Danville Community College Kicks Off Academic Year with Exciting Week of Celebrations

Danville, VA - Danville Community College (DCC) welcomed students back for the fall 2024 semester with a week full of engaging activities, setting the tone for an exciting academic year.

The week began with DCC's annual Convocation on Monday, August 19th. This year's event, themed ‘Together We Achieve’, featured acclaimed author and motivational speaker, Steve Gilliland, who inspired the campus community with his keynote address. Gilliland, known for his engaging storytelling and leadership insights, delivered a powerful message that resonated with both faculty and staff, encouraging them to embrace challenges and seize opportunities in the new academic year.

“When we bring everyone back to campus as summer comes to a close, so much effort is poured into making the first week a celebration of coming together, beginning a new chapter, and pursuing goals while experiencing the support of a strong, welcoming community,” said Dr. Jerry Wallace, DCC President. “Seeing everyone having a great time together as we move forward is a true testament to the culture we have built at Danville Community College.”

Classes officially commenced on Wednesday, August 21st. To ensure a warm welcome, the college set up welcome stations across campus in every building. These stations offered snacks, DCC swag, and valuable information to help students navigate their first day. The stations, manned by faculty and staff, provided a friendly and supportive atmosphere, making the transition into the semester as smooth as possible.

On Thursday, August 22nd, DCC's President, Dr. Jerry Wallace, brought excitement to the campus with the Swag Cab, a fun and interactive way for students to get around. As he drove the Swag Cab (a college 6-seater golf cart) across the DCC campus, Dr. Wallace quizzed students with trivia questions, offering prizes for correct answers. This initiative not only provided a fun break between classes but also allowed students to connect with the college president in a unique and memorable way.

“Students don’t expect the college president to be out and about giving golf cart rides,” Dr. Wallace laughed. “We had a great time asking questions, giving out DCC swag prizes, and getting to know the students who will be spending a lot of time on our campus in the coming months.”

The first week back wrapped up with a special ‘Summer Knights Outdoor Movie Event’ on Friday, August 23rd. Students, faculty, and staff gathered on the campus lawn with their lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy a screening of Disney's "Moana." The event provided a relaxing and enjoyable conclusion to a busy week, bringing the DCC community together under the stars for an evening of entertainment and camaraderie.

Danville Community College is excited about the upcoming academic year and looks forward to continuing to provide a supportive and engaging environment for all students. The college is committed to offering a range of activities and opportunities that contribute to student success both in and out of the classroom.

For more information about Danville Community College, please visit www.danville.edu.