Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, May 15, 1993 TAG: 9305150219
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: M.J. DOUGHERTY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: DUBLIN LENGTH: Medium
The college's founding president, Sullins spoke and was honored at its 24th annual commencement.
During his address, Sullins challenged the graduates not to let their education end that day.
"We also know, however that all of us must become lifelong learners to keep up with skills and knowledge to be successful in our careers and in our efforts to resolve the problems of society," Sullins said.
"We hope, the faculty of New River Community College hope, that you have gained that perspective, that you are committed to lifelong learning, and that you accept the challenge willingly."
Before Sullins gave his speech, he was presented with a medallion symbolizing his being named the school's president emeritus.
"It's very special to be honored by the people here," said Sullins before the graduation ceremony. "To hear they feel the way they do about me is very very rewarding. I certainly feel that way about them and the work going on all the time."
Sullins was president of the college from 1969 to 1976. He headed the doctoral program in community college education at Virginia Tech until 1989. Sullins then became vice president for educational and student services at St. Petersburg Junior College in Florida.
But he never lost his special feelings for New River.
"I continue to say `we,' " Sullins told the graduates and the crowd of about 1,500 gathered for the ceremony on the grounds of Godby Hall. "Even though I left in '76, I still feel very much a part of this place."
Current college President Edwin L. Barnes spoke of Sullins' presence in his introduction.
"Many of us still feel his presence on this campus," said Barnes, who joined the faculty in 1972 during Sullins' tenure. "You know that if you spent time today looking around the college."
Sullins guided New River as its enrollment rose from 600 to 2,200 students.
This year, New River's program for helping students with disabilities and its media productions center were nationally recognized.
Also honored at the graduation were William J. Dawson Jr. and Marvin P. "Bud" Long. Both were named professor emeritus. Dawson was a professor of humanities and social sciences from 1972 to 1991. Long was a professor of business management from 1974 to 1984.
But the day clearly belonged to the graduates. Degrees and certificates were awarded in 48 programs to residents of about 40 communities in the New River Valley and elsewhere. And that made for some happy endings.
"President Barnes said our families were pleased to see us graduate," Neil Epperly, the student body president, said in his speech. "In my case I know they were pretty surprised, too."
by CNB