sousa marches.
Miller said his philosophy is simple: “Play good, traditional music that is appealing to the audience.”
“We hope that everyone will come enjoy this great cultural experience in historic downtown Henderson,” Miller added. “We want everybody to hear the Vance-Granville Community Band.”
The Community Band, which is sponsored by the VGCC Division of Arts and Sciences, includes people of all ages, from all walks of life, and from throughout the region. No auditions are required. Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings from 7 – 9 p.m. at the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center, on the Main Campus in Henderson, at Exit 209 on Interstate 85 (Poplar Creek Road).
For more information, contact Brian Miller at (919) 496-5877 or at bmiller9302@vgcc.edu or Betsy Henderson at hendersonb@vgcc.edu.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/VGCC-Community-Band.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2018-11-28 16:57:032018-11-28 16:57:03Vance-Granville Community Band to Present Free Winter Concert on Dec. 3
Vance-Granville Community College Drama students will present “Crimes of the Heart,” a Pulitzer Prize winning play, on Nov. 29 through Dec. 2 at VGCC’s Main Campus. The tragicomedy, written by American playwright Beth Henley, will be staged six times over the four days.
Performances begin on Thursday, Nov. 29, at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 30, at 3 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 1, at 2 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m.; and on Sunday, Dec. 2, at 2 p.m. All performances are in the small auditorium in Building 2 on the Main Campus in Henderson.
The play features VGCC and Vance County Early College High School students Savannah Morgan as Lenny McGrath, Mary Parish as Babe McGrath Botrelle, Jamie McGinn as Meg McGrath, Rebekah Varker as Chick Boyle, Matthew Varker as Barnette Lloyd, and Blake Lee as Doc Porter.
Members of the cast and crew of VGCC’s fall production of “Crimes of the Heart” prepare for six performances of the Pulitzer Prize winning play Nov. 29 through Dec. 2. Shown above are, front row, from left, Nick Kurtz, stage manager/assistant director; Matthew Varker (portraying Barnette Lloyd); Blake Lee (Doc Porter); back row, Jamie McGinn (Meg McGrath); Savannah Morgan (Lenny McGrath); Mary Parish (Babe McGrath Botrelle); and Rebekah Varker (Chick Boyle). (VGCC Photo)
Set in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, in the mid-20th century, it’s the story of three sisters who gather to await news of their grandfather’s death.
Betsy Henderson, director of the show and VGCC’s Theatre Arts/speech instructor and department chair of Fine Arts and Humanities, said the sisters are characterized in this manner: “Lenny, the oldest sister, is unmarried at 30 and facing diminishing marital prospects; Meg, the middle sister, who quickly outgrew Hazlehurst, is back after a failed singing career on the West Coast; while Babe, the youngest, is out on bail after having shot her husband in the stomach.”
She added, “Their troubles, grave and yet, somehow, hilarious, are highlighted by their priggish cousin, Chick, and by the awkward young lawyer who tries to keep Babe out of jail while helpless not to fall in love with her.”
The play is ultimately the story of how these young characters can escape their past to seize the future, Henderson said. “The telling of the story is very true and touching and consistently hilarious, guaranteed to entertain audiences,” she said.
In addition to winning the Pulitzer, the show was the winner of the New York Drama Critics Circle Award in 1981. A critic for the New York Times said, “While this play overflows with infectious high spirits, it is also, unmistakably, the tale of a very troubled family. Such is Miss Henley’s prodigious talent that she can serve us pain as though it were a piece of cake.”
The crew will be composed of Nick Kurtz, stage manager/assistant director; Jenna Walker, assistant stage manager/props; Megan Kokus, costume designer; Amanda Cease, costume and prop assistant; Lane Wade, sound board operator; and Cheyenne Guerrant, light board operator.
Admission is $10 for the general public and $5 for students and VGCC employees. Tickets may be purchased at the door, but attendees are encouraged to secure their seats by making reservations. For more information, contact Betsy Henderson at hendersonb@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3371, or purchase your tickets online through Eventbrite here.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Crimes-of-the-Heart-Cast.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2018-11-26 17:03:192018-11-26 17:03:19VGCC Drama Students To Present ‘Crimes Of The Heart’
With only three Saturdays remaining before the Vance County Regional Farmers Market (VCRFM) wraps its 2018 season, Market Manager Tracy Madigan urges customers to stock up on fall produce – such as sweet potatoes, collards and greens – while they still can.
The market will close after 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 8th and will remain closed until mid-April of 2019. Rental of the VCRFM is available all year long and is particularly popular during the holiday season.
