Tag Archive for: @VanceGranville

VGCC, Warren Library partner for discussion of Tennessee Williams & “The Glass Menagerie”

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Vance-Granville Community College is partnering with the Warren County Memorial Library to present a program on playwright Tennessee Williams and his classic drama, “The Glass Menagerie,” which the college is preparing to stage as a dinner theater event.

The educational program is scheduled for Monday, April 17, from 10:30 a.m. until noon at the library on South Front Street in Warrenton. The event is free and open to the public. Betsy Henderson, VGCC’s Department Chair/Instructor of Humanities and Fine Arts, will make a presentation and lead a discussion on Williams (1911–1983) and the play, including its poetic elements, in celebration of April as National Poetry Month.

Henderson will also talk about VGCC’s upcoming production of “The Glass Menagerie,” which she is directing. The college’s fifth annual Dinner Theater is scheduled for the evenings of Thursday, April 27, and Friday, April 28, in the Civic Center on VGCC’s Main Campus in Vance County.

First staged in 1944, “The Glass Menagerie” is based in part on Tennessee Williams’s own memories of his family. In 1945, the play premiered on Broadway, won the prestigious New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for the best American play of the year, and launched Williams to fame.

Henderson has an MFA in Acting from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a BFA in Theatre Performance from the University of Southern Mississippi. She was VGCC’s 2005 Instructor of the Year. As an actress, Henderson has worked professionally with Raleigh Ensemble Players (REP), Deep Dish Theatre Company, Burning Coal Theatre Company, North Carolina Shakespeare Festival, Theatre of the American South, Hot Summer Nights @ the Kennedy, Temple Theatre, and Justice Theatre Project. Henderson has toured nationally with productions of “Miracle Worker,” portraying Annie Sullivan, and “Diary of Anne Frank,” portraying Mrs. Frank. Her performance in REP’s “Distracted” in 2011 was recognized by the Independent Weekly as one of the Best Lead Performances of the year. Henderson has served on local theatre boards of directors, and as a faculty member for Cary’s Applause Youth Theatre. She is currently vice-chair of the board of directors of Granville Little Theatre, as well as the chair of the GLT education committee. She has also been the Creative Director for the Broadway and Beyond/TeenWorks summer camps for 10 years.

For more information, contact Betsy Henderson at hendersonb@vgcc.edu or David Spence at davidspence@warrencountync.gov.

–VGCC–

Cast, crew announced for VGCC Dinner Theater production of “The Glass Menagerie”

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Vance-Granville Community College has announced an upcoming production of “The Glass Menagerie,” the Tennessee Williams classic, for the college’s fifth annual Dinner Theater.

The cast and crew have also been named for the dinner theater, which is scheduled for the evenings of Thursday, April 27, and Friday, April 28, in the Civic Center on VGCC’s Main Campus in Vance County. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. each evening.

The cast is set to feature Brittney Patterson of Henderson as Amanda Wingfield; Ben Taylor of Franklinton as Tom Wingfield, her son; Samantha Hines of Henderson as Laura Wingfield, her daughter; and Jordan Bunting of Rocky Mount as Jim O’Conner, the “gentleman caller.”

Members of the crew include Chadstity Copeland of Henderson (Assistant to the Director/Stage Manager), Allison Hines of Henderson (Assistant Stage Manager/Props), Jamie McGinn of Wake Forest (Costumes/Assistant for Props), Camden Jones of Henderson (Lighting/Sound operator), Lauren Elliott of Oxford (Head of Props) and Mya Hargrove and Evan O’Geary, both of Henderson (Hair and Make-up).

All are current students at the college, except for Elliott, an alumna and VGCC staff member.

Betsy Henderson, VGCC’s Department Chair/Instructor of Humanities and Fine Arts, is the director of the play.

First staged in 1944, “The Glass Menagerie” is a “memory play” (narrated by one of the characters, recalling his experiences) and is based in part on Tennessee Williams’s own memories of his family. In 1945, the play premiered on Broadway, won the prestigious New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for the best American play of the year, and launched Williams to fame. “The Glass Menagerie” has been adapted for television twice and as a Hollywood feature film twice. It has been revived for the Broadway stage numerous times, including a new production starring Sally Field that is currently in previews. A drama of great tenderness, charm and beauty, “The Glass Menagerie” has become one of the most famous plays of the modern theatre.

The story focuses on Amanda, a “faded Southern belle” who lives in poverty in a dingy St. Louis apartment with her son, Tom, and her daughter, Laura. The crux of the action comes when Tom invites a young man of his acquaintance to eat dinner with the family. Jim, the caller, is at once pounced upon by Amanda as a possible husband for Laura.

