Impact Winter 2020

IMPACT

WINTER 2020

THE MAGAZINE OF THE VIRGINIA WESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

Investing IN THEIR FUTURES

Virginia Western launches new STEM-H Fralin Futures scholarships PAGE 14

A floor-by-floor look at new STEM Building P A G E 3 0

Student Food Co-Op is pioneering initiative P A G E 2 1

Highlights LEADERSHIP

A new vision for the Educational Foundation’s future.

Page 4

BY THE NUMBERS Assessing our donors’ impact on the Roanoke Region.

Page 7

CCAP

A homeschool family gives thanks for scholarship program.

Page 8

SCHOLARSHIPS

High school teacher returns to school to inspire her students.

Page 22

FAC U LT Y SUPPORT

Cybersecurity, nursing focus of Innovation Grants.

Page 38

GIVING

Berglund’s William Farrell sees giving as a way to give back.

Page 50 Annual list of donors Pages 54-57 2018 Educational Foundation Annual Report Page 58

From the cover Story, Page 14

I m p a c t m a g a z i n e is published by the Virginia Western Community College Educational Foundation Inc. for donors, alumni and friends of Virginia Western Community College. Content provided by the Educational Foundation staff. Photography by Natalee Waters. Design by Gretchen Tipps. Graphics by Mohammed El Mehdi Bouchefra.

The mission of the Virginia Western Community College Educational Foundation: To drive a thriving culture of innovative support and philanthropy that enables Virginia Western to dramatically transform individual lives, strengthen communities and advance economic development.

About the Educational Foundation The Virginia Western Community College Educational Foundation Inc. is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) founded in 1980 and dedicated to supporting student scholarships, faculty development and capital projects at Virginia Western Community College.

A LETTER FROM THE FOUNDATION CHAIRMAN BOARD of DIRECTORS

Bright ideas.

A

s a forwardthinking institution,

>> The Virginia Western Forward Endowment Fund: A vision of

Virginia Western

Dr. Charles W. Steger Jr.

empowers the next

The Foundation’s permanent

bright idea. The College

unrestricted endowment seeks to

and the Virginia

provide the visionary sustainability for

Western Community

the College. Unrestricted endowments

College Educational Foundation

are rare in the world of community

are proud to join together to enable

colleges, but here at Virginia Western

innovation in individual, community and

our relationships and partnerships

economic transformation.

with visionaries in our region make this

In 2019, the Educational

Virginia Western must be prepared

planning process. We have aligned

for flexibility as it provides a catalytic

our vision, our goals and our actions

role in the pipelines of workforce

to ignite the next level of our journey

development that are poised to grow

forward. As we celebrate the

exponentially in our region.

College’s advancements with the

We believe that everyone in our

opening of Virginia Western’s new

community deserves the opportunity

STEM facility, we also celebrate the

to achieve, to invent and to move the

momentum of our innovative major

dial forward. To truly support the next

fundraising initiatives:

great idea, we must all come together

College Access Program The renewed, recharged and reimagined CCAP2 campaign engages the entire community in supporting enhancements to this transformational program, allowing the inclusion of fast-track workforce training programs,

to make college possible.

I encourage you to join us in creating innovative pathways for our students and our region.

I thank you for the power of your forward-thinking impact.

Sincerely yours,

part-time enrollment and three years for completion. At the time of this writing, we are only $1 million away from achieving our campaign goal.

By joining together with our localities and key business partners, your support can fuel both student and economic development success through CCAP2.

PAG E 4

The Virginia Western Community College Educational Foundation is grateful for the service of its Board of Directors.

Leadership Neil D. Wilkin Jr., Chairman Deborah L. Petrine, Vice Chair William J. Farrell II, Treasurer Tammy Moss Finley, Secretary J. Kenneth Randolph, Immediate Past Chairman Joshua C. Johnson, Local Board Chair Dr. Robert H. Sandel, College President

a sound and strategic investment.

