BRCC Opens On-Campus Commercial Driving Program Training Facility
BRCC
Speakers (left to right) included Delegate Tony Wilt, CDL Advisory Board Member Chris Earhart, CDL Program Director Jim Butler, BRCC President Dr. John Downey, College Board Chair Cathleen Welsh, and Delegate Chris Runion.
hosted a grand opening and ribbon cutting on September 23 for the new, on-campus Commercial Driving Program training facilities. The space includes a nearly five-acre lot for training and testing, and a building dedicated to Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) instruction. Local business leaders, trucking company executives, DMV partners, and College supporters joined BRCC faculty and staff for the event.
“Our commercial driving, heavy equipment operator, and fork lift training programs are vital for the growth of the regional economy,” said BRCC President John Downey. He added, “BRCC transportation and logistics graduates ensure that products get to their destination, that land can be prepared for new construction, and that goods are ready for local markets.”
CDL Program Director Jim Butler recognized CDL Training Coordinator Bill Byrd, and shared how it was program graduates’ growth and success that helps drive the program. “All of our students have a story and a dream, and that is what this new space will offer; the opportunity to achieve their goals, change their lives and the lives of their families.”
Chair Bret F. Harrison
Vice Chair Holly M. Rasheed
Secretary John A. Downey
Treasurer Anastasia O. Triplett
Dinah Gottschalk
Kenneth R. Boward
Cynthia K. Didawick
Janet S. Ewing Crystal L. Farmer
Donna S. Hahn
Richard K. Halterman
Hans C. Harman
James C. Hawkins
Donna J. Ladd
Larry K. Landes
David R. Metz
Paula C. Moore-McClure
Mary Pavlovskaya
Heather Ream B. Randolph Roller
Jerry D. Sheets
Daphyne S. Thomas
Courtney W. Thompson
Keith J. VanBenschoten
Message from the Executive Director
BRCC Educational Foundation
Executive Director Amy Laser Kiger
A Record-Breaking Year for BRCCEF: Celebrating Success, Service, and New Beginnings
As the BRCC Educational Foundation (BRCCEF) closed the books on its 2024–25 fiscal year on June 30, we paused to reflect and celebrate a truly remarkable year.
Honoring Our Board Leaders
The Foundation extends its tremendous gratitude to four outstanding leaders who rotated off the BRCCEF Board of Directors on June 30: Kelly Blosser, Tassie Pippert, Justin Rexrode, and Andy Vanhook. Their dedication and service helped shape a record-setting year for the Foundation.
$1.77 Million Raised: A New Milestone
Thanks to the dedication of our donors, board members, and community partners, the Foundation raised a historic $1,774,845, the highest total in our 40-year history! This includes a record-setting $257,430 for the Blue Ridge Fund, with 100% participation from both the Foundation Board and the College Board, an incredible testament to their commitment. In addition, Casino Royale: All In for BRCC lit up the Student Recreation Center this past April. Now in its third year, this signature event reached new heights in donor engagement and community spirit. As a result of this generosity, the Foundation’s overall assets as of June 30 have risen to a new high of $21,170,434.
Impact Beyond the Numbers
Every dollar raised has made a meaningful difference across the BRCC community. Some of the year’s most impactful initiatives include:
• Repairs to the lift in the Automotive lab
BRCC Students Intern with NASA
To infinity and beyond! Three Blue Ridge Community College students completed internships with NASA this past summer! The Virginia Space Grant Consortium, in partnership with the Virginia Community College System (VCCS), NASA Langley Research Center, and NASA Wallops Flight Facility, annually offers the “STEM Takes Flight at Virginia’s Community Colleges” initiative. This year BRCC students Wesley Morgan, Emma Egeli, and Ryan Cox were selected for the competitive “STEM Takes Flight” internship program and spent their summer at the Langley Research Center in Hampton.
“I wanted to participate in this internship because it would help me gain experience and learn more about the STEM field on a professional level,” explained Emma. She added, “It could also be a major
• A bold new look for our CDL & Heavy Equipment Operator simulator trailer-watch for it in our community!
