HCC Founders Day celebration held, awards bestowed

Halifax Community College held a Founders Day Ceremony Sept. 8 in The Centre. Congressman G.K. Butterfield (1^st District of North Carolina) was the keynote speaker. The event was a celebration of HCC’s 43^rd anniversary.

“I thank Dr. Griffin for his friendship and for his leadership and for his vision for this college... I unequivocally support the work of this institution and I commend all of you who have a hand in making it happen,” said Butterfield. “Today, Halifax Community College is meeting the demands of the 21^st century.” He also referred to the Roanoke Valley Early College as a “wonderful program” and commended the partnership that made it possible.

Butterfield also suggested that during a slow economy, unemployed and underemployed individuals can “seize the opportunity to improve their educational attainment.” He added, “You must be prepared and you must be trained for the jobs that are in demand... I can’t imagine what North Carolina and Halifax County and Northampton County would have done without Halifax Community College. This institution has been a beacon of light and hope for thousands of citizens and their families who are now benefiting from the education they received behind these walls.”

“I don’t think the men and women who were so wise to charter the technical school had any idea what Halifax Community College would become… Halifax Community College is a home for the county community and a place for the community and citizens to gather, plan and work for a better future for Halifax County,” said Representative John May of the North Carolina House of Representatives.

“From the chartering of Halifax Technical Institute in 1967 to fall 2010, HCC has strived to provide academic and workforce development programs second to none in North Carolina, second to none in the United States, and second to none worldwide. We realize that we are competing with the world in the arena of economic development and maintenance of our quality of life for future generations,” said HCC President, Dr. Ervin V. Griffin Sr.

This was the second year that faculty emeritus, staff emeritus, distinguished alumni and community service awards were presented during Founders Day:

 
• 2010 President Emeritus honorees included Dr. Phillip W. Taylor and Dr. Elton L. Newbern Jr.
• 2010 Faculty Emeritus honorees included Eloise Hardee, Mary Hatchell and Don Beaver
• 2010 Staff Emeritus honorees included Dr. Laura Buffaloe and Janice Hargrave
• 2010 Distinguished Alumni honorees included Katie Penley and Michael Cousins

The 2010 Community Service Award went to: Curtis Wynn, president and CEO of Roanoke Electric Cooperative & Subsidiaries; Dallas H. Jones, founder of the Dallas Jones Roanoke Valley Veterans Museum and a World War II veteran; and, Evelyn Dawson, co-owner and executive, quality management and training director of Britesmilz Family and Community Connections, LLC.

Also during the program, Advertising & Graphic Design Department Chair Gloria Tysinger highlighted the history of the college from 1967 to the present. HCC student Theodore Ivey won a laptop donated by the HCC Bookstore in a drawing for students. The Amazing Voices of HCC provided entertainment during the event.

Halifax Community College held a Founders Day Ceremony Sept. 8 in The Centre. Congressman G.K. Butterfield was the keynote speaker. Pictured are award honorees, front row from left, Dr. Elton L. Newbern Jr., Eloise Hardee, Mary Hatchell, Dallas H. Jones, Evelyn Dawson and Butterfield; second row from left, Don Beaver, Michael Cousins, Donna Penley accepting on behalf of her daughter Katie Penley, and HCC President, Dr. Ervin V. Griffin Sr.