Tickets are $30 and are scheduled to go on sale on March 22. For more information, visit www.vgcc.edu/dinnertheater.

–VGCC–

VGCC Raking Up Awards: Business Administration program ranked among nation’s 25 best values

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The Business Administration program at Vance-Granville Community College recently received recognition as one of the top 25 best values in its field across the United States. VGCC came in at number 22 on the list of the nation’s most affordable online business administration associate degrees published by Texas-based AffordableColleges.com.

The organization, which also recently recognized the VGCC Criminal Justice and Early Childhood Education degree programs, ranked community college programs based on how they combined quality with affordability. VGCC was praised not only for its affordable tuition and financial aid options but also for its low student-to-faculty ratio of 16 to 1.

At VGCC, students can complete the entire Business Administration degree online through the VOLT (Vanguard Online Learning through Technology) initiative, which is designed primarily with working adults in mind. The college also offers Business Administration courses in the traditional face-to-face format and in hybrid formats that combine online and on-campus instruction.

“We are honored to be recognized as an affordable, accessible, high-quality program that prepares students to be leaders in business,” said Carl Hann, who heads the Business Administration and Accounting programs at VGCC. “Our success is due to our outstanding faculty members who use educational technology in innovative ways.”

The Business Administration curriculum is designed to introduce students to the various aspects of the free enterprise system. Students are provided with a fundamental knowledge of business functions, processes, and an understanding of business organizations in today’s global economy. Course work includes business concepts such as accounting, business law, economics, management and marketing.  Skills related to the application of these concepts are developed through the study of computer applications, communication, team building, and decision making.

In addition to the two-year degree in Business Administration, VGCC offers certificate programs in Business Management and Front Line Management. Eligible high school students can complete the Business Management certificate tuition-free through the “Career & College Promise” program.

Registration is going on now for the spring 2017 semester at VGCC, which begins Jan. 9. For more information about Business Administration, contact Carl Hann at hannc@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3295.

VGCC Early Childhood program ranked in top 10 nationwide

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The Early Childhood Education program at Vance-Granville Community College recently received recognition as one of the top ten best values in its field across the United States. VGCC came in at number eight on the list of the nation’s most affordable online early childhood degrees published by Texas-based AffordableColleges.com.

The organization, which also recently recognized the VGCC Criminal Justice program, ranked community college programs based on how they combined quality with affordability. VGCC was praised not only for its affordable tuition and financial aid options but also for its low student-to-faculty ratio of 16 to 1 and its technology resources. The organization’s stated mission is “to help students find a path to a rewarding, quality education that won’t leave them crippled by student debt.”

All of VGCC’s Early Childhood Education courses are offered either fully-online and/or in a hybrid format that combines online coursework with traditional face-to-face instruction. “After the spring 2017 semester, the only course that will not be offered fully-online will be our practicum course, in which our students apply what they’ve learned by working in an early learning or child care center under the supervision of qualified teachers,” explained Tracey Bennett Carter, who chairs the Education department at VGCC.

“We are excited that our program has been nationally recognized, which we attribute to our outstanding faculty, who maintain high academic standards to prepare students for the important work of nurturing and teaching young children,” Carter added.

The VGCC Early Childhood Education program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

The Early Childhood Education curriculum prepares students to work with children from birth through age eight in diverse learning environments. Course work includes child growth and development; physical/nutritional needs of children; care and guidance of children; and communication skills with families and children. Graduates are prepared to plan and implement developmentally appropriate programs in early childhood settings. Employment opportunities include child development and child care programs; preschools; public and private schools; recreational centers; Head Start Programs; and school-age programs.

VGCC offers not only the two-year associate degree in Early Childhood Education, but also a three-semester diploma program and three certificate options, as well as a certificate in Infant/Toddler Care.

Registration is going on now for the spring 2017 semester at VGCC, which begins Jan. 9. For more information on Early Childhood Education, contact Tracey Bennett Carter at (252) 738-3471 or bennettt@vgcc.edu.

VGCC recognizes 22 Medical Assisting students at Pinning

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Vance-Granville Community College held a pinning ceremony for its 2016 Medical Assisting program graduates on Aug. 5 at the college’s Franklin County Campus in Louisburg, where the program is conducted.

As VGCC’s program is nationally accredited, the graduates are now eligible to sit for the American Association of Medical Assistants’ (AAMA) certification examination to become Certified Medical Assistants.

The 22 graduates being honored included Heather Harwood and Kimberly Richardson, both of Castalia; Amanda Newton and Shatory Yarborough, both of Franklinton; Jenny Clark, Tonya Henderson, Kenia Puga-Gomez, Stephanie Ranes and Adrienne Robertson, all of Henderson; Ashley Kittrell of Kittrell; Brittany Blacknall, Jessica Crudup, Jodi Hess, Regina Hicks and Lindsay Ward, all of Louisburg; Julius Glasper of Oxford; Kayla Hutson and Samantha Patterson, both of Stem; Brittany Ray and Denise Six, both of Wake Forest; Kelly Tharrington of Warrenton; and Dallas Glover of Youngsville.