• Support for career coaches in 13 public high schools
• Stipends for students in the Early Childhood Education program
• Updated study space furniture in classroom buildings and the Houff Library
• Purchase of a John Deere 35 P-Tier compact excavator for our Heavy Equipment Operator program
• And most notably, a record-breaking $550,404 in scholarships awarded to 387 students!
Your Investments at Work in 2025-26
Looking into 2025-26, the Foundation is well-positioned to support a number of meaningful initiatives for Blue Ridge Community College. Some of these will be priorities that arise during the course of the academic year, but others are already known and in the works. These include:
• Four Instructional Mini-Grants to enhance teaching effectiveness in Agriculture, English, Student Development, and Veterinary Technology
• Strategic Innovation Grant awarded for the “Making Connections Series” to address retention and completion rates for First Time in College students
• Scholarship funding for a new cohort of Student Ambassadors, plus the inaugural BR2JMU program
• Support for the New Faculty Academy offered by the BRCC Teaching and Learning Center, to build community and share effective teaching resources with new faculty
• Financial assistance for a number of high school seniors who will come to BRCC to obtain workforce credentials
• Emergency financial assistance through the Lunch2Go program, as well as the Student Outreach and Resource (SOAR) Center, for students facing unexpected challenges
• And much more to come!
With Gratitude
To every donor, board member, and supporter - thank you! Your investments of time, talent, and treasure have fueled our mission to serve BRCC students, faculty, and the greater community. Here’s to an increasingly impactful 2025-26!
first step in landing a career at NASA in the future, which has been an interest of mine since I was in middle school.”
Wesley was an intern at NASA last summer, and was thrilled to get a second opportunity! “Interning at NASA is basically my foot in the door to the space industry. I have a passion for space exploration as well as advancing our understanding of the universe. By returning to this internship, I stay involved in NASA’s mission and get to stay up to date with the frontier of science and technology,” he said.
“STEM Takes Flight” provides students with a paid internship working side-by-side with NASA research advisors on designated research projects over the course of a 10-week, 40-hourper-week session.
Wesley and Emma graduated from BRCC in May. Wesley will be transferring to Virginia Tech to continue his studies in Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science, and plans to pursue a career in the space industry. Emma is also transferring to Virginia Tech to study Computer Science and pursue minors in Cybersecurity and Human-Computer Interaction. Ryan is a Computer Science student at BRCC.
Welcoming David Shofstahl, Dean of Workforce Solutions
Blue Ridge Community College welcomes Mr. David Shofstahl as Dean of Workforce Solutions. Mr. Shofstahl’s most recent roles include that of Apprenticeship Coordinator and Workforce Program Manager for Manufacturing and Skilled Trades at Mountain Gateway Community College. His professional experiences also include work in Project Management and Supervision for Gerald L. Allman, LLC, owning and running his own business (Custom Masonry Design), and serving as a multi-craft apprentice in plumbing, HVAC, and masonry construction.
Mr. Shofstahl earned an Associate of Arts and Sciences in Business Administration from Mountain Gateway Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology from Old Dominion University, and a Master of Science in Human Resource Education from Louisiana State University. This December, he expects to complete a Doctor of Philosophy in Education, Workforce, and Economic Development with a specialization in Business and Industry Training from ODU. His dissertation is Hard hats and hollow dreams: A phenomenological study of misfit among young workers in residential construction.
BRCC’s Workforce Solutions division offers short-term career training, certifications and licensure prep, and professional development for employees, as well as lifelong learning and personal enrichment opportunities.
BRCC Collaborates with OASIS on Community Mosaic Project
Over261 BRCC students and employees helped create a mosaic piece to add to many across the community as part of the celebration of Oasis Fine Art & Craft’s 25th anniversary. BRCC was given one (of 80) panels to design and complete. Barbara Camph, stained-glass artist, led the project to try and break the world record of the most people to collaboratively create a mosaic. The current world record is 1,899 people, and over 5,000 people have participated in this project so far!
