May 2023

2023 Commencement Ceremony

Southside Virginia Community College hosted a commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 13, 2023. The event, held on the John H. Daniel Campus in Keysville, honored the accomplishments of students who graduated from all SVCC locations.

445 graduates walked across the stage to shake the hand of SVCC President, Dr. Quentin R. Johnson in front of the nearly 4,000 guests in attendance.

Commencement speaker, Troy Selberg, a NASCAR professional and Executive Leadership Coach, gave an inspiring speech to SVCC's class of 2023. Mr. Selberg's message was about life choices and left the graduates with these points of wisdom: treat people how you want to be treated; don’t find yourself in a box or a chain link fence; know technology is changing fast, change with it; the menu only tells you what’s in the kitchen; you are always welcome back for continuing education at Southside.

Mr. W. Scott Burnette, retired CEO of VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital, received an Associate Degree in Humane Letters, an honorary award recognizing his efforts in the growth of SVCC's nursing program and his continued support throughout his career.

Mrs. Darlene Ferguson, a 75-year old graduate, spoke to the class of 2023 as the first student commencement speaker in SVCC's history! She discussed perseverance as she originally enrolled at SVCC in 1992 and how it's never too late to further your education.

See Pictures

All Academic All-USA Team

The American Association of Community Colleges/Phi Theta Kappa/All-USA Team represents the best academic talent at the nation's community and technical colleges. Being nominated for this prestigious award is an honor in itself. SVCC students that were nominated this year were named to the All-Virginia Academic Team and are eligible for stipends provided by Coca-cola. The students were recognized with medallions and certificates at a luncheon held on April 19, 2023. The 2023 Phi Theta Kappa All-USA All-Virginia Academic Team members for SVCC are: Amanda O'Berry of Emporia, Armani Anderson of Emporia, and Edgar Jones of Farmville; also pictured is Dr. Sharon Morrissey, VCCS Senior Vice Chancellor; Dr. Quentin R. Johnson, SVCC President; Melissa Arthur, SVCC Dean of Nursing; and Dr. David Doré, VCCS Chancellor.

Career Coach Chronicles: Cosima Smith

By: Melissa Colbert (Career Coach)

I was fortunate to meet Cosima Smith when his grandfather brought him to SVCC the summer before he started Prince Edward County High School. They were looking for classes that would challenge this bright young man. It was a pleasure to assist Cosima in his educational journey and watch him grow and exceed my very high expectations. I was delighted to reconnect with Cosima recently as the tables were turned, and he is now my yoga instructor. I asked if he would be willing to share his experiences since leaving high school. Here is his response.

“At UVA, I studied Gender and Sexuality Studies—a lot of my work within the field focused on linguistics, media, and religion. Since graduating, I work as a writer and editor (often in a freelance role) and I teach yoga multiple times a week! In high school, Mrs. Colbert really pushed me to go outside of my comfort zone, and was definitely a strong ally in my corner when it came time to apply for and choose colleges. It’s partially thanks to her that I chose to attend SVCC’s Governor’s School program, which launched my life into a very wild and fun trajectory. I’ve been lucky enough to live in four foreign countries, practice five languages, and explore the world in ways I barely dreamed of in high school, all thanks to the credits I took with me from SVCC to UVA!”

2023 Kalbacker Recipient

The 2023 recipient of the Florence Daniel Riepe Kalbacker Leadership & Community Service Award is Natshya Boyd. Natshya (right) is shown with Shannon Feinman, SVCC Vice-President of Finance and Administration. This award was established in 2007 by the family of Mrs. Kalbacker in honor of her 80th birthday. It recognizes her contritution to community, to education and to Southside Virginia Community College.

Natshya graduated from Randolph-Henry high School in 2021 where she was a dual enrollment student with SVCC. Since graduating, she has been attending SVCC with the goal of earning her Associate Degree in Nursing and becoming a Registered Nurse.

Natshya has been exceptionally involved during her time at SVCC, she is a student worker in Student Services, a Student Ambassador, and assists with recruitment efforts. She is a member of the college’s Book Club and WISE (Women in Search of Excellence club.

In response to learning about the Kalbacker Leadership & Community Service Award, Natshya is extremely grateful. She says it means the world to her that someone noticed the work she was doing, as sometimes she feels few pay attention to college students.

Graduates Recognized with John J. Cavan Nursing Awards

Ashley Simmons, Emily Wheeler, and Jenna Warren were recently recognized with John J. Cavan Nursing Student Graduate Awards. Dr. Cavan, former SVCC President, was instrumental in the development and expansion of the college's Associate Degree in Nursing program. He took great pride in the students and their accomplishments.

Recipients of the award are chosen by their classmates and instructors. They exemplify the core components of the nursing program, understanding that, while firmly based in science and the arts, the essence of nursing is caring and compassionate patient-centered care.

Jenna Warren

South Boston

Ashley Simmons

Christanna Campus

Emily Wheeler

John H. Daniel Campus

Bridgeforth Receives Patricia Archer

Nursing Award

Alesha Bridgeforth, a graduate of Central of Lunenburg High School, was awarded the Patricia Archer Practical Nursing Award during the recent nurse pinning ceremony.

This award, which provides monetary assistance for fees associated with and required for licensure exams, was established by Mrs. Archer, a long-time nurse and educator who for many years was a vital part of SVCC’s Practical Nursing and Nurse Aide programs. The recipient, selected by members of the Practical Nursing faculty, demonstrates dedication to the profession, exhibits a professional attitude and shows initiative in all aspects of the program.

SVCC Tour Group Heads to Massachusetts

If you're interested in attending the SVCC-sponsored trip to Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Plymouth, contact Louise Ogburn at (434) 738-3312.

Click on the link below for more information:

Join the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office and Other Agencies to Discover Public Safety!

Teaming Up to Make a Difference

Sponsors Needed

Info/Sponsor/Register

READ LATEST CONNECTION