Foundation embarked on a strategic

>> Virginia Western’s Community

2019

Committee Chairs Barton J. Wilner, Development Committee J. David Wine, Finance and Audit Committee Warner Dalhouse, Nominating Committee Edwin C. Hall, Scholarship and Foundation Grants Committee At-Large Members Abney S. Boxley III Nicholas C. Conte, Esq. Christopher Desimone, Esq. Russell Ellett W. Heywood Fralin J. Spencer Frantz Leon P. Harris Joseph M. Hoff William J. Lemon, Esq. George W. Logan Mark R. Pace Andrew J. Parker Ex-Officio Nicholas F. Taubman

Neil D. Wilkin Jr. Chairman, Virginia Western Community College Educational Foundation Board of Directors President and CEO, Optical Cable Corp.

Directors Emeriti G. Len Boone G. Franklin Flippin William H. Fralin Jr. John R. Francis Jr. Stanard F. Lanford Dr. Elizabeth W. Payne John B. Williamson III

V I RG I N I A W E S T E R N CO M M U N I T Y CO L L EG E E D U C AT I O N A L FO U N DAT I O N

STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024

ADVANCING

a new mission & vision

FOR THE EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

I

n spring 2018, the Virginia Western Community College Educational

Foundation Board of Directors embarked upon a strategic planning initiative for the organization. After gathering input from Educational Foundation staff, Virginia Western administration and College faculty and staff, they approved the plan in winter 2019.

At its heart, the strategic plan recognizes that the Educational Foundation, in partnership with the College, is uniquely positioned to: Dramatically transform students’ lives and increase social mobility, Meaningfully contribute to developing and improving our community, Enable and amplify economic development efforts in our region, and Use innovative strategies and approaches to accomplish these goals.

The strategic plan includes a focus on operations and staffing, governance and leadership, communications and outreach to the community and Foundation supporters, and funding and fundraising initiatives. It also directs fiduciary responsibilities and measurable actions required by both leadership and operations to successfully accomplish key fundraising, program and initiative goals for both short- and long-term sustainability.

To view the plan in its entirety, visit virginiawestern.edu/foundation/docs/StrategicPlan.pdf

V I RG I N I AW E S T E R N . E D U / FO U N DAT I O N

PAG E 5

A LETTER FROM THE COLLEGE PRESIDENT

A guiding light FOR INNOVATION IN THE ROANOKE REGION

I

count myself

Health Professions, the Maury & Sheila

to solve complicated problems.

blessed to live in

Strauss Family Student Life Center

There is a feeling that permeates

close proximity to

and the STEM Building, everyone

the STEM Building that through

Virginia Western

traveling along Colonial Avenue

collaboration, we can discover the

Community

can see the quality educational

next bright idea.

College’s campus in the Jefferson Hills neighborhood. This is not

opportunities we provide.

After two years of construction

That is why seeing all the lights shining through the STEM Building’s

something I say lightly, though, as

and more than six years of planning,

glimmering glass façade is so

my patient neighbors have endured

the 72,000-square-foot, $37 million

exciting to me. Although I know all

months of roadwork to create three

STEM Building is the culmination

the countless hours of work that went

roundabouts and an educational

of a belief in interactive learning

into creating the facility, I don’t know

corridor along Colonial Avenue. I

and innovative community

what next great idea will come out

believe it is such a great place to

partnerships. It is the largest and most

of it.

live because, in addition to the short

technologically advanced facility on

commute to work I enjoy every day,

campus and is home to programs

who have helped make the dream

the vibrancy of campus and those

such as engineering, mechatronics,

of this STEM Building a reality. I look

who inhabit it is a constant source

biology, chemistry, biotechnology,

forward to seeing what we can

of joy.

mathematics and much more. It

accomplish as a community through

One of my new favorite things

I wish to thank all of our partners

houses cutting-edge equipment

associations forged in this new

about living near Virginia Western

that is rarely seen at major four-

center. I believe it will be a guiding

is seeing our STEM Building aglow

year universities, much less at a

light for the Roanoke Region for

at night as a beacon to innovators

community college.

many years to come.

and collaborators across the region.

