HENDERSON, NC (February 19, 2026) — In order to accommodate its growing number of graduates and alleviate the weather-related challenges of recent years, Vance-Granville Community College has announced significant changes to its annual graduation ceremony, beginning in spring 2026.

Date and Time

Vance-Granville Community College's spring 2026 commencement exercises will be split into two evening ceremonies: Thursday, May 14, and Friday, May 15. The ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. each evening. Graduates will be assigned a date based upon their program of study.

Thursday, May 14:

· College and Career Readiness Programs

· School of Business, Applied Technology and Public Safety

· School of Health Sciences

Friday, May 15:

· School of Arts and Sciences

Venue Information

This year's commencement will take place at McGregor Hall, located at 201 Breckenridge Street in Henderson, North Carolina. Visit the venue's website for driving directions and free parking locations.

This indoor venue is wheelchair accessible and equipped with accessible seating. Students with disabilities should contact Counselor/Accessibility Coordinator Cathy Davis at davisc@vgcc.edu if special arrangements are needed. Sign language services are provided during the ceremony for students and guests who are hearing impaired.

Guest Ticketing

Each graduate is guaranteed four (4) guest tickets for their assigned ceremony. Please note: Each graduate is guaranteed four guest tickets for their assigned ceremony only if they claim tickets in advance. All graduates planning to participate in their assigned ceremony are responsible for claiming up to four tickets by Friday, April 24. After the April 24 deadline, any unclaimed tickets will be released, and graduates will have the opportunity to claim additional tickets.

Tickets will be electronically distributed to graduates on May 6. Graduates will be responsible for distributing tickets to their guests.

Each guest must present a ticket with a unique, scannable QR code to enter McGregor Hall. Guests without a scannable ticket will not be admitted. All attendees aged three (3) and older must have a ticket to enter the ceremony, including current VGCC students who plan to attend as guests. Children under the age of three do not need a ticket if they will sit on a guest’s lap during the ceremony. Graduates do not require a ticket. Those unable to attend in person may join the event livestream on the official VGCC YouTube channel. Visit vgcc.edu/student-portal/graduation-information for developing event information.

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About Vance-Granville Community College: Your community, your college.

Since its founding in 1969, Vance-Granville Community College has proudly educated, inspired, and supported a diverse community of learners to achieve professional and personal success. VGCC offers 40+ Curriculum programs, as well as short-term Continuing Education, High School Equivalency, and Adult High School Diploma programs. Located in North Carolina's Triangle region, VGCC serves the counties of Vance, Granville, Franklin, Warren, and beyond!

For the latest college news, visit www.vgcc.edu or follow Vance-Granville on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Contact: Courtney Cissel, Public Information Officer cisselc@vgcc.edu • 252-738-3484

HENDERSON, NC (February 10, 2026) — The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation is celebrating a major milestone in 2026: 50 years of supporting students, strengthening communities, and opening doors to opportunity across the College’s four-county service region.

Established in 1976 as the College's Endowment Fund, The VGCC Foundation has played a vital role in helping students overcome financial barriers and achieve their educational goals. Over five decades, The Foundation has expanded its impact well beyond scholarships to include emergency assistance, student success initiatives, program support, and strategic investments that enhance learning environments.

“This anniversary is more than a celebration of our history; it’s a celebration of our students and the lives they go on to change,” said Tanya Weary, Executive Director of The VGCC Foundation. “For 50 years, The Foundation has been committed to meeting students where they are and providing the support they need to succeed. Every gift, every partnership, and every opportunity has helped change lives—one student at a time.”

As part of its 50th anniversary year, The VGCC Foundation is also focused on the future. The Foundation is actively raising funds to support two new buildings: the Center for Advanced Manufacturing & Applied Technology in Granville County and the Transportation Training & Technology Center in Warren County. Both are critical projects that will expand instructional space, modernize learning environments, and better serve students and the region’s workforce needs.

“These new facilities represent an investment in our students, our faculty, and the future of our communities,” Sheri Jones, VGCCF Associate Director noted. “The support we receive today will help us continue building futures, empowering students, and strengthening communities.”

Throughout the year, The Foundation will highlight its legacy, recognize supporters, and share stories of impact while continuing its mission to empower students and strengthen the communities Vance-Granville Community College serves.

For more information about The VGCC Foundation, its 50th anniversary initiatives, or opportunities to support the new building projects, visit www.vgcc.edu/foundation, email foundation@vgcc.edu, or call 252-738-3264.

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Caption for photo “currin&seifert-1.jpg”: In an undated photo, former VGCC president Dr. Ben Currin (1981-1998) and longtime trustee Donald C. Seifert Sr. accept a donation on behalf of the College’s Endowment Fund, now known as The VGCC Foundation.

About The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation: The VGCC Foundation (VGCCF) has over 300 endowed scholarships for students—awarding more endowed scholarships than any program of its kind in North Carolina. In addition to providing scholarships and emergency assistance to deserving students, VGCCF supports a broad range of special community projects.

Numerous individuals, industries, businesses, civic groups, and churches have endowed scholarships, as well as the College’s faculty and staff. Tax-deductible donations to VGCCF have often been used to honor or remember a person, group, business, or industry with a lasting gift to education. For more information about The VGCC Foundation, contact 252-738-3264 or foundation@vgcc.edu.

Contact: Courtney Cissel, Public Information Officer cisselc@vgcc.edu • 252-738-3484

HENDERSON, NC (February 5, 2025) — The VGCC Foundation invites you to join them at their third wine tasting gala and silent auction on Saturday, April 11, from 6 – 9 p.m. Centered on the theme “Building Futures: Empowering Students and Strengthening Communities,” event proceeds will support students facing unforeseen financial needs.

Unexpected burdens can easily derail some students. Through initiatives like a food pantry, emergency assistance, and transportation vouchers, The VGCC Foundation steps in to meet students’ basic needs when the unexpected gets in the way of their academic progress. Your attendance at this premier event will enable The VGCC Foundation to stand ready when students need help most.

An array of wineries will serve a variety of their signature wines including reds, whites, bubbly, and more. Guests will enjoy a buffet of foods with tea and water have and the opportunity to purchase beer and wine by the glass.

Attendees will receive a souvenir wine glass and have the option to purchase their favorite finds. In addition, a variety of silent auction items will be on display for bidding throughout the evening. A Wine Pull and raffle will also be offered again this year. A short program showcasing students who have benefited from donor contributions will open the evening.

The event will be held at HighRock Farms, which also hosted the first two VGCCF gala events. Owned by Beth and Dave Hollister, HighRock Farms is a breathtakingly beautiful 200-acre property located at 2317 Enon Road in Oxford. The venue is handicap accessible.

Dress for the evening is business attire.

Tickets are $75 each and may be purchased through The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation office. Only 150 tickets will be sold, so be sure to get yours early! Email foundation@vgcc.edu or call 252-738-3264 to purchase tickets or to learn more.

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About The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation: The VGCC Foundation (VGCCF) has over 300 endowed scholarships for students—awarding more endowed scholarships than any other program of its kind in North Carolina. In addition to providing scholarships and emergency assistance to deserving students, VGCCF supports a broad range of special community projects.

Numerous individuals, industries, businesses, civic groups, and churches have endowed scholarships, as well as the College’s faculty and staff. Tax-deductible donations to VGCCF have often been used to honor or remember a person, group, business, or industry with a lasting gift to education. For more information about The VGCC Foundation, contact 252-738-3264 or foundation@vgcc.edu.

Contact: Courtney Cissel, Public Information Officer • cisselc@vgcc.edu • 252-738-3484