BRCC Community Link Newsletter, Summer 2022

BRCC EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION, INC

Summer 2022

BRCC Graduation 2022

A

fter a two-year hiatus from in-person commencement, Blue Ridge Community College held it’s fifty fourth graduation on May 16!

As student speaker, Cassady Bush, commented, “There is something truly special about a community college.” And that special feeling was abundantly evident as the more than 200 graduates and their friends and families happily celebrated at the Atlantic Union Bank Center at James Madison University.

Despite the ceremony being postponed and relocated due to stormy weekend weather, nothing could dampen the spirits of those in attendance. Celebrating the achievements of the individuals who had navigated higher education during a pandemic, their perseverance had paid off!

“Our educational journey was unique, but each of us have developed resilience, determination, and motivation because of it. My encouragement to everyone today is that you would take these three characteristics with you into the next phase of your life, whether it is going into the workforce or transferring to a four-year school,” said Ms. Bush.

For the 2021-22 academic year, BRCC awarded more than 1,100 associates degrees, certificates, and career studies certificates.

Chair Matthias N. Smith, Vice Chair Andrew P. Vanhook, Secretary John A. Downey , Treasurer Anastasia O. Triplett Kenneth R. Boward Price A. Boxley Rob W. Cale

Karen C. Clark Kenneth S. Cleveland III Steve Elkins

Dinah Gottschalk Bret F. Harrison Larry K. Landes

Mary McDermott Thomas C. Mendez David R. Metz

Paula C. Moore Mary Pavlovskaya Tassie L. Pippert

Justin T. Rexrode William M. Saxman Jr. Linnea J. Spradlin

Courtney W. Thompson Pamela K. Ungar Keith J. VanBenschoten

Community Link is an official publication of the Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation. It is distributed to friends in the Shenandoah Valley, as well as BRCC faculty and staff, and is published quarterly by the Development Office, Blue Ridge Community College, Weyers Cave, VA 24486. If you have any questions or comments regarding this publication, please contact Angie Glenn, Development Services Coordinator, at (540) 453-2307 or glenna@brcc.edu.

BRCC Philanthropists Honored with Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy

R

ecently Blue Ridge Community College and the BRCC Educational Foundation celebrated donors with the Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy. The awards were presented at a luncheon ceremony in Richmond on April 21.

Bill and Lisa Moore of Staunton received the 16th Annual Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy, as nominated by Blue Ridge Community College.

The Moores’ investment in BRCC began when Lisa joined the BRCC Educational Foundation Board of Directors in 2001 and Pictured above, left to right: BRCC Educational Foundation Board has remained generous and Vice Chair, Andy Vanhook; BRCC Educational Foundation Executive Director, Amy Kiger; VCCS Chancellor, Glenn DuBois; honoree Lisa consistent through the years.

Moore; honoree Bill Moore; and BRCC President, John Downey.

Their contributions have been significant – including unrestricted support for the Blue Ridge Fund, as well as the Spring Fling Auction. In 2016, the Moores generously established the Bill and Lisa Moore Endowed Scholarship to support BRCC students with financial need. More recently, they have support Blue Ridge Community College’s workforce and economic development efforts.

In addition, Debra Stiles Callison was honored at the luncheon with the 15th Annual Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy. (The COVID pandemic prompted the cancellation in 2020 of the statewide luncheon recognizing that class of leaders.) Debbie served on the BRCC Educational Pictured above, left to right: BRCC Educational Foundation Board Foundation Board of Directors Vice Chair, Andy Vanhook; Jimmy Callison; honoree Debra Stiles Callison; VCCS Chancellor, Glenn DuBois; Jennifer Callison Kiser; from 2003 through 2009 and BRCC Educational Foundation Executive Director, Amy Kiger; and again from 2010 through 2016, BRCC President, John Downey. skillfully chairing the Finance Committee for much of that time. She also served a two-year term as Foundation Board Chair, preceded by two years as Vice Chair. In addition, she served in leadership roles with both of BRCC’s major gifts campaigns during that time. Debbie is now serving as an Augusta County appointee to the Blue Ridge Community College Board. She has been as generous with her resources as she has with her time.

The annual event, hosted by the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education, honors leading philanthropists from each of Virginia’s 23 community colleges as well as the statewide foundation. Recipients are nominated for their outstanding commitment to the growth and development of Virginia’s community colleges and their respective foundations.

BRCC President John Downey noted, “I have enjoyed getting to know Bill and Lisa over the years and truly appreciate their commitment to the community college mission, in general, and to Blue Ridge more specifically. The Moores are thoughtful philanthropists and are concerned with investing their resources where they believe they will have the biggest impact. This is evident in their recent significant contributions to student scholarships, as well as workforce and economic development!”

