New graduates celebrate as college turns 50

The families, instructors and supporters of graduates of Beaufort County Community College celebrated tonight at Washington High School. Local superintendents, county commissioners, BCCC Foundation board members and BCCC trustees attended the ceremony. In the middle of the audience sat 209 proud, robed students waiting to turn their tassels. Altogether, 257 summer and fall 2016 and spring 2017 graduates received their degree or, in some cases, multiple degrees.

The graduates received associate degrees, be it in nursing, general education or arts and sciences. Some students will seek employment, while others will continue on to a four-year institution. The families of two students, Joshua O’Neal and Marquitta McCray, who lost their lives during the last year were also presented honorary degrees.

Scott Shook gave the keynote address for the evening. Shook is the chair of the N.C. State Board of Community Colleges. He worked in the financial services industry for 24 years and is currently vice president of investment and a financial advisor at BB&T Scott & Stringfellow. Shook was elected to his position as board chair in 2015.

Dr. Barbara Tansey, BCCC president, said reminded the graduates that they were a special class, finishing up during the 50th anniversary of the college. She also reflected on her own retirement.

“Starting out my career in education as a home economics teacher, I never dreamed I would wrap up that career at BCCC,” she said. She talked about how rewarding working with students has been throughout her career.

Dr. Crystal Ange, vice president of academics, announced the recipient of the Dallas Herring Achievement Award, Marquitta McCray, who received the award posthumously. She also announced the Academic Achievement Award recipient, Ric Balanay, and the Robert W. Scott Leadership Award recipient, Tyler Campbell. Brandy Holliday and Kyle Sadler received the All-USA Community College Award.

BCCC wishes all the best to the departing students and hopes that they return to share their success stories with their former instructors.