According to Madigan, it has been a great year for vendors and produce variety. “We had a really good year as far as increasing the number of vendors,” said Madigan. “That has provided more variety and greater quantities of produce.”
In addition to produce, Madigan said the number of regular craft vendors selling everything from handmade jewelry to candles has increased, along with the offering of baked goods.
Madigan reported that the customer count has remained steady at 9,000 – 10,000 visitors despite a surge in numbers during the peak summer season. This year’s pattern of inclement weather, especially during the spring and fall months, may have contributed to the customer stagnation.
“It has been a really strange year for the farmers weather-wise as well, but they have still come through with a lot of good produce and variety,” Madigan said.
Another draw to the market this season includes recent landscaping improvements courtesy the Cooperative Extension-based Master Gardeners.
“The Master Gardeners came into a grassy area around the market that previously flooded all of the time and made walkways and benches. Now it’s a nice area to enjoy and get some ideas of plants and flowers for your own yard,” said Madigan.
The addition of Gavin’s Grub Hub, a food truck operated by owner Gavin Jackson, is also bringing visitors in. “Gavin is a huge draw,” Madigan said. “Anytime we advertise that he’s coming, people show up to get their breakfast, brunch or lunch and are always pleased. He has also catered several events for the market.”
Of course, the best feedback comes directly from the mouths of visitors. “We get feedback all of the time from people who say they enjoy it and have made friends. It’s a relaxed, fun and local environment. I truly appreciate the patronage and support from the community,” Madigan said.
Madigan is pleased with the progress VCRFM has made over the years and said she can see its reach extending. “It is a regional market. The first two or three years it was mostly Vance and Granville county patrons; we are getting more visitors from Warren and Franklin now.”
In the future, Madigan would love to see VCRFM become a full-time operation. “I wish we could get someone full-time and get enough customers to run it six or seven days a week. That would really make it an alternative to fast food and grocery stores.”
For additional information on renting the VCRFM for your next event, please contact the Vance County Cooperative Extension Center at (252) 438-8188.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wizsfbresize_0001s_0055_Farmers-Market-Edited-e1461854851601.png.png265504Kelly Bonduranthttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngKelly Bondurant2018-11-21 16:57:352018-11-21 16:57:35Madigan, Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market Manager, Reflects on 2018 Season
Vance-Granville Community College honored 326 students receiving scholarships, as well as the donors and partnering organizations who established those scholarships, at a dinner on Tuesday, Nov. 13, in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus.
In this third annual event of its kind, rescheduled from Oct. 11 because of inclement weather, students were given the opportunity to meet and have dinner with community leaders and supporters of the college’s Endowment Fund.
Dr. Gordon Burns, the interim president of VGCC, thanked the donors who have supported students through the Fund. “Because of you, these students have a greater likelihood of succeeding in life and being contributing members in our society,” he said. “These students have the time and the freedom not to worry about financing their educations and accruing debt and thus can focus their energies on their studies and academic success.”
VGCC Nursing student April Zuniga-Trejo speaks on behalf of her fellow scholarship recipients at the VGCC Endowment Fund Scholarship Awards Dinner. (VGCC photo)
Commending the student scholarship recipients for their academic accomplishments, he also said, “These students, too, one day will be able to reach out to help a deserving student in financial need to further his or her education.”
Speaking on behalf of the scholars was April Zuniga-Trejo of Henderson. She is a graduate of Vance County Early College High School who is currently dually enrolled with VGCC and North Carolina State A&T University in the four-year RIBN (Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses) program.
Describing how she was given the opportunity earlier to meet the donors for her scholarship — Phil Dixon and his wife, Cathy, who started the Henry and Cathy Dixon Annual Scholarship — Zuniga-Trejo expressed her appreciation to Dixon and other donors.
“By investing in our students, the gap between students and their goals is finally shortened,” she said. “Having the connection with my donors has helped me realized the importance of investing in a student’s future. It is not only helping to pay for our education, but it is also paving the way in making our dreams a reality.”
Zuniga-Trejo is studying to become a nurse midwife and plans one day to start her own medical clinic for the disadvantaged.
Speaking on behalf of the donors at the dinner, Dixon followed his scholarship recipient on stage with his remarks on how he decided to contribute to the VGCC Endowment Fund as a birthday gift to his wife because of their love for education. Dixon said they realized that “there were probably a lot of people not far away that have needs that are not getting met,” so he decided on the gift of a scholarship. “I’d have to say it’s almost like a ‘two-fer.’ Cathy got a gift and April got a gift.”