The STEM Building, though, is

When I first moved to Roanoke in

much more than that. There are

2001, so much of the college was

shared spaces where students can

hidden from public sight, at the top

study and work together in teams.

of hills on the north and south sides

There is a Fab Lab, where students

Dr. Robert H. Sandel

of campus. Now, with the additions

can work with community members

President

of the Fralin Center for Science and

to 3-D-print new inventions or models

Virginia Western Community College

PAG E 6

Sincerely,

V I RG I N I A W E S T E R N CO M M U N I T Y CO L L EG E E D U C AT I O N A L FO U N DAT I O N

THE VIRGINIA WESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

By The Numbers

THE VIRGINIA WESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION STRIVES TO MAKE COLLEGE POSSIBLE FOR STUDENTS FROM ACROSS THE ROANOKE VALLEY. OUR DONORS HELP US STRENGTHEN OUR COMMUNITY, BUILD OUR REGION’S ECONOMY AND FILL EMPLOYMENT GAPS.

MORE THAN

$1.6 MILLION

AWARDED IN TUITION ASSISTANCE AND PROGRAM SUPPORT

813

STUDENTS

78

SUPPORTED BY SCHOLARSHIPS AND PROGRAM SUPPORT

MANAGED

ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS

$1.4 MILLION RAISED IN 1ST YEAR OF VIRGINIA WESTERN FORWARD FUND UNRESTRICTED ENDOWMENT CAMPAIGN

$22 MILLION FOUNDATION ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT

46

ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS SINCE 2008, RAISED

$95,000 TO BUY TEXTBOOKS FOR STUDENTS

Homeschool family FINDS EASY TRANSITION TO COLLEGE

W

hen Sonja Richards and her husband,

Layne introduced

Western’s Community College Access Program

to her attention by Susan

Richards to Carolyn Payne,

(CCAP). The program

Layne, a career coach

Virginia Western’s CCAP

they didn’t foresee having

covers up to three years

at Virginia Western who

& Scholarship Program

children. But they ended

of tuition, making college

attends Richards’ church.

Coordinator. Since then,

up having eight — three of

affordable for families

She often sought out

Richards said Payne has

Layne’s advice, looking for

been a godsend, cheerfully

whom are still going through college, and two who are

them from federal student

the best way to pay for her

answering questions and

fast approaching their

aid. Homeschooled

children’s schooling.

helping the family in any

senior years in high school.

students and those

“She just came up to me

way she can. With Payne’s

graduating from public

one day and said, ‘Did you

help, Richards’ second

‘How are you going to put

or private high schools in

hear CCAP has opened

oldest daughter, Hannah,

them through college?’ ”

Salem, Botetourt, Franklin,

up to homeschoolers in

Richards said. “My answer

Craig and Roanoke counties Franklin County?’ And I

from CCAP, beginning in fall

has always been, ‘God

are eligible for CCAP. High

said, ‘No,’ ” Richards said.

2015. Hannah earned an

gave us the children and

school seniors graduating

“And she said, ‘Well, I

associate degree in 2017

he’ll provide for them.’ ”

from public schools in

“All we ever heard was,

That providence came in the form of Virginia

PAG E 8

Roanoke can also apply.

Richards said the

and transferred to Virginia who petitioned to get it

Tech to study interior

opened.’”

design. Another child,

V I RG I N I A W E S T E R N CO M M U N I T Y CO L L EG E E D U C AT I O N A L FO U N DAT I O N

CCAP2: Renew. Recharge. Re-imagine.

The Richards Family of Franklin County has sent three of their homeschooled children to Virginia Western, thanks to the Community College Access Program. From left, Hannah (’17), her father Allen, her mother Sonja, brother Lucas and sister Sarah (’19).

Why I help MAKE COLLEGE POSSIBLE

I

’m a firm believer in investment.

You have to invest in order to

grow – and that means investing of yourself and of your time to invest in other people. Resources come from all different sources, but the most important resources are those that make opportunities possible.

Through CCAP, we’re helping people help themselves. With all the growth and success we’ve seen, regretfully, we still can’t fund all the need. The fact that the local governments are still committed fully is a testament to the good return they receive from that investment.

Adams Construction was proud to support

Sarah, also received her

attended Virginia Western

associate degree through

before later transferring

the first CCAP campaign, and we’ve already

the program in spring 2019.

to a four-year university,

committed for round two. We see it as a good

A third, Lucas, started at

Richards