Investiture ceremony held to honor college president

 An Investiture Ceremony was held at 2 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Perot Theater to honor Texarkana College President Dr. Thomas Alan Rasco, with a reception at the Horace C. Gabe Grand Hall Regional Arts Center immediately following the ceremony.

"It was interesting to be at such an historic event and a great opportunity to meet new teachers and Board members," psychology major Alyssa Bennington said.

The ceremony started with a musical prelude by pianist Marc Andre Bougie, violinists Victoria Choi and Jana Powers, and flutist Laura Bennett. Faculty members walked single file into the theater, adorned in graduation caps and gowns to highlight their many achievements made throughout the years, with senior faculty member Dr. Royce Granberry leading the way as the mace bearer.

Next the ceremony proceeded with a presentation of colors by the Caddo Area Council Boy Scout Troop 16 and the national anthem sung by Candace Taylor.

 Following the national anthem, an introduction of honored guests and opening remarks was made by Vice President of Learning Dr. Lynn Persyn.

 "This event is a community celebration and marks the beginning of a new era for Texarkana College," Dr. Persyn said. "We focus on enriching the future of not only our college but our entire community through a shared vision of excellence."

 Dr. Persyn also presented a background look at Dr. Rasco's life before he became TC president.

 "Not only has Dr. Rasco served at the senior administration level at both Galveston and Austin community colleges, but he also has extensive experience as a program director at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board," Dr. Persyn said. "Dr. Rasco is uniquely equipped with a vision and the knowledge necessary to lead Texarkana College today and into tomorrow."

 Greetings to the president were then presented by ceremony guests including Texas House of Representatives member Stephen Frost, Bowie County Judge James Carlow and Texarkana Mayor Stephen Mayo.

 "I am very proud to part of this ceremony," Frost said. "Not just because Texarkana College is the oldest institution of higher learning that I have in my district, but also because I went to Texarkana College and it's this institution that gave me my start in higher education."

 Frost then presented Dr. Rasco with a resolution in honor of his Investiture and the Texas flag to be flown over the Capital of Texas.

 Other speakers during the ceremony included Faculty Association President Mary Ellen Young, Vice President for Administration & Finance Dr. Daniel DoBell, Texarkana College Board of Trustees President Randy Moore, Texarkana College Foundation President Mike Craven, Texarkana College Alumni JoAnn Rice, and Texarkana College Student Government and Phi Theta Kappa President Francesca Invernizzi representing the student body.

 "We look forward to Dr. Rasco's leadership as he continues to foster an environment that will enable us to achieve great success," Invernizzi said.

 The Presidential Chain of Office was then presented to Dr. Rasco by Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Member Dr. Dennis Golden. Dr. Rasco followed by presenting his presidential address, giving thanks to all the speakers who spoke during the ceremony.

 "The faculty and staff are the lifegiving force of the institution," Rasco said. "Learning is why we exist."

 Immediately following the ceremony, a reception was held at the Regional Arts Center, with refreshments provided by the Texarkana College Culinary Arts faculty and students. Both students and faculty got the chance to mingle as they celebrated the completion of the ceremony.

 "Its an exciting time, and a new tradition for the school," Rasco said. "We are looking toward the future and celebrating the past."