CHEERS

RCC HOLDS FIRST IN-PERSON

By Megan Crotty

Former Randolph Community College President Dr. Robert S. Shackleford Jr. made his way down the ramp and into the crowd for one last photo May 11 as the College held its first in-person graduation since 2019. The moment was bittersweet. While RCC lauded its Class of 2022, which achieved the milestone despite a global pandemic, it also honored its retiring President of 15 years.

“I’m sure you know that you each mean so much to him,” said Vice President of Student Services Chad Williams, who closed the ceremony at the Special Events Center of the Greensboro Coliseum Complex. “In fact, if you’ve ever heard him speak, you’ve heard him share that you are why we do what we do. I have never met someone with stronger passions for students than Dr. Shackleford. So, to honor one of the greatest student leaders I have ever known, and a man who truly appreciates those special moments with students, we would like to capture this moment of celebration with a photograph.”

Bill McBrayer, Vice Chair of the North Carolina Community College System State Board, was the guest speaker, and described the circuitous route he took to earning his college degree, sprinkling the speech with “nuggets” of wisdom for the graduates.

“I’d really like to thank Dr. Shackleford for inviting me,” he said. “It’s an honor for me to give this final commencement address for Bob Shackleford. He’s been a great friend and a great servant at the community colleges. He has been a great servant leader for this institution and our entire system.

“I encourage each of you to try to procure a job that gives you meaning and purpose in life. Nugget number 10: Life is too short to be miserable.”

Shackleford opened the ceremony with a welcome, thanking the Graduation Committee; introducing the College’s Board of Trustees, Senior Leadership Team, faculty, and staff, and recognizing special awards and honors earned by the graduates.

“It is my great honor to welcome each of you to this very special time of celebration,” he said. “Smiles are abundant. Isn’t it wonderful to be here together for this celebration in-person tonight? Our pride in our students and our celebration of their reaching this milestone in their lives is overflowing tonight.

“Our mission at Randolph Community College is: Creating Opportunities. Changing Lives. At RCC, this is not just a catch phrase. Our purpose is for you to use these credentials and go on to have a great life and a great career. What does your diploma mean tonight? It means that you have learned how to multitask. You’ve learned not to just give answers, but