Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, May 14, 1990 TAG: 9005140120
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-5 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: MIKE WOLFE SHENANDOAH BUREAU
DATELINE: CLIFTON FORGE LENGTH: Medium
Those messages were two of the central points given by Larry Framme, Secretary of Economic Development for the Commonwealth of Virginia, to over 200 graduates of Dabney S. Lancaster Community College and their families and friends Saturday morning.
The outdoor activities continued despite a steady drizzling cold rain.
In his commencement address, Framme remarked that he had been born and raised in a small community much the same as the Alleghany Highlands. Framme said such communities develop rugged individualism and a communal spirit which can do more to help the sick, feed the hungry, and support the weak than governments can.
Acknowledging that Western Virginia "at times does not share all of the economic prosperity enjoyed" by other parts of the state, Framme said that working together in partnership for education and economic development can reduce the disparity.
Framme said that cliches such as viewing a half-empty glass as half-filled and finding the silver lining in every cloud have valuable lessons.
Framme described the "impossible dream" of Douglas Wilder to become governor of Virginia as an example of thinking optimistically. "He refused to concede to pessimism, refused to believe the pundits and, through hard work and dedication to his ideas, now sits as Governor of our commonwealth.
"This type of attitude can make the difference for each of you," Framme said.
Mark L. Coker was presented the outstanding graduate award named for Gary Lee Miller, a former student of the community college who won the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously for bravery in Vietnam.
Peggy Mead, assistant professor of nursing, and Sandy Silver, associate professor of forestry, shared the outstanding faculty member award.
Buena Vista businessman Wilford P. Ramsey was presented the Medallion of Merit, awarded annually by the college board to someone who has made significant contributions to the betterment of life in the world, nation, region, state or service area.
Freshmen Chris Bryant and Susan Dwyer were named Lancaster Scholars as recognition of their academic work and leadership.
Stephen Moseley received the Ricky Reece Memorial Award, given to a freshman Forestry student.
Gary Nair was chosen by the faculty as the outstanding part-time student at the school.
The school's largest number of associate-degree candidates was in nursing, with 35 graduates.
The school also awarded approximately 42 certificates for pulp and paper technology studies.
Dr. John Backels, president of the college, said that to his knowledge the awards were the first ever made in the state for pulp and paper work, a program that began at the college last fall.
by CNB