FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MORE THAN 400 GRADUATES AT DCC’S 2007 COMMENCEMENT

click here for list of graduates

DANVILLE, VA., May 15, 2007 – Four former Danville Community College students gave the

Commencement speakers included, left to right, Sidney Dewberry, Winfred Nash, Debra Carlson and Sherman Saunders.  .	DCC Student Government Association President Dereke Ridgeway is recognized by DCC President Dr. Carlyle Ramsey during the ceremony.

commencement address as more than 430 graduates received diplomas, certificates, and associate degrees at Commencement. It was one of the college’s largest graduating classes.

Speakers included Sidney O. Dewberry, founder of Dewberry, an architectural, engineering, planning, surveying and landscape architect firm headquartered in Fairfax; Danville Attorney Debra Creasy Carlson of Clement & Wheatley; Danville Vice Mayor Sherman M. Saunders; and Winfred D. Nash, President of BWXT Nuclear Operations Division, headquartered in Lynchburg.

An honorary Associate Degree in Humane Letters was also presented to Dewberry, who graduated in the Danville Branch - Virginia Polytechnic Institute‘s (DCC’s predecessor) class of 1946.

Donald R. Pippin, Educational Administrator I in the Title III (Developmental Studies) program, was honored with the Student Government Association's (SGA) Teacher of the Year Award. Pippin was cited for his dedication, concern for students and professionalism. He is also a co-advisor for the SGA and helped DCC achieve its status as a Level I internationally-certified tutor training program, certified by the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA). Pippin is also a National Tutoring Association certified trainer.

Marilyn Durbeck of Danville and Brianna Whitesell of Chatham were recognized by DCC President Dr. Carlyle Ramsey for their selection to the All -Virginia Academic Team, sponsored by USA Today, American Association of Community Colleges, and Phi Theta Kappa, an international honor society for two year college students. Both are active members of the Upsilon Phi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at DCC. Whitesell received an Associate of Arts and Science Degree in Liberal Arts. Durrbeck is enrolled in the Administrative Support Technology-Legal Specialization program and will completed requirements for her associate degree in December.

Ryan Collins, who will receive a Diploma in Precision Machining Technology this summer, was honored for winning a first place state award in the precision machining category at the SkillsUSA-Virginia competition, held recently in Richmond. Collins, who lives in Danville, will represent the state at the national competition in June.

The Stephanie L. Ferguson Medallion of Courage was presented to James Samule Horsley of Danville who recognized for his dedication to completing a program of study. Horsley received a Certificate in Auto Body Mechanics, and a Diploma in Automotive Analysis and Repair.

The certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees in more than 30 program areas were conferred upon graduates by Ramsey and Dr. Chris Ezell, Vice President, Academic and Student Services.