SANFORD - Central Carolina Community College's Department of Paralegal Studies has been dedicated in honor of the late William W. and Ellen B. Staton of Sanford.
A ceremony for the dedication was held on Wednesday, March 29, on the CCCC Lee Main Campus in Sanford.
Accepting the dedication in honor of his parents was Wayne Staton of Sanford.
Presenting the dedication was former North Carolina Lt. Gov. Dennis Wicker, a friend of the Staton family who once served with William W. "Bill" Staton in the North Carolina General Assembly. "Sen. Bill Staton remains one of my heroes. And that's why I think it's so appropriate that we honor him and his family in the naming of the Paralegal program," said Wicker. "My biggest hope is that each student who attends this program is required to read, know, and understand Bill Staton's life history and his family because, if they do, there's no doubt they will be inspired. Bill Staton and his family will be a hero, not just for me, but to them and many generations to come."
Wicker and Norman "Chip" Post Jr., a CCCC Trustee who worked with Bill Staton in law practice, spoke about Mr. Staton -- the family man, the attorney, the long-time legislator, a founding director of the Golden Corral Corporation, a Colonel in the National Guard, and his service in World War II.
"They (the Staton family) touched so many lives here in Lee County in so many ways," said Post, who added that practicing law with Bill Staton was "a very rewarding experience."
Besides Sen. Staton's many accomplishments, Wicker noted that Bill Staton was active in his church and the two of them talked a lot about family. "He was a loyal friend," said Wicker. "I would say that Bill Staton was not just loved, but beloved by this community. His public service ... it was his passion."
Wicker said he believes Sen. Staton was a natural leader. "And our community is fortunate and blessed to have him as one of us," said Wicker, noting that he believes Sen. Staton is the longest tenured legislator in the history of Lee County.
Wayne Staton thanked those attending and took time to recognize family members and acquaintances. He also spoke about his mother.
"Mother sort of shied away from public life," he said. "She really was the power behind the throne."
He went on to say that his mother and father met at a military base and were married after World War II. Mrs. Staton attended East Carolina and taught sporadically until Wayne and his brother, Allyn, were born.
Mrs. Staton died in March 2004 at age 86. Sen. Staton died in October 2006 at age 89. Allyn Staton died in December 2010 at age 58. "I miss them all," said Wayne Staton.
Wayne Staton had praise for CCCC. "It's the best community college in the country. And we're going to keep it that way," he said.
Julian Philpott, Chairman of the CCCC Board of Trustees, said that Sen. Staton was a true gentleman. "Wayne, on behalf of the college, we thank you for the generosity your family has shown over the years and your continuing support of the college," said Philpott.
CCCC President Dr. T. Eston Marchant said it was an exciting day at the college to honor the Staton family. "Wayne, we are so pleased to have your family name included in the Paralegal program," said Marchant.
The CCCC Paralegal Technology program is offered in its entirety during the day on the Lee Main Campus in Sanford with selected courses offered in the evening. Short certificate programs are offered in the evening on the Lee Main Campus and the Harnett Main Campus in Lillington. Selected classes are available via distance education.
The Associate in Applied Science Degree is a two-year program. A full-time student following the prescribed schedule may complete the program in five semesters.
For more information on Central Carolina Community College, visit the college website at www.cccc.edu.
Central Carolina Community College's Department of Paralegal Studies has been dedicated in honor of the late William W. and Ellen B. Staton of Sanford. Pictured at the dedication ceremony were CCCC Board of Trustees Chairman Julian Philpott; former N.C. Lt. Gov. Dennis Wicker; Wayne Staton, son of William W. and Ellen B. Staton; CCCC President Dr. T. Eston Marchant; and CCCC Trustee Norman "Chip" Post Jr.
Wayne Staton (left) receives the plaque honoring the naming of the Central Carolina Community College William W. and Ellen B. Staton Department of Paralegal Studies from former North Carolina Lt. Gov. Dennis Wicker (right), a friend of the Staton family who once served with William W. "Bill" Staton in the North Carolina General Assembly.
Wayne Staton talked about his family during the dedication of Central Carolina Community College's William W. and Ellen B. Staton Department of Paralegal Studies.
Former North Carolina Lt. Gov. Dennis Wicker spoke at the dedication of Central Carolina Community College's Department of Paralegal Studies in honor of the late William W. and Ellen B. Staton of Sanford.
CCCC Trustee Norman "Chip" Post Jr. said the Staton family has touched so many lives in Lee County in so many ways. Central Carolina Community College's Department of Paralegal Studies has been dedicated in honor of the late William W. and Ellen B. Staton of Sanford.