RCC celebrates baseball accomplishments with “Road Trip” Graduation Celebration
May 17, 2019Saturday, May 4 was designated as “Sophomore Day” for the Rockingham Community College Eagles as sophomores completing their baseball playing eligibility were recognized along with their families at the Eagles’ final home contests against Surry Community College. Eight of those sophomores were candidates for graduation.
Because the baseball team would be competing in its Region X conference tournament on the date of graduation, the Student Life area hosted a “Road Trip” Graduation Celebration for the eight prospective graduates and their families in the ADT Auditorium.
The idea for the 9 a.m. ceremony was based on other institutions’ practices of holding ceremonies for spring student-athletes who miss graduation because they are “on the road” competing in end-of-season or post-season games and tournaments.
The student-athletes were invited to wear their caps and gowns as a brief program was offered to recognize their prospective approaching graduation. Maggie Murray, director of Student Life, offered remarks that focused on “firsts” in these students’ lives. She encouraged them to continue to enjoy “firsts” in their lives.
“There are always things you can celebrate, so keep doing great things, pushing yourselves, and making memories,” she said.
Sheila Regan, vice president for Academic Affairs, presented the prospective graduates with their diploma covers after urging them not to be weary when committing an error or striking out in life – rather, to be ready for the “next play” and to take full advantage of it. She drew from baseball lessons that she urged were applicable to the student-athletes lives as they move forward.
Families and friends joined the student-athletes for pictures and refreshments before they moved on to two games in the sport they love.
