DANVILLE, VA- As I look back at the conclusion of the Spring 2024 semester and the many incredible moments that come with graduation season, I am more proud than ever to be a part of the Danville Community College family. With the conclusion of my second academic year with the college, and my third just beginning, I want to reflect on some of the highlights from the end of Spring 2024.
Tailgating & Wiffleball - May 3
To kick off graduation season and the end-of-year milestone, our PR & Marketing Department presented a 'Tailgating & Wiffleball End-of-Year Party'.
The GOLD Team (Students Team) beat the BLUE Team (Faculty & Staff) 4 - 0. There was lots of smack talking and healthy competition but ultimately, the students took home the win! I like to think its because I served as the captain of the student team, but in reality, we had some impressive wiffleball talent!
Scotter the Otter, mascot for the Otterbots Baseball Team, came to the party to hang out with Knighty the Mighty. The word on the street is that there was a mascot dance-off where Knighty may or may not have absolutely crushed 'The Wobble' - but I am not at liberty to comment.
DCC Commencement Exercises - May 11
On May 11, 2024 at 10 a.m., Danville Community College hosted its annual commencement exercises at Averett University’s North Campus where 566 candidates for graduation achieved the goal they have been working toward throughout their time at the college.
Senator Frank Ruff was awarded an honorary degree during the commencement ceremony. Senator Ruff's remarkable dedication to education, public service, and his profound impact on the community make him an outstanding recipient of this prestigious recognition.
Former Secretary of Education for the Commonwealth of Virginia and Commencement Keynote Speaker Laura Worley Novey addressed the graduates with an inspirational address.I want to personally thank Ms. Worley Novey for joining us in Danville for this momentous occasion and for serving as our keynote speaker.
Pinnacle Award - May 31
On May 31, DCC was named the 2024 recipient of the prestigious Pinnacle Award, issued by the Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce. The award was presented during the Chamber's annual awards dinner held on May 31, 2024, recognizing DCC's outstanding contributions to the community, excellence in education, and unwavering commitment to economic and workforce development.
One Year In - Matthew Scearce
Last year, Matthew David Scearce, the Salutatorian of Chatham High School’s 2023 graduating class, chose to accept a full-ride tuition scholarship to Danville Community College in Fall 2023.
Over the course of the last academic year, Matthew has been busy pursuing a Precision Machining Technology diploma at DCC. Now, as he concludes his first year as a student at the college, Matthew agreed to sit down to talk about how his choice to attend community college is going.
How was your first year of college at DCC?
I enjoyed my first year of college a lot! The best part is its close proximity to my house and the close-knit, family feel on campus.
What did you learn about yourself after attending one year of college?
One thing I learned about myself after my first year of college is that I made the right decision when I chose to attend DCC and pursue a career in precision machining. While this is not the typical path for most Salutatorian high school graduates, the benefits have been huge for me. The whole year met and exceeded my expectations.
What has been an advantage of attending a community college?
A huge advantage of attending a community college is having a personal relationship with my instructors that would be unattainable at a large four-year college. Class sizes are smaller here at the community college, which makes it easy to access the faculty whenever I need assistance.
What are your future plans?
I am considering multiple different options after I finish my diploma at DCC. I may continue my education in the Integrated Machining Technology program or continue into engineering. However, with the education that I have received at DCC, I also know that I will be well prepared to enter the workforce if that is what I decide to do when I graduate.
Do you recommend DCC and why?
I would recommend DCC for several reasons. The most impactful reason is DCC’s location and the convenience for students who attend Pittsylvania County and City of Danville schools. Beyond that, I would recommend DCC because of the friendliness of the administrators and staff, the accessibility of faculty and instructors, and the college’s ability to prepare its students to enter the workforce.
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