Giants Right In Front of You
On May 6, and the weeks leading up to that date, we celebrated the Class of 2023.
There was a flurry of events and convocations.
The tears (of joy, of pride, and of knowing we would miss people) were flowing.
In the fall of 2019, this group of students was in my First Year Seminar.
It was about DreamersAndGiants – WVWC History.
- We studied the earlier giants (people like Roy McCuskey, David Reemsnyder, Cebe Ross, Hank Ellis, Edna Jenkins, Agnes Howard, and many more).
- We studied all of the buildings and historic places on campus (for instance, the Atkinson Gate where they are standing in this photo).
They were all Dreamers.
Some of them did not persist, and did not graduate.
Many of them not only persisted, but became Giants on campus in their own right. No doubt they will make their marks on the world, in their communities, and on their families.
That fall, I told them a couple of other things.
- These four years are going to fly by in the blink of an eye. (Yes, those same eyes they rolled at me when I said it. And, yes, last weekend they agreed that this had been true).
- Keep an eye out all around you. There are Giants here now! (This was also proven to be true all throughout their time at WVWC – and on full display during Commencement).
When asked about who has made an impact on them in the last four years, the names that came up definitely belong to some Giants. Among those names: Debra Murphy, Alisa Lively, Joanna Webb, Carol Bowman, Tamara Bailey, Greg Popovich, and various people at Aladdin who gave them attention and advice of various kinds.They also mentioned some of their peers who have risen to leadership positions and active in all aspects of WVWC life.
These two ladies, both from the Class of 1979, played a central role in the celebrations.
These ladies are both Giants. Be sure to click on their names and see how incredible they are.
Angela Gay Kinkead spoke at Baccalaureate, and was honored with the title of Dean of the Chapel, Emerita. She is the first woman to be so honored. And she is incredibly deserving of this honor.
Caroline Rapking gave the Commencement Address. She is the first woman to ever serve as Chair of the Board of Trustees. Her term in this important role took place during one of the most difficult times in school history.
Each of them have been amazing throughout their careers.
Each of them represents what WVWC is all about.
President James Moore and Dean Lynn Linder are a couple of these Giants.
They are bringing new energy and powerful plans to WVWC.
Each of them has been here for many years as faculty members, and they know the strengths and values of the college. Although they are just getting started in their new roles, they have already put plans into motion for new programs which match the mission of the college. They are committed to the success of WVWC and of her students.
Each of them is a Giant already.
It is something for each of us to watch for.
- Be sure to know about and appreciate Giants from the past.
- Don’t miss the Giants right in front of you!