2024 IMPACT
A Message from President Paula Pando
OUR IMPACT
ABOVE: Dr. Paula Pando with Sarge the Red Hawk at Reynolds’ 51st Commencement Ceremony.
Think about our community and the talent it demands. Now imagine the vast potential within each individual who walks through our doors. When you visit a doctor, get your car serviced, or engage with a local business, you’re likely encountering a Reynolds graduate—someone whose life and career have been shaped by the opportunities our college provides.
But Reynolds’ impact reaches beyond individual success stories. It’s about creating pathways to social and economic mobility, helping our graduates secure meaningful careers, earn sustainable wages, and build brighter futures for themselves and their families.
At Reynolds, our North Star is the vision of a region uplifted, powered by education and opportunity. We see ourselves as a beacon—guiding, inspiring, and equipping every student to achieve their fullest potential. Through a deep commitment to transformative education, unwavering care, and powerful partnerships, we fuel the greater Richmond region’s growth and prosperity.
LEFT: Dr. Paula Pando at College In-Service Day, September 2024
In the pages ahead, you’ll witness the difference your support makes. You’ll read about innovative programs, inspiring success stories, and new partnerships that enable us to prepare students for the careers that shape our region. From welders to healthcare workers, automotive technicians to chefs, HVAC technicians to engineers, Reynolds Community College fuels the talent pipeline that keeps Richmond thriving. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. Your commitment and generosity are the driving forces behind each success story you’ll find here.
Complete your First-Year Flight Path and be 3x more likely to graduate.
A FRAMEWORK for STUDENT SUCCESS
Introducing our Flight Path, a brand-new framework for student success at Reynolds. Flight Path embodies three years of remarkable work happening behind the scenes to assess, reimagine, and ultimately drive equitable student outcomes. Our goal is to help our Red Hawks start strong so they can finish strong with successful program completion and transfer or job placement.
Our student Flight Path was born from our involvement with Achieving the Dream, the premier and largest network of community colleges dedicated to advancing social and economic mobility. Reynolds joined the Achieving the Dream network of 300+ community colleges in 2021. Utilizing the most recent and comprehensive data on what drives student success at twoyear colleges, Reynolds developed a road map to guide new students intentionally through their initial time at Reynolds.
Our Flight Path will start to soar in Fall 2024 when we intentionally use this road map to guide students from enrollment through graduation.
Our Student Flight Path would not be possible without a generous investment from Altria which has allowed our work to culminate in this innovative and transformational framework.
ABOVE: More than 30 Reynolds faculty and staff attended the DREAM conference to learn, make connections, present, and celebrate our DREAM scholar.
RIGHT: Tamere Briley on stage at the DREAM conference speaking to more than 2,000 attendees.
DREAM SCHOLAR TAMERE BRILEY
Reynolds Community College student, Tamere Briley, was named a 2024 DREAM Scholar by Achieving the Dream. A criminal justice student, Tamere was one of just eight scholars nationwide chosen for this honor. Tamere traveled to Orlando, Florida with faculty and staff from Reynolds to attend the 2024 DREAM Conference where she was recognized and celebrated for this achievement.
“We are so proud that Tamere was one of only eight students from around the nation selected through a rigorous, highly selective process to be a DREAM Scholar,” shared Dr. Paula Pando. “Tamere’s selection is a testament to her story of resilience, redemption, and triumph over seemingly insurmountable odds. She is truly exceptional.”
Briley, a single mother of three children, completed her Criminal Justice associate degree
from Reynolds in May. “I am living proof that you can turn your life around,” Briley shared. “It doesn’t matter what you did in your past – you can do something different.”
She was accepted into the criminal justice program with a concentration in forensic crime scene investigation at Virginia Commonwealth University. She is also studying for the LSAT exam and plans to apply to the Howard University School of Law in Washington, D.C.
TOP: Senator Kaine chats with Surgical Technology program head Lisa Day.
BOTTOM: The Fall 2024 and first cohort of Reynolds Surgical Technology students.
