As I sit down to reflect on the whirlwind of activities that marked the month of November 2023, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate with the Danville community and our greater service region. It has been a month of diverse engagements that underscore the importance of collaboration and the strength of our collective efforts.
The month began with a meaningful initiative aimed at connecting our community members with valuable employment opportunities and resources. The 2nd Annual 'All Citizens Job and Resource Fair', held on November 1 at the Danville Community Market, was a testament to the power of collaboration between local businesses, local resource agencies, and educational institutions, providing a platform for networking and growth. I want to thank the more than 100 employers and resource providers in attendance. We appreciate your critical support that makes this event an annual success.
Also on November 1, I attended the Chatham Public Library ‘Meet the Authors’ event with Faith O’Neil, Director of Public Relations & Marketing and, of course, Ace the PrezPup, to represent our children’s book, ‘Ace the Mighty Conquers Knight School’. We had a great time connecting with library patrons, giving out copies of our book, and talking about community literacy with library staff.
In a momentous occasion that heralds a new era of collaboration in education and workforce development, Danville Community College (DCC) and the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC) have come together to sign three MOUs establishing three new training programs in South Boston. This exciting partnership is aimed at preparing individuals for promising careers in the healthcare and skilled trades sectors.
The signing ceremony, held on Thursday, November 2nd at the SVHEC Innovation Center, marks a significant milestone in the continued efforts of both institutions to provide accessible and high-quality education and training opportunities to the community.
Honoring our veterans is a duty we hold close to our hearts at Danville Community College. On November 9, we held our annual 'Veterans Breakfast and Recognition Ceremony'. After breakfast in the Shields Student Center, student and employee Veterans attended a Recognition Ceremony on the Wyatt Building lawn alongside DCC faculty and staff members. The event was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by men and women in our community. I would like to extend a special thank you to the George Washington High School JROTC Color Guard for presenting the flags at this event.
Promoting wellness and community spirit, the Lunch, Learn, and Line Dance event brought our faculty and staff together for both physical activity and intellectual enrichment on November 10. I would like to thank Bryan Price of GTP Wellness for facilitating this exciting event.
On November 10, my wife Allyson and I were privileged to attend Danville Fashion Week, hosted by the HAUS of Fashion. The creativity and talent displayed by local designers was awe-inspiring. This event not only celebrated fashion but also highlighted the numerous community engagement programs offered by the HAUS of Fashion.
From November 12-14, I traveled with a group of DCC staff to the ELEVATE Apprenticeship Conference in Nebraska for National Apprenticeship Week. This gathering was an invaluable opportunity to learn about innovative approaches to apprenticeships, fostering connections that will undoubtedly benefit our students and community in the months and years to come.
On November 17, Danville Community College extended its thanks to classified staff members with a Thanksgiving Gift Card Giveaway. Recognizing and appreciating the hard work of our staff is crucial and the giveaway of gift cards was a small token of our gratitude for everything our team does to support the growth of the College.
Also on November 17, I had the privilege of participating in the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) podcast. This exciting opportunity allowed me to share insights into the collaborative efforts between Danville Community College and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research alongside IALR President Telly Tucker.
On November 18, Belinda Stockton, AVP of Human Resources and Alice Walker, Business Office Manager represented DCC at the United Negro College Fund Luncheon, along with their respective spouses. I want to thank the UNCF for including DCC for acknowledging the importance of supporting education and creating opportunities for all community members.
Engaging with Steve Heatherly, CEO of SOVAH Health Danville on November 21 was a highlight of the month. His dedication to both healthcare and community improvement aligns seamlessly with our mission at Danville Community College. I look forward to exploring potential partnerships to enhance our healthcare workforce and I deeply appreciate Steve’s willingness to collaborate to improve and bolster our community’s healthcare workforce.
On November 28, I traveled to Richmond to celebrate Dr. Sharon Morrissey's retirement. Attending this event was a heartfelt experience. As interim Chancellor for the VCCS, Dr. Morrissey's leadership paved the way for a successful transition, allowing Dr. Dore to make a strong start. Her contributions to the VCCS have been immense, and I applaud her for her years of service.
As we transition into December and the Holidays, I eagerly anticipate the South Boston Christmas Parade and the Riverview Rotary Christmas Parade. These festivities mark not only the holiday season but also an opportunity to further connect with our community.
November has been a month of rich experiences, collaborations, and community-building. I am grateful for the chance to serve as the President of Danville Community College and look forward to the continued growth and success of our institution and the community we proudly serve.
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