Program Head/instructor Donna Gardner served as the mistress of ceremonies. Student Regina Hicks provided the invocation.

Franklin County Campus Dean Bobbie Jo May made welcoming remarks, congratulating the students and thanking their supportive families and friends who had gathered to celebrate the graduates’ success.

“We are all so proud of you, and we’re grateful that you have allowed the VGCC Franklin Campus family to assist in your education, inspiring and supporting you in meeting all of your goals,” May told the class.

Samantha Patterson, who led the graduating class as president of the VGCC Student Association of Medical Assistants chapter, was the featured speaker.

“Our studies at Vance-Granville Community College have culminated in this day, and will echo in our futures,” Patterson said. “Some of us will be working; some going on to pursue an associate’s degree; some may still be trying to figure things out, and that’s okay, too. Therein lies the beauty of life, and, more specifically, life in this country. We have the freedom to pursue our own dreams, but let us not be so caught up in ourselves that we forget those that we pledge to serve. After all, we are Medical Assistants. We are the extra sets of hands, eyes, and ears for our providers. We are advocates for our patients. We are a vital part of the team that makes the medical office work. Let us consider the needs of others as we work to fulfill our own.”

Gardner presented each graduate with his or her pin, signifying that each had successfully completed the course of study and was prepared to enter the growing Medical Assisting profession. As they were pinned, VGCC Dean of Health Sciences Angela Thomas read reflections from the graduates about their educational experiences and their career aspirations. Instructor Patrice Allen then led students in reciting the creed of the American Association of Medical Assistants.

Dr. Angela Ballentine, VGCC’s vice president of academic and student affairs, rounded out the ceremony with concluding remarks. “You have wisely chosen a profession in which you can make a difference in the lives of others, and in which there are a variety of career opportunities,” Ballentine told the class. She encouraged all graduates to maintain high standards as professionals and to become lifelong learners. “I know that you will continue to succeed and make us proud as VGCC alumni,” Ballentine said.

Student Tonya Henderson gave the benediction.

With their one-year diplomas in hand, many graduates are continuing their education to complete the two-year associate degree in Medical Assisting. For more information about Medical Assisting, call the Franklin Campus at (919) 496-1567.

Councilwoman Elliott to Speak At Vance Granville

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Henderson City Council member to speak at VGCC Basic Skills Commencement

Vance-Granville Community College will hold commencement exercises dedicated exclusively to new graduates of Adult Basic Skills programs on Thursday, May 5. The ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus in Vance County.

Those being honored at the ceremony will include students who have completed either the Adult High School Diploma program or the High School Equivalency program in the past year.

Melissa Elliott, a member of the Henderson City Council and a graduate of VGCC, will serve as the guest speaker. While working for the N.C. Department of Correction, Elliott first enrolled at VGCC to complete her high school equivalency diploma. She continued her education by enrolling in the Criminal Justice program in order to take her public service career to the next level. She graduated in 2009 with her associate degree and went on to complete a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at Saint Augustine’s University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies from Hidden Manna Bible College. She recently graduated with a master’s in public administration from Strayer University. Elliott is a former member of the advisory committee for VGCC’s Basic Law Enforcement Training and Criminal Justice programs.

Elliott has served in many positions in the criminal justice field, including Correctional Officer, Correctional Case Manager, Gang Intel Unit, 911 Dispatcher and, most recently, the Gang Officer for the Vance County Sheriff’s Office. She was honored for “outstanding community service” by the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority for her work educating the community about gang culture in 2010. The Warren County Gang Assessment Steering Committee also honored Elliott with an Outstanding Community Service Award as a Gang Specialist for participating in the county’s Gang Assessment. Elliott is the founder of a non-profit organization, “Gang Free, Inc.” She was elected to a four-year term on the Henderson City Council in 2015.VGCC Melissa Pearce 042116

Speaking on behalf of the graduating students during the ceremony will be Melissa Pearce (pictured) of Franklinton. She completed the High School Equivalency program in March 2016, after taking classes at VGCC’s Franklin County Campus. Pearce has enrolled in the Early Childhood Education curriculum program at VGCC, starting in the upcoming summer term. Her goal is to complete that program and ultimately to be a day care center director. A Fayetteville native, Pearce is the married mother of three boys.

–VGCC–

(Andrew Beal, Public Information Officer at VGCC, wrote and supplied this press release.)