DCC Welcomes Athletic Alumni, Championship Team and Retirees Home for 60th Anniversary Convocation

DANVILLE, Va. — Six decades of Danville Community College history came together Tuesday, August 18, as DCC welcomed former student-athletes, coaches, championship baseball players, and retired faculty and employees back to campus for a special recognition during the College’s 60th Anniversary Fall Convocation. 

The celebration honored the people who helped shape the DCC experience across generations while giving current faculty and staff an opportunity to connect with an important part of the College’s history.  

Former student-athletes representing baseball, basketball, and cheerleading returned for the occasion and were recognized during Convocation. Athletic alumni received commemorative DCC Sports Alumni T-shirts representing their respective sports and DCC 60th Anniversary challenge coins. 

Among those returning to campus was Joey Rogers, DCC baseball alumnus, who reflected on the lasting connections created through collegiate athletics.

“Coming back to DCC and seeing so many people who were part of this chapter of our lives brings back a lot of great memories,” Rogers said. “Being part of DCC baseball was about more than what happened on the field. It was about the friendships, the experiences and being part of something that stays with you long after you leave.”

Fellow DCC baseball alumnus Lee Vogler also attended the recognition, joining former teammates and other athletes in celebrating the College’s athletic legacy. 

"I was honored to attend DCC's event celebrating 60 years of excellence in our community," said Vogler.  "I'm a 2007 graduate of DCC and was fortunate to play on the back-to-back state champion baseball teams, so Danville Community College always holds a special place in my heart. Go Knights!" 

The College also paid special tribute to members of DCC’s championship baseball teams, recognizing their accomplishments and their place in the history of athletics at DCC. 

Former DCC basketball alum Wendi Everson was among those returning to campus for the celebration. For Everson, the reunion offered an opportunity to reflect on the relationships formed through coaching and the impact athletics can have on students beyond competition. 

“As a former collegiate athlete, I understand the important role athletics play in creating a strong sense of pride within a campus community," said Everson. "I am grateful for the opportunity to coach women's basketball, mentor student-athletes, and contribute to the spirit of the college right here in my hometown.” 

DCC President Dr. Cornelius Johnson said bringing alumni and former employees back to campus was especially fitting as the College celebrates its 60th year. 

“Sixty years of Danville Community College is really a story about people; the students, employees, alumni, retirees and community members who have each left their mark on this institution,” Johnson said.

“Welcoming members of the DCC family home for Convocation gave us an opportunity to honor what they accomplished during their time here while reminding us that the College we know today was built upon the contributions and traditions of generations who came before us,” Dr. Johnson continued.

“I want to extend a special appreciation to the VCCS State Champions in 2002, 2006, 2007, and 2010 and NJCCA Region X Champions in 2016, the DCC Knights Baseball Team.” 

The celebration extended beyond athletics. DCC retirees were also welcomed back and recognized during Convocation, honoring the faculty and staff whose years of service helped build the programs, traditions and culture that continue to define the College today. 

Their presence alongside former athletes and coaches created a tangible connection between DCC’s past and present as employees gathered to begin the 2026–2027 academic year. 

“As we celebrate our 60th Anniversary, we have an opportunity to look back with gratitude while also looking forward with tremendous excitement,” Johnson said. “Currently, the College is exploring the return of intercollegiate athletics, beginning with a student survey designed to identify which sports are most desired by students and the community. We’re ready to bring the spirit and excitement of athletics back to DCC.” 

The recognition was part of DCC’s yearlong 60th Anniversary celebration commemorating six decades since the establishment of Danville Community College in 1966. Throughout the anniversary year, the College is highlighting the people, programs, milestones and traditions that have shaped DCC and its impact on the region. 



For more information about Danville Community College, visit Danville.edu.