RIGHT: Students are able to practice their skills on patient manikins in the Surgical Technology lab.
Training the Region’s FUTURE SURGICAL TECHNOLOGISTS
Reynolds is proud to launch a brand-new degree program in its already distinguished School of Health Professions. During the 2024-2025 academic year, Reynolds will welcome its first cohort of Surgical Technology students to our Downtown Campus. Reynolds is just the 4th school in the Virginia Community College system to offer this critical program.
Surgical Technology students at Reynolds will be learning in a brand-new state-of-the-art laboratory meant to simulate the real-world operating rooms they will be working in after graduation. Surgical Technologists perform a critical role within the surgical team by preparing and maintaining the sterile environment. Their presence and expertise contribute to the smooth flow of operations, reducing the risk of infections and ensuring patient safety.
Thank you to the Herndon Foundation and the Gwathmey Foundation for their significant investments in this new program.
Surgical Technology is a timely and critically needed addition to our School of Health Professions. With hospitals in our region facing staffing shortages, Bon Secours Mercy Health, HCA, and VCU Health System have expressed their strong support for this new program. Surgical Technology students at Reynolds will complete clinical learning experiences with employers in the region’s healthcare system as part of their degree pathway. Graduates of the Surgical Technology AAS program will be eligible to take the industry certification exam by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting and be ready for immediate employment.
Alumni Spotlight ANNIE GRUBBS
CLASS OF 2003
Meet Annie
Annie Grubbs, a Reynolds Community College alum, exemplifies dedication, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning. After earning an Associate in Opticianry in 2003, Annie gained national certifications and a state license, which laid the foundation for her successful career in the optical field. She continued her education with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and a minor in Management from Old Dominion University, further enhancing her expertise.
Annie's career journey reflects her versatility and commitment, from working in the optical field to briefly teaching in the Opticianry program at Reynolds. In 2021, she purchased the small business Stylish Eyes in Kilmarnock, Virginia, where she continued their mission to provide exceptional eyewear service and selection to the community.
Annie advocates for vocational education, emphasizing the abundant opportunities it offers. Her success story, rooted in perseverance and passion, inspires aspiring opticians and entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams with determination and embrace the limitless possibilities career and technical education provides.
IMPACT
Reynolds Community College has articulation agreements with many four-year institutions to ensure a smooth transfer for students pursuing their bachelor’s degree, including Old Dominion University and Virginia Commonwealth University. Thank you to the Vision Council for establishing the Opening Your Eyes Scholarship, helping Reynolds students to pursue a career in opticianry.
ABOVE: Former Foundation Board Member and engineering Alumnus Shane Olson addresses Phi Theta Kappa initiates.
RIGHT: Reynolds Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society members at the Spring 2024 induction—our largest cohort to date!
RED HAWK SCHOLARS
This spring Reynolds inducted 100 new members of Phi Theta Kappa, an international honors society for two-year colleges, our largest class of new inductees to date. These outstanding students balance life and school and have achieved incredible academic success. Our most recent inductees embody Phi Theta Kappa’s tenets of service, leadership, fellowship, and scholarship.
Our induction ceremony keynote speaker was Shane Olson, Senior Risk Analyst at Dominion Energy and Reynolds class of 2007. After reflecting on his journey with Reynolds including EMT classes, an associate degree in engineering, and service on the Educational Foundation Board of Directors, he shared with our inductees, “I am honored to be part of the Reynolds family still, and I hope that you will always continue to be a part of this family.
Fear not, for you too will excel in whatever venture lies ahead. And as you look ahead, find reassurance in the fact that you have a solid foundation in your experience here at Reynolds. This is a practical, real-world education that puts you ahead of the curve in so many ways.”
We congratulate our newest inductees. Their perseverance and achievements inspire all of us, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for each of them.
Unwavering SUPPORT for our MILITARY COMMUNITY
At Reynolds, we take immense pride in serving our military community. This spring, we demonstrated our commitment by opening a dedicated space for the Military Resource Center on our Parham Road Campus. This brand-new space reflects our unwavering dedication to supporting the military community and their families.
