Virginia Beach Campus 2013 Commencement Ceremony

On August 24, 2013, the Virginia Beach Campus of Centura College held its 2013 Commencement Ceremony in the auditorium of Spring Branch Community Church.   Our eldest graduate and top of her class, Mrs. Barbara Felton, gave the most inspirational commencement address, entitled “Dreams.”    In her speech, Felton noted that her own father once told her that “he didn’t care if she became a ditch digger, just to be the best man in the ditch!”   Felton always desired to be a nurse. Growing up in times of segregation, however, she was told by a guidance counselor that she was limited to domestic work.

Fortunately, Felton’s determination did not allow that limitation to hinder her from achieving her educational goals.  With the help of her father, she entered Norfolk State University where she graduated from the Registered Nursing program and then became the director of a medical facility for many years.   Mrs. Barbara Felton returned to our Centura College Virginia Beach Campus in order to receive her Bachelor of Science degree in Business with a concentration in Management.

In her speech, Felton also spoke to the graduates about the importance of following their dreams, mentioning a number of well-known dreamers, including Tim Tebow and Viola Davis.   In her closing remarks, Felton praised the Class of 2013 Graduates, encouraging them to follow their dreams and be the best man in the “ditch!”   Felton received a standing ovation from everyone!

There were many distinguished awards also presented to our graduates during the commencement ceremony.  Mr. Doug Wemer, Computer Network Coordinator, explained The Richard E. McLeod Memorial Award and presented the award to Aaron Kent for the Computer Network Management Program.   Each program coordinator also presented a McLeod award to the most outstanding graduate from his/her program:  Sandra Miller, Business Programs; Capreia Davis, Medical; and Christopher Spruell, Massage Therapy.   While Chrisophter Spruell was currently serving in Bahrain, his son accepted the McLeod Award in his place.

The 2013 Holley Award was presented to Mrs. Barbara Felton, a graduate of the Business Bachelor Program.  The Award of Excellence was presented to Ronald Galloway, a graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Business Program, who was also our student speaker.  Galloway first completed his Associates Degree Program and returned to Centura College to complete his Bachelor of Science in Business with a Concentration in Management. Galloway spoke to the graduates about following their dreams.

The Perfect Attendance Award was presented to Maria Delrosario who received her Associate of Occupational Science Degree in Medical Assisting.   The Online Student Award was given to Christina M. Loomis who received her Bachelor of Science in Business with a Concentration in Management.

Ms. Mary Morgan, Honor Society Advisor, recognized those graduate members of the National Technical Honor Society and the Alpha Beta Kappa Honor Society.   Ms. Morgan congratulated and introduced them to the Community.  Additionally, there were a number of special awards presented to staff and faculty members.   The Coordinator of the Year Award was presented to Mrs. Lori Bedford, Coordinator of the Medical Programs.  The Staff Member of the Year Award was presented to Mrs. Ruth Hall, Director of Compliance and Administration.  The Instructor of the Year award was presented to Ms. Dawn Pronia of the Massage Therapy Programs.

Mr. Jeremiah Scarbrough, our Executive Campus Director, along with Mrs. Barbara Felton and Mrs. Ruth Hall, awarded the graduates with their diplomas.  Steven Alanos walked and received the diploma for his twin brother, Lateef Alanos who was currently away serving his Country in the Military.  Their mother and family were so proud of both sons.  Mr. Jeremiah Scarbrough concluded our ceremony with the turning of the tassels and officially presenting the Graduates of the Class of 2013!  There was a great time of celebration with cake and punch in the fellowship hall following the commencement!

Congratulations again to the 2013 Graduates of Centura College, Virginia Beach Campus!

We are very proud of each of you!

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