You Can Make a Difference
Blue Ridge Community College, students are gaining the skills and confidence to transform their lives and make a lasting impact on our community and beyond. The Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation plays a vital role in turning those aspirations into reality. When you contribute to the Blue Ridge Fund, you empower the Foundation to respond strategically to the College’s most pressing needs. Your investment ensures students have access to the opportunities, resources, and support they need to succeed.
To make your gift, simply use the enclosed envelope or scan the QR code above to visit our Humanitru donation page. Thank you for believing in the power of education to change lives!
Introducing BRCC’s 2025-26 BRCC Student Ambassadors
Four outstanding students recently received prestigious BRCC Student Ambassador scholarships. They will be working closely with Student Activities, Student Services, the President’s Office and the BRCC Educational Foundation over the course of the academic year, representing BRCC, assisting with community events and campus tours, and much more.
Amina Anwar is an IT student at Blue Ridge Community College with a focus on cybersecurity. Originally from Pakistan, she brings a diverse background in graphic design, video editing, and early childhood education—experiences that have strengthened her creativity, communication, and problem-solving skills. Outside of the classroom, Amina is dedicated to service and community impact. She founded a small nonprofit to support individuals in need in Pakistan and continues to look for ways to use her skills to help others. Passionate about learning and connection, Amina strives to make a meaningful difference wherever she can.
Aaron Small is a business major with plans to pursue a career in property management after graduation. He currently works full-time at McKee Foods Corporation and is passionate about continuous growth, both academically and personally. Aaron describes himself as a lifelong learner, always eager to expand his knowledge and skills. Outside of school and work, he enjoys unwinding with a good Netflix series, cooking for his partner, and spending time with friends—both old and new. Aaron values building connections and learning from the people around him.
Hannah Nichols-Murch is a nursing major at Blue Ridge Community College and holds a B.A. in Liberal Arts and Elementary Education. She currently serves as Secretary for the Nursing Class of 2026 and volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Outside of her studies, Hannah leads an active and creative life—she enjoys running, kickboxing, and ultimate frisbee, as well as hiking, motorcycling, gardening, cooking, crocheting, soap making, ceramics, and reading. Dedicated and hardworking, Hannah can often be found studying in the library at lunchtime or tucked away in the S Building diving into Pathophysiology.
David Samuel is a cybersecurity student at Blue Ridge Community College with hands-on experience in IT support, PC repair, and customer service. As a Work Study student in the college’s IT department, he troubleshoots computers and supports faculty with their online teaching needs. A tech enthusiast at heart, David enjoys exploring new technologies, meeting new people, and continuously expanding his knowledge. One of his proudest accomplishments was building his own computer—a project that taught him the value of learning through trial and error. Excited about the future, David looks forward to growing his skills and making an impact in the tech world.
Anwar
Small
Nichols-Murch
Samuel
Meet Our New Foundation
We are excited to welcome our newest BRCCEF Board members: Ken Donna Ladd, and Daphyne Thomas. We’re thrilled to have them
Ken Boward currently is consulting for Sunnyside Communities, a life plan community catering to seniors with 3 campuses in Virginia, following his retirement as treasurer and CFO of Sunnyside in 2025. Prior to Sunnyside, he worked for Lumos Networks Corporation in Waynesboro where he was Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer. Prior to that, he spent fourteen years with NTELOS as VP/Corporate Controller. His additional background includes multiple management responsibilities at Genicom, Audit Senior roles at Price Waterhouse in Richmond and Burlington Industries in Greensboro, North Carolina. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Tech and his Certification of Public Accounting (CPA) in the State of North Carolina. Ken has served on a number of community and church boards fulfilling various roles. Ken resides in Fishersville with his wife Laura. Ken and Laura have three grown children and five grandchildren.
Janet Ewing developed the business major at Mary Baldwin University over four decades ago. Since then, she has taught and been a leader in business on the campuses of Mary Baldwin University and Virginia Commonwealth University. Janet holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Education from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master of Business Administration from Emory University. She earned an Executive Certificate in International Business and completed four years of graduate study in Information Systems. She has also been a real estate investor and entrepreneur for over half a century. Janet serves on several boards of local non-profit and for-profit organizations and on the international board of Sigma Beta Delta, the international business honor society for business, management and administration.