Sharing a thank you note that he and his wife received from Zuniga-Trejo at their first meeting, Dixon read aloud to the audience her words: “I was overcome with happiness,” Zuniga-Trejo wrote. “I felt as if it was a sign from the universe that I was headed in the right direction and that I would make it through. All in all, your acts of kindness made an incredible difference in my life. I’m about to begin my first semester of nursing thanks to both of you.”
Dixon concluded by adding his own words, “I suggest to you that being able to make a difference in someone’s life is one of the greatest gifts that any of us can receive. I think Cathy and I received the greatest of gifts.”
VGCC donor Phil Dixon of Oxford, who contributed the funds for Zuniga-Trejo’s scholarship, speaks on behalf of donors at the VGCC Endowment Fund Scholarship Awards Dinner. (VGCC photo)
The dinner ceremony also featured the announcement of the first-ever Presidential Excellence Award, a new scholarship level. The first of those scholarships was endowed by the family of Donald and Betsy Seifert of Henderson.
Sponsors for the scholarship awards dinner were Altec, CertainTeed, Duke Energy and Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company.
Scholarships of various levels, including 62 Presidential Scholar Awards (the most prestigious endowed scholarships), 59 Presidential Merit Awards, 179 Academic Achievement scholarships and 26 annual (non-endowed) scholarships were awarded to students this academic year, representing more than $240,000.
The scholarships presented to students this year bring the total to more than 9,400 awarded by the college to date. Endowment Fund officials have estimated VGCC has awarded nearly $5 million since the inception of the program.
VGCC scholarships have been endowed by numerous individuals, industries, businesses, civic groups, churches and the college’s faculty and staff. For more information about the Endowment Fund, call (252) 738-3409.
Here is a list of the awards that were presented for 2018-2019. The list is separated by scholarship category first, then by the county of residence of the students. The student’s program of study is in parentheses.
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR AWARDS: VANCE COUNTY RECIPIENTS
Brenda W. Beck: Evan O’Geary of Henderson (Associate in Arts);
John T. Church, Sr., Memorial: Jolina Anne Chiong of Henderson (General Science AAS Degree);
Gilbert and Frances Capps: Jerry Dickerson of Henderson (Criminal Justice Technology);
Julius M. and Breda O. Frazier Memorial: LaQuad Holden of Henderson (Automotive Systems Technology);
GSK: Amanda Miller of Henderson (Associate in Science);
GSK: Shadi Nagi of Henderson (Associate in Science);
Guild Gift Gallery at Maria Parham: DeLonna Martin of Henderson (Radiography);
Guild Gift Gallery at Maria Parham: Wendy Jordan of Henderson (Associate Degree Nursing);
Guild Gift Gallery Volunteers: Michelle Matthews of Henderson (Radiography);
Daniel Knight Jr.: Shelly Benson of Henderson (Cosmetology);
Marsha J. Nelson: Kathy Wiggins of Henderson (Accounting);
Revlon: Kaylee Gleason of Henderson (Welding Technology);
VGCC Faculty & Staff: Amber Peoples of Henderson (Radiography);
Edward Tarry Watkins Memorial: Madison Hetrick of Henderson (General Science AAS Degree);
Felix McDaniel Family: Courtney Mitchell of Kittrell (Medical Office Administration); and
John K. Nelms: Ethan Cole of Kittrell (Associate in Science).
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR AWARDS: GRANVILLE COUNTY RECIPIENTS
John T. Church, Sr.: Courtney Crute of Bullock (Early Childhood Education);
Guild Gift Gallery at Maria Parham: Brittany Buchanan of Bullock (Associate Degree Nursing);
The Johnson Educational Fund: Brianna Norris of Butner (Early Childhood Education);
Past and Present Volunteers Guild Gift Gallery at Maria Parham: Emily Padgett of Butner (Associate Degree Nursing);
Gean Bobbitt/Guild Gift Gallery at Maria Parham: Shanae Rhoades of Creedmoor (Associate Degree Nursing);
Jerome and Dora Faulkner Memorial: Shanice Alleyne of Creedmoor (Radiography);
Glen Raven: Daniel McIlvaine of Creedmoor (Welding Technology);
Patricia P. Graham: Paige Snider of Creedmoor (Radiography);
Eben G. & Mary Frances McSwain: Brandon Sparrow of Creedmoor (Automotive Systems Technology);
Oxford Lodge #103, I.O.O.F.: Hannah Parrott of Creedmoor (Associate in Science);
VGCC Faculty/Staff: Charlene Kearney of Creedmoor (Business Administration);
John Weaver: Seham Mansour of Creedmoor (Early Childhood Education);
William David Barker, Sr., and Anabel Manderson Barker: Savannah Brogden of Oxford (Associate in Arts);
GSK: Kelsey Williamson McKeel of Oxford (General Science AAS Degree);
Guy Thomas and Lelle Courtney Horner/Guy T. Horner: Daniel Brown of Oxford (Automotive Systems Technology);
M.R. Williams, Inc.: Alyssa Gupton of Oxford (Business Administration);
Mary Ruth Nelms: Daniel Burnette of Oxford (Associate in Science);
Harold and Helen Sherman: Penny Glover of Oxford (Early Childhood Education);
Leon Turner: Katelynn Cheek of Oxford (Accounting); and
Jerome and Dora Faulkner Memorial: Solange Tant of Stem (Associate Degree Nursing).
