Anthony L. Brizendine, a BSC graduate, and Director of the College Honors Program & Department Coordinator for Civil Engineering Technology at Fairmont State College, delivered Saturday's Commencement Address.
He noted, "I am quite honored and sincerely humbled to return to Bluefield State College and deliver this morning's address. BSC provided a solid technical base for my career, while also promoting my ethical and cultural growth."
Brizendine recognized several faculty and business leaders in his speech. "I also wish to recognize the parents, spouses, grandparents, and children who have supported each of you in your pursuit of the dream of a college education."
He encouraged graduates to develop a personal professional plan for their futures, to make a lifelong commitment to learning, to become leaders in service to others, and to seek balance in their lives. "Work hard, but also take time to rest and reflect. I encourage all of us to seek what we might be, could be, and should be."
James Mincey of Union, WV, who received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology degree, was recognized as BSC's 1999 valedictorian and Matthew Anderson of Bluefield, VA, who received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Technology, was honored as the BSC class of '99 salutatorian.
Roy Pruett, Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering Technology, received the "BSC Foundation Outstanding Faculty Award." Pruett is very active in a variety of educational and civic programs. He is faculty advisor for the Instrumentation Society for Measurement and Control team at BSC, and also serves as coordinator for "Mathcounts" competition, which promotes excellence in mathematics among area youth. He serves on several college committees and has volunteered in numerous capacities for the Chamber of Commerce "Holiday of Lights," the Mercer County Youth Soccer League, and the East River Mountain Red Cross, along with numerous other organizations.
Nearly 20 returning members of the BSC class of 1949 were honored upon the 50th anniversary of their graduation from the College during Saturday's Commencement Exercises. BSC Alumni Association President Ruth Payne Brown, who brought greetings from the alumni association, also extended special recognition to the "class of '49."'
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