Donna Ladd is a retired educator, who served as an English instructor for over 35 years, 25 of those at Blue Ridge Community College. While at BRCC, she was coordinator of the English department and the editor of three 10-year and two 5-year accreditation reports, as well as coauthoring the BRCC 50-year history. Donna is passionate about helping students become citizens of the world, so in addition to teaching World literature, she organized and led several international study-abroad trips for students, faculty, and staff. Besides her work in education, Donna believes in giving back to the community. She has been a board member of the Filene Charitable Foundation, based in Boston, for 30 years, funding grants for humanitarian needs, and civic, public, and music education. She has been a board member of the Staunton Valley Mission. She has served with her church in many capacities, currently as a leader of the Stephen Ministry program, which provides pastoral counseling and care for individuals in crisis. A native of California, Donna earned a BA and MA from Pepperdine University. She has been a happy resident of the Shenandoah Valley for almost 30 years, first in Stuarts Draft and now in Fishersville. In her recent retirement, she is eager to serve the College in a new way through the Foundation. She looks forward to spending time with her two children and six grandchildren and traveling with David, her husband of 47 years.
Boward
Ewing
Ladd
Foundation Board Members
Boward (welcome back!), Janet Ewing (joining us from the BRCC College Board), them on board and look forward to a dynamic and impactful year ahead.
Daphyne Saunders Thomas is a Professor Emeritus, Finance & Business Law, James Madison University. Dr. Thomas grew up in Rocky Mount, Virginia and is a graduate of Virginia Tech, Washington and Lee School of Law, and James Madison University MBA program. She was a professor at JMU from 1981 to 2020 and served as the endowed Adolph Coors Professor of Business Administration chair until her retirement. She taught graduate classes for James Madison University’s Executive Leadership MBA and for the Master of Accounting programs and for University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. She was a co-founder and co-director of the CyberCity Summer Program, a national awardwinning summer technology program for middle and high school students from first generation and from underrepresented populations.
Dr. Thomas is a former chair of the Harrisonburg Electric Commission and the Harrisonburg Rockingham Community Services Board. She currently serves on the boards of Sunnyside Communities, Explore More Discovery Museum, Community Services Board Halfway House, Harrisonburg Rockingham Child Daycare Center, Community Foundation of Harrisonburg Rockingham Grants and Scholarship committee, and the Board of Directors for F&M Bank. Dr. Thomas has one daughter Rachel and one granddaughter Amaya who participated in several of the summer programs at BRCC.
Celebrating a Legacy of Leadership: Tom Mendez Named BRCC Director Emeritus
OnSeptember 12 at BRCC’s annual President’s Luncheon, the Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation proudly inducted Tom Mendez into its distinguished circle of Directors Emeriti, an honor reserved for those whose leadership and generosity have left a lasting mark on BRCC and its students.
Since the program’s creation in 2003, the Director Emeritus designation has recognized individuals who embody extraordinary service and philanthropic vision. Tom’s journey of impact spans 12 years of dedicated service on the Foundation Board, including roles as vice chair and chair, where he helped guide the Foundation through periods of growth and opportunity. Tom was also a driving force on the leadership committee for the Student Focus, Community Impact Campaign which concluded in 2017 and raised $8.5 million to expand opportunities for BRCC students and strengthen the college’s future.
Perhaps most notably, Tom has played a pivotal role in advancing the Foundation’s recent planned giving initiatives, inspiring others to embrace the timeless wisdom of “planting a tree in whose shade you will never sit.” In this spirit of generosity, Tom and Lori have created an endowed scholarship through their estate plan, making an enduring gift that will support BRCC students for generations to come.
Reflecting on Tom’s legacy, BRCC Educational Foundation Chair, Bret Harrison, shared: “There are people who raise the bar, but Tom is a pace-setter.” With this induction, Tom joins an esteemed group of visionary leaders whose service continues to shape the success of Blue Ridge Community College.
View videos from this event at https://www.brcc.edu/edfound
Thomas
John Downey, Lori Mendez, and Tom Mendez.
