FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GLORIA ADAMS SHARES PASSION FOR EDUCATION WITH SON

DANVILLE, VA, May 31, 2007 - Gloria Adams knows the value of an education. She also knows that a

person is never too old to learn. She says she wants to be sure that her children learn this lesson too. So, now retired and at a point in her life when she could have just  taken it easy, Gloria enrolled in Danville Community College and pursued a program of study. 

“Education is so important, and I love it,” Gloria says. “I am a lifelong learner. I may give out, but I will never give up.” 

At age 55, the Danville resident recently completed her Associate of Applied Science Degree in Administrative Support Technology – General Office Specialization. She shared the stage at DCC’s 2007 Commencement with her son, Buggie Adams, who also graduated with a Diploma in Graphic Imaging Technology. They both started DCC at the same time – fall 2004. 

For his part, Buggie says he enjoyed going to school with his mother. It’s never been a problem, and he is very proud of her efforts. He says they rode to school together each day, but they did not have any classes in common. Gloria says the desire to complete her degree actually began many years ago, but a variety of circumstances kept her from achieving her dream of a college education.

“I have always wanted to have a degree. I tried several times—even going to different schools, but something always came up, or I didn’t have the money to finish. This has been a real dream for me,” she says, adding that she also stressed the benefits of higher education to her children.

The message has not been lost on her children. In addition to Buggie, she has an older son who is a graduate of DCC’s Electrical/Electronics program and owns a business, and a daughter who is taking classes at another college through distance learning. Gloria notes she also has one more son whom she is trying to convince to come to the community college. 

“DCC is the place to be, a great place to be,” Gloria says laughing. “It’s true. It’s a great institution and the teachers all know what they are doing here. You can’t beat it.” 

She retired from Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in 2003 after working there for 30 years. Gloria says over the years, her job at Goodyear became more computerized, but fortunately she was able to keep up with the new technology. She also took one or two classes at a time at DCC through Goodyear’s training programs. Upon retirement, she found she had lots of extra time on her hands and decided to return to DCC full-time. 

Buggie first came to DCC immediately after graduation from George Washington High School. He later started working full-time and dropped his DCC classes. He returned to college in 2004 after spending a few years in the job market. Now, at age 27, Buggie is looking forward to owning a computer graphics business.

“I got tired of minimum wage jobs and wanted a career for my family and me,” he says, noting his business interests range from creating business cards, flyers, brochures and newsletters to making t-shirts and hats.

“I enjoy the computer graphics aspects of the field,” he adds. “The instructors at DCC, especially Ms (Sheila) Wright and Mr. (Mike) Giles (both professors of graphic imaging technology) are very good. Education is the greatest thing you can do to make more money—to make your skills more marketable.”

While at the college, Buggie has been involved in the African-American Culture Club and the Graphics Club. He also has been a part of the DCC Basketball Team since its inception three years ago. For the 2006-07 season, the starting forward received the “Coaches Award,” for team leadership. In the past, he has been honored with the “Hustlers Award” for his on-court play. He notes that DCC club sports programs in basketball and baseball are useful recruiting tools for other young people. 

“There are a lot of people out here who are pretty good at playing ball. I try to encourage the young guys who are just out of high school to take a look at DCC,” Buggie continues. “I tell them they can come to DCC for a year, gain some experience and move on. This is a good place to start.” 

Likewise, Gloria is active in various college organizations, including the African-American Culture Club and the International Association of Administrative Professionals. She doesn’t plan to stop with a DCC associate degree. She plans to continue her education and enroll in the University of Richmond’s School for Continuing Studies, a weekend program on DCC’s campus, where she will earn a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts.

At this point in her life one might wonder why she does it. But, Gloria has a ready answer for the curious.

“Some people take education for granted and don’t realize how much of an accomplishment they have achieved,” she says. “I want my children to see that no matter what age you may be, you can always better yourself. Regardless of your circumstances, or how long you have been out of school, you are never too old to learn.”

She takes a deep breath.

“As long as my strength holds out I will continue,” Gloria says. “I love to learn. When you stop learning, you stop living. I guess I will be a professional student.”

Buggie smiles at his mother, and nods his head in agreement.