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR AWARDS: FRANKLIN COUNTY RECIPIENTS
Leslie Carswell/Guild Gift Gallery at Maria Parham: Stephanie Parham of Franklinton (Associate Degree Nursing);
Rehoboth United Methodist Church: Kayla Romig of Franklinton (Associate in Science);
Revlon: Cassidy Burton of Franklinton (General Science AAS Degree);
Rudolph and Ruby Keller Corbitt: Megann Casady of Louisburg (Practical Nursing);
Glen Raven: Aislinn Julian of Louisburg (Associate in Arts);
Glen Raven: Nicolas Tucker of Louisburg (Welding Technology);
GSK: Shalinda White of Louisburg (Medical Office Administration);
Vera M. and H. Dermont Hedrick: Robert Holovnia of Louisburg (Associate in Arts);
Beverly Tucker, MD/Guild Gift Gallery at Maria Parham: Dulce Santillan of Louisburg (Radiography); and
Franklin Mills/Guild Gift Gallery at Maria Parham: Allison Thurkill of Youngsville (Radiography).
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR AWARDS: WARREN COUNTY RECIPIENTS
Robbie Gilliam Hedrick/ Robert Jerome Hedrick: Megan Proctor of Macon (Radiography);
Lelia C. Brigham Memorial: Caleb Brauer of Norlina (Associate in Arts);
Glen Raven: Jennifer Newell of Norlina (General Science AAS Degree); and
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/VGCC-Scholarship-Ceremony-2018.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2018-11-21 16:56:462018-11-21 16:56:46More Than 300 Students Honored At VGCC Scholarship Awards Dinner
-Information courtesy Tannis Jenkins, Warren County High School
Warren County High School ROTC will have a fish fry fundraiser at 220 Seafood Restaurant, 1812 North Garnett St. in Henderson, on Monday, December 10, 2018, from 4 – 7 p.m. Eat in or take out. The cost of a meal is $7.
If you have any questions, please contact Col. Paige or Msgt. Taft at 252-257-4413.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Warren-County-Schools-Logo.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2018-11-21 16:54:102018-11-21 16:54:10Warren Co. High School ROTC to Hold Fundraiser at 220 Seafood
Representatives from the Kerr Tar Regional Council of Governments (KTCOG) were on Tuesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the Area Agency on Aging’s evidence-based chronic pain and disease management programs. The KTCOG represents the five-county area of Franklin, Granville, Person, Vance and Warren counties.
Classes are currently offered to community members “age 60 and better” with chronic pain or chronic disease issues. These sessions consist of six-week, two-and-a-half hour workshops that are free to the qualifying public and their caregivers.
According to Jillian Hardin, aging director for KTCOG, classes will introduce tools that can be used to better manage pain and/or disease symptoms. “You will learn about exercise and walking,” Hardin said. “You will also learn about managing emotions because depression is a big part of chronic pain or chronic disease.”
The chronic disease self-management class, titled “Living Healthy” is currently offered at the Senior Center in Vance County for those with two or more chronic conditions. “We say you have a chronic condition if it lasts more than three months,” said Hardin. “People often say ‘I don’t have a chronic condition,’ but I have heart disease or diabetes; those are chronic conditions.”
Hardin said the importance of these classes demonstrating positive, evidence-based results cannot be discounted, “Evidence shows that when people take these six-week workshops, they have less pain, can better control their symptoms, have fewer trips to the doctor and hospital and save money in healthcare costs.”
Harvey Holmes, family caregiver specialist with the Area Agency on Aging, was also on the program to discuss the “huge” need for caregivers and caregiver support.
Holmes mentioned former first lady Rosalynn Carter’s famous quote about caregiving to sum up the importance of the role, “There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.”
Referred to by Holmes as the “godfather” of aging services in the five-county region, KTCOG offers services and classes to help participants cope with the emotional battlefield that is caregiving.
“You’re always going to have ups and downs, pitfalls and stumbles, and a lot of people can get discouraged,” said Holmes. “Your emotions do tend to change along the journey. Caregiving, as a whole, is a journey and the journey is different for each individual.