Our efforts have been recognized nationally, with Reynolds being honored with the Military Friendly® College GOLD designation. We are one of just 60 community colleges nationwide to receive this honor and one of only two in Virginia.
The Military Friendly® standard measures an organization’s commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and
meaningful opportunities for the military community. This prestigious designation is a well-deserved recognition of the hard work and dedication of our Military Services Office.
Additionally, the Virginia Department of Veterans Services recognized Reynolds with its “Institution Award.” This award is presented to educational or training facilities that significantly contribute to military education and provide high-quality education programs to the armed services.
We are proud to serve the military community and their families. Whether you are looking for an industry credential, career studies certificate, or an associate degree, Reynolds is here to support you every step.
ABOVE: Dr. Paula Pando, Coordinator of Military Services/VERITAS
Liaison Chequana Boisseau, and Military Service Specialist Elliott
Ronan cut the ceremonial ribbon for the new Military Resource Center at Parham Road Campus.
IMPACT
The J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Educational Foundation offers several scholarships for military-status students attending Reynolds. These scholarships include the Major General Edmund A. Rafalko Scholarship, the Gibb Family Scholarship, and the Esbach Family Scholarship.
ABOVE: Professor Beverly Davis with her children, Lindsey, Ashley, and Lance, Jr. at Reynolds’ 51st Commencement Ceremony.
A LIFETIME of SERVICE
Over the past five decades, I have devoted my life to teaching thousands of students at Reynolds Community College. Mentoring and developing future leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals has been a pleasure. As a recently retired professor, I cherish our memories and lessons. I especially remember traveling with the retail/fashion merchandising students to places such as North Carolina, New York, Atlanta, Paris, China/Hong Kong to purchase merchandise for Campus Casuals (our campus store). I am particularly proud to have spearheaded our program to allow the Department of Juvenile Justice students to take classes and complete programs in the School of Business. I pray my students remember their time with me as fondly as I do.
I wish them all the success and happiness in the world.”
For some, teaching is a lifelong love. It certainly has been for Professor Beverly Davis of the School of Business & Industrial Trades at Reynolds. With an impressive 50 years of service to the Virginia Community College System, Professor Davis is bidding farewell to a distinguished career, leaving a legacy of dedication and excellence.
IMPACT
Thank you to the Reynolds family, for endowing a Faculty Leadership Award so that we may recognize outstanding contributions from our faculty and staff each year.
ABOVE: Dr. Paula Pando presents Professor Beverly Davis with a 2024 Faculty Leadership Award alongside the Reynolds Academic Dean of the School of Business and Industrial Trades, Dr. Stacie Davis.
During her time at Reynolds, Professor Davis has served as Program Head for Business Administration, Management, Retail, Marketing, Accounting, Economics, and Real Estate programs. But above all, she has left an unforgettable mark on the college’s largest program: Business.
This year Professor Davis was the recipient of the prestigious Virginia Sargeant Reynolds Faculty Leadership Award. This special honor recognizes one outstanding faculty member each year for their leadership and commitment to teaching.
CHEERS for the CLASS of 2024
We salute the incredible achievement of the Reynolds Community College Class of 2024. One family had three reasons to celebrate at our 51st Commencement Ceremony. Siblings Jacob, Noah, and Kylie walked across the graduation stage in May.
Jacob, the eldest of the siblings, began his journey at Reynolds by earning a certification in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) as well as a Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL) through the Community College Workforce Alliance (CCWA). With the dream of becoming an entrepreneur, Jacob just completed his Business Administration associate degree.
His brother, Noah also earned his Business Administration associate
degree, but he went the more traditional route as a full-time student attending Reynolds. Sister Kylie, who at the age of 15 was among our youngest graduates this year, earned her Early Childhood Education Career Studies Certificate. She is a sophomore enrolled in Reynolds’s Dual Enrollment program and on track to complete her Early Childhood Education associate degree alongside her high school diploma.