BRCC Educational Foundation Executive Director Amy Laser Kiger expressed similar gratitude for Ms. Callison. “For 25 years, Debbie Callison has been a vital part of Blue Ridge Community College! She has been a generous donor – supporting everything from student scholarships and unrestricted funds, to special events, career coaches, and much more.

Debbie served multiple terms on the BRCC Educational Foundation Board, resulting in her recognition as a Director Emeritus. Now, as the College Board Vice Chair, she continues to be a champion for BRCC and the community college mission. Simply put, Blue Ridge is a better place because of Debbie’s whole-hearted commitment. For that, we are exceptionally grateful.”

F

BRCC Graduate Spotlight – Eric Calvert

inishing up his degree in Human Services this May, Blue Ridge Community College student, Eric Calvert knows exactly what he wants to do – transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree in social work and then work with active duty military.

The Wilson Memorial High School grad served in the United States Army as a team leader in the infantry for several years before coming to Blue Ridge. The Human Services program at BRCC was the perfect choice according to Eric. “I enrolled at BRCC to take my first step towards the career in social work I dream of. BRCC offered me opportunities that I could not get anywhere else.”

During his time at BRCC, Eric said that the internships he completed through his Human Services coursework really helped him explore the broad field of social work. Along the way he figured out what aspects of social work he enjoyed, and what he did not.

“I had three internships. All of them were great experience in their own right,” Eric said.

“I got to work in the Virginia Community Services Board most recently. This hands-on experience working with mental health and wellness of the community was inspiring and eyeopening.”

Eric works full time as a warehouse worker in addition to being a full time a student. Dr. Robin Hawks, commented, “Eric is a great student. He is very motivated and approaches his work with purpose.”

When he’s not studying or working, Eric likes to hike and backpack camp. “Getting outside and turning off the big world around me helps me refocus and gather my thoughts,” he explained. Eric will transfer to James Madison University this fall.

BRCC Students Recognized

C ongratulations to BRCC students

Cassady Bush, Emma Davis, Waren Lelewa, and Felipe Rosales Toledo who were recognized as part of the 2022 Phi Theta Kappa AllVirginia Academic Team this spring! Pictured here—clockwise: BRCC PTK Advisor and Chemistry Instructor, Larry Rasheed; Felipe; Cassady; and Emma.

Congratulations to the BRCC Paramedic Program Class of 2022!

P ictured below, left to right are Instructor Scott Vanderkooi, Raymond Owen Jr., Jeremy York, Charlotte Weaver, Zeb Bradley, James Purvis, and Instructor Garrett Taylor. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) respond to emergency calls, perform services under medical supervision, and transport patients to medical facilities. This program offers three stackable levels of certification as well as an Associates of Applied Science in EMS. The Associate in Applied Science Degree in Emergency Medical Services is designed to produce high-quality, entry-level paramedics who can serve the community with advanced life support care via the National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards (NEMSES).

Register Now for Learning Can Be Fun!

B lue Ridge Community College’s popular Learning Can Be Fun summer youth

program offers new and returning favorite classes, providing rising 2-12 grade students plenty of opportunities for educational, fun learning. 2022 sessions, which run June 27–July 22, meet on BRCC’s Weyers Cave campus, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.– noon, unless otherwise specified. Each class is grouped by appropriate age levels, with class size kept to a minimum to allow for individual attention. Check out https://www.brcc.edu/ continuinged/lcbf/ for course descriptions and additional information. Need-based scholarships are available; call (540) 453-2215 or email wce@brcc.edu to request a scholarship application.

You Can Make a Difference

B lue Ridge Community College is doing everything we can to keep our students on track with their educational plans, and the Foundation is vital to helping make that possible.

By investing in the Blue Ridge Fund now, you give the Foundation the flexibility to respond to the College’s needs in a timely and effective manner. To make a gift, please use the enclosed envelope, or scan this QR code. Thank you for your continued support!

E

Shop Online and Support BRCC

very Amazon purchase you make can support the BRCC Educational Foundation, and it’s as easy as using the following link to shop: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/54-1328809 AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization (us!) every time you shop, at no cost to you. To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device. You may also want to add a bookmark to smile.amazon.com to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at AmazonSmile.

September 7, 2022, 7:30 a.m.

Orchard Creek Clubhouse, Waynesboro September 8, 2022, 7:30 a.m.

Hotel 24 South, Staunton September 9, 2022, 7:30 a.m.

Spotswood Country Club, Harrisonburg

Community Breakfast Series

Save the Date!

Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation, Inc. P. O. Box 80 Weyers Cave, VA 24486 (540) 453-2211 www.brcc.edu/EdFound Non Profit Org. U. S. Postage and Fees Paid BRCC