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Randy
Williams (pictured left), commissioner of the revenue for Russell County,
Southwest Virginia Community College Board member, and long-time supporter
of the college, is shown being congratulated by Virginia Governor Timothy M.
Kaine on his receipt of an honorary associate degree in Humane Letters. The
honorary degree was awarded by Dr. William F. Snyder, interim president of
SwVCC, at the college’s spring graduation ceremony. |
The history of the
American pioneering spirit was at the crux of Virginia Governor Timothy M.
Kaine’s commencement speech to the spring 2007 graduating class of Southwest
Virginia Community College. He reminded graduates that, as the Commonwealth
and the nation celebrate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown,
there are still more worlds to conquer. He also reminded them that as much
as things change, much remains the same.
“Folks came to Jamestown 400 years ago looking for global economic
opportunities. We are still seeking the same today,” said Governor Kaine.
“Although there are no geographical boundaries to overcome, there are still
worlds of economic prosperity, reconciliation and brotherhood to pursue.”
He also recognized an individual that is a familiar face among the faculty,
staff, students and friends of the college, who gathered for the ceremony.
“Last week I was with the Queen, this week I am with the King,” said
Governor Kaine, recognizing Dr. Charles King, who served as the pioneering
president of Southwest Virginia Community College for four decades. “I
commend Dr. King for his faithful commitment to the college and to the
community,” said Governor Kaine.
He also noted that it had been 50 years since Queen Elizabeth II visited
Virginia. “Virginia has changed in the last 50 years,” noted Governor Kaine.
“There were no community colleges during the 1950’s and only 15% of
Virginians went to college. Colleges were not open to African Americans or
women. Virginia ranked at the bottom of the nation in secondary education in
1957. The average income per capita was $1,500 ranking Virginia 36th in the
nation,” said Governor Kaine. “Times have changed, community colleges make
education accessible and Virginia’s secondary education system ranks among
the best in the nation. The state now ranks ninth in per capita income,”
Governor Kaine said. He also commented that in a recent survey asking “which
was the best state in which to be born, in order to achieve success”
Virginia was voted number one.
He also suggested to the graduates that they may want to consider reaching
out to those in the audience with whom they might have some discord or
unfinished business, because it may be the last time they have an
opportunity to make things right. He also told them to show appreciation to
the loved ones who had supported them throughout their college education and
had made the time to come to their commencement ceremony.
Randy Williams, commissioner of the revenue for Russell County, SwVCC Board
member, and long-time supporter of the college, was awarded an honorary
associate degree in Humane Letters, by Dr. William F. Snyder, interim
president of SwVCC. “I commend him for his tireless dedication to the
community college mission,” said Dr. Snyder. He noted that the degree was
approved by the State Board of Community Colleges.
Jeff Mitchell, member of the State Board of Community Colleges, brought
congratulations to the graduates from the State Board. Dr. Glenn DuBois,
chancellor of the Virginia Community College System, said, “We pay tribute
to you tonight for the degrees that you’ve earned.”
The Southwest Virginia Children’s Choir, under the direction of Dr. Joseph
Trivette, performed Al Shlosha D’Varim. Dr. Trivette also conducted the
SwVCC Instrumental Ensemble in the Processional and Recessional.
Robert E Chambers, SwVCC faculty member, gave the invocation and
benediction. Dr. Robert Tomlinson, vice president of instruction; Roderick
B. Moore, associate vice president of student development services; Dr.
Richard C. Hudson, vice president of financial and administrative services;
and Phyllis A. Roberts, vice president of institutional advancement,
assisted with conferring degrees.
Interested individuals may listen to Governor Kaine’s speech on the web at
http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/MediaLibrary/audio/speeches.cfm
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