For the Inocencio siblings, graduation is not just a culmination, but a beginning filled with endless possibilities and boundless opportunities. As they step into the world, they do so knowing that their dreams are within reach, fueled by their unwavering belief in themselves and each other.
FOUNDATION FINANCES
2023–2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Educational Foundation, Inc.
Lea S. Rasmussen
Chair
Jill A. McCormick
Vice Chair
Jean Perkinson Holman
Secretary
Andrew K. Sledd
Treasurer
Amelia M. Bradshaw
Assistant Treasurer
Nancy R. Belleman
Past Chair
Nancy R. Belleman
Community Volunteer
Amelia M. Bradshaw
Reynolds Community College
Robert E. Comet, Jr., AIA
Quinn Evans (Retired)
Taikein M. Cooper
Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation
Christopher P. Denton
Henrico Doctors’ Hospital
J. Conrad Garcia
Williams Mullen
Jean Perkinson Holman
Virginia Credit Union (Retired)
Jill A. McCormick
Jackson Foundation
Grant O. Neely
Neely Strategies LLC
Elias Neujahr ChoR at VCU
Shane R. Olson
Dominion Energy
Paula P. Pando
Reynolds Community College
Celia A. Rafalko
Cary Street Partners
Lea S. Rasmussen
Warren Whitney
J. Sargeant Reynolds, Jr.
Reynolds Development
Lindsay Lane Robinson
Reynolds Community College
Andrew K. Sledd Keiter
Mary L. Studevant
Reynolds Community College Board
George E. Webster Virginia Farm Bureau
Samantha D. Williams
Altria Client Services
Special Advisor to the Board
R. Roland Reynolds
Industry Ventures LLC
Directors Emeriti
Dimitri B. Georgiadis (1927-2012)
L. H. Ginn III
Lucylle F. Gordon (1920-2005)
Jeanette S. Lipman (1914 - 2017)
J. Sargeant Reynolds, Jr.
Patricia L. Robertson
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Educational Foundation, Inc.
www.reynolds.edu/foundation
www.reynolds.edu/givenow
Words from Our Executive Director,
LINDSAY LANE ROBINSON
To Our Reynolds Family,
As I started to reflect on writing this letter to you, I wondered if you could truly know how lucky I feel to be the Executive Director of the Reynolds Community College Educational Foundation. This past year has been one of the best of my professional career, and if you’ll allow me the opportunity, I want to quickly name just a few of the reasons why:
1. You – yes, you! It is not lost on me that you could choose to direct your donations and your resources anywhere, but you have chosen Reynolds Community College. Your gifts to our scholarship funds and our academic and student success programs make our work possible. We cannot do it without you, and I am so grateful for you.
2. Our community. I’ve had the opportunity to live in many places – big cities, small towns, and rural communities, and there is nothing like our home. Reynolds is unique – we serve our urban districts in the City of Richmond, our suburban neighborhoods in Hanover and Henrico Counties, and our rural communities in Goochland, Powhatan, and Louisa Counties. Not only that, more than 80% of our students stay in our community upon graduation, and your support is helping to build the talent pipeline for industries that serve our community. That’s truly amazing!
3. Our mission. Reynolds delivers an outstanding education in a culture where every student belongs. Dr. Pando often says – and I agree – that while other institutions pride themselves on their low acceptance rates, we are proud of our 100% acceptance rate. We are here for any individual who wants an education and a pathway to a family-sustaining career. With your help, we are changing lives.
I hope as you’ve read the inspiring student and alumni profiles within these pages and learned about our 21st century lab and classroom spaces, that you feel pride in your place as a Reynolds supporter. In our ever-changing world, you give me – and our Reynolds students, faculty, and staff – hope for the future. And hope is an amazing gift. Thank you for bestowing it on us.
With gratitude,
Lindsay Lane Robinson, CFRE Executive Director
To help the JSRCC Educational Foundation grow, please visit reynolds.edu/givenow or scan our QR code.
reynolds.edu/foundation | (804) 523-5181