SwVCC
2008 SVCC News
Congratulations to Spring 2008 Graduates!!!
Pictured are Howard and Mary Sue Lambert (right), of Cedar Bluff, receiving a certificate in Law Enforcement from Dr. Mark Estepp, president of SVCC, on behalf of their son, Sergeant David (Bo) Eugene Lambert. Lambert passed away Thursday, Oct. 25, 2007, in Iraq, in service to his country. Lambert had been enrolled in the Administration of Justice program and had taken his final class at Southwest during the summer of 2006. Dr. David J. Prior, chancellor of the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, stands in the background. Prior served as commencement speaker for Southwest’s spring 2008 graduation.
Pictured is Earl Dellinger (right), a well-known local businessman and philanthropist, shown receiving an honorary Associate Degree of Humane Letters during Southwest’s spring 2008 graduation, from Dr. Mark Estepp, president of SVCC. “From time to time we have both the privilege and the need to present an honorary degree from Southwest Virginia Community College. Tonight I am honored to present such a degree to Earl Dellinger,” said Estepp.
Dr. David J. Prior, chancellor of the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, addressed graduates at SVCC's spring Commencement Ceremony held Thursday, May 15th. Prior gave the graduates a message of congratulations for their persistence in completing their academic studies. “Students, the certificates and degrees you have earned represent not just the knowledge and skills you have acquired, they are also a validation of your hard work, persistence, and personal courage,” said Prior.
He also commented on all of the future career and educational possibilities for the graduates. “Some of you will now enter, or re-enter, the workforce, some will go on to seek four-year degrees, and some onto graduate studies and beyond, but you will not be leaving Southwest Virginia Community College behind. This college, this place, is forever a part of your life story, an important chapter in that story. Celebrate being a graduate of Southwest, stay in touch with the college and remember that you will always be part of this family. This college has served you well; it is now up to you to serve the common good of your family and your community. I know that you are up to the challenge of making this a better society for all. We believe in you,” said Prior.
Wayne Bostic, chair of the Local SVCC Board and Jeffery K. Mitchell, member of the State Board for Community Colleges, welcomed the spring 2008 graduating class of four hundred and sixty-eight candidates.
Earl Dellinger, a well-known local businessman and philanthropist, was awarded an honorary Associate Degree of Humane Letters. Dr. Mark Estepp, president of SVCC, presented the award on behalf of the college. “From time to time we have both the privilege and the need to present an honorary degree from Southwest Virginia Community College. Tonight I am honored to present such a degree to Earl Dellinger,” said Estepp.
“Education has always been very important to Earl and his late wife Dot. This success led the Dellinger family; Earl and his late wife Dorothy, to help deserving students in Buchanan County get a college education. As a tribute to their commitment to education, the Earl E. and Dorothy J. Dellinger Learning Resources Center is now under construction on the campus of SVCC.”
“To show our continued appreciation to Earl for all he has done and continues to do for students in Southwest Virginia, I am pleased to award him a college degree,” said Estepp.
A posthumous degree was awarded to David Eugene “Bo” Lambert, a Sergeant in the Virginia National Guard, who lost his life in Iraq. The certificate in Law Enforcement was accepted by his father and mother, Howard and Mary Sue Lambert of Cedar Bluff, Virginia.
“Most, if not all of us, will recall that we lost one of our own in October. Sergeant David (Bo) Eugene Lambert, formerly of Cedar Bluff, passed away Thursday, Oct. 25, 2007, in Iraq, in service to his country,” said Estepp. Lambert had been enrolled in the Administration of Justice program and had taken his final class at Southwest during the summer of 2006.
The program also included Dr. Joseph Trivette conducting the SVCC Instrumental Ensemble in the Processional and Recessional. Robert E Chambers, SVCC 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.