For more information on the chronic pain or disease classes or caregiver services, please contact the Area Agency on Aging at (252) 436-2040.
You may also call NC 2-1-1, a 24/7 information and referral service provided by United Way of North Carolina and supported by local United Ways and public and private partners across NC. Service is available in all NC counties.
Callers may dial 2-1-1 to obtain information on health and human services and resources within their community. The service is free, confidential, and available in most languages.
To hear the interview in its entirety, click here.
As hundreds of students were being honored with scholarships at Vance-Granville Community College’s annual Scholarship Awards Dinner, the college announced the creation of a new level of scholarship and celebrated the first Presidential Excellence Award in honor of Donald and Betsy Seifert.
The new award was fully endowed with a gift of $60,000 from the family of the Henderson couple, and future student recipients will receive an annual award of $3,000 to cover tuition, books and fees at the college.
The announcement came as hundreds of scholarship donors and VGCC students gathered for dinner in the Civic Center on Tuesday, Nov. 13, to recognize more than 300 students receiving scholarships for 2018-2019.
Above, Dr. Gordon Burns, interim president of Vance-Granville Community College, and Eddie Ferguson, director of the VGCC Endowment Fund, gather with Donald and Betsy Seifert, shown holding the check in the center of the photo, and the Seifert family to celebrate the creation of the first-ever Presidential Excellence Award scholarship. From left are Dr. Burns, the Seiferts’ son Sam Seifert, daughter-in-law Jennifer Seifert, son Brent Seifert, Donald Seifert, son Clem Seifert, Betsy Seifert, daughter-in-law Donna Seifert, son-in-law Sandy Gabel, daughter Laura Gabel, and Ferguson. Unavailable for the photo was daughter-in-law Amine Seifert. (Photo Credit: VGCC)
Donald C. Seifert Sr. has been a member of the VGCC Board of Trustees since 1996 and served as the chair of the board for nine of those years. Appointed to the board by the Vance County Board of Education, he also serves on the college’s Endowment Fund Board of Directors.
“Our parents have shown us, through their good examples, that we should give back to our community,” the members of the Seifert family said in their statement announcing the honor. “They have demonstrated over and over again just how to give and why.” The statement was read by Eddie Ferguson, director of the college’s Office of the Endowment.
“Community can be defined in many ways,” Ferguson read. “Community is our home, our neighborhood, our workplace, our church and our community college. (Our parents) give – and have given – generously of their time, their talent, and their treasure for many years…. Their community is so important to them – they have dedicated themselves to their community – their hometown.”
“Their children, daughters-in-law, son-in-law, and grandchildren establish this scholarship to honor two special people and their commitment to the place they call home. They will, no doubt, downplay their role and the many ways they support and contribute to this community. That is who they are and that is what makes them special to us and, we hope, to their community. Those of you who have helped to create scholarships that we honor tonight, thank you. Those of you who are scholarship recipients, go and be a blessing to others in your community – however you define your community,” the statement concluded.
The announcement by Dr. Gordon Burns, VGCC’s interim president, and Ferguson was a surprise to the father and mother. As the details of the scholarship were being announced, the family members filed into the Civic Center to join them on stage.
“It’s exciting to see the bar raised in our efforts to help students receive the financial assistance they need in getting an education so that they can pursue their dreams,” said Dr. Burns. “We commend the Seifert family for their passion for community and expressing that passion through the support of our students.”
The Seiferts have one daughter and three sons, all of whom attended the event, along with their son-in-law and two daughters-in-law: Laura Seifert Gabel and husband Sandy, of Oxford; Donald C. “Clem” Seifert Jr. and Donna, of Wilmington; Brent Seifert and Jennifer, of Salisbury; and Sam Seifert of Decatur, Ga., whose wife, Amine, was unable to attend.
With the new scholarship level, the Endowment Fund now has four tiers of scholarships. In addition to the new Presidential Excellence Award, a $25,000 donation creates a Presidential Scholar Award that provides $1,250 per year to a student; a Presidential Merit Award, started with a $15,000 donation, awards $750 per year to a student; and a gift of $10,000 starts an Academic Achievement Scholarship, which awards $500 a year to a student.
The scholarships presented to students at Vance-Granville this academic year bring the total to more than 9,400 awarded by the college to date. VGCC scholarships have been endowed by numerous individuals, industries, businesses, civic groups, churches and the college’s faculty and staff. For more information about the Endowment Fund, call (252) 738-3409.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Seifert-VGCC-Scholarship-2018.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2018-11-19 16:58:102018-11-19 16:58:10Seiferts Honored By Family As New Scholarship Level Created At VGCC
