Dabney S. Lancaster Community College awarded 120 associate degrees, 71 certificates and 89 career studies certificates to almost 200 graduates during the 49th annual commencement exercises held Friday evening on the Clifton Forge campus.
In her commencement address, Dorothy McAuliffe, Virginia’s First Lady, encouraged the graduating students to not only seek personal satisfaction in their chosen careers but also to become active in their communities. Speaking of her focus on combatting childhood hunger in the Commonwealth, Mrs. McAuliffe noted strides have been made in increasing nutrition for the 300,000 Virginia schoolchildren who go hungry each year. She also encouraged, above all, for the graduates to exercise their right to vote and make their voices heard.
Student Speaker Ryan Lockhart of Covington encouraged his fellow graduates to view the exercises as the start, not the completion, of their educational journey. Lockhart, who said that one of his hardest classes at DSLCC was public speaking, will attend Virginia Commonwealth University in the fall.
The Gary Lee Miller Award, given to a student demonstrating academic excellence, leadership, and participation in co-curricular and community activities, was presented to Rachel Lyle of Lexington, who received an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing. The award is named after Miller, a DSLCC student who was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
DSLCC President Dr. Rainone gave a synopsis of the 2016 graduating class: 60 percent received associate degrees while 80 percent received certificates. Twenty-six percent started out at DSLCC as dual enrollment students while still attending high school. Fifty-three percent continued their studies during the summer months. One-fourth of the class will continue their education and of those, 80 percent have already been accepted into other institutions of higher learning. Sixty-seven percent said that attending DSLCC helped them get a job or a promotion.
Graduate Mahaley Reyns of Covington performed the National Anthem, while Nancy and James Mathis, accompanied by Joanne Hayslett, sang the DSLCC Alma Mater and the Virginia state song. Marshalls were Justin Stewart and Breanna Vest and flag bearers were Hannah Bradley of Covington and Rachel Lyle. DSLCC Board Chairman Steve Douty also welcomed the graduates and their families.
Photos from the event are available on the DSLCC Commencement Flickr site (more photos will be posted as they come available). Students and family members are welcome to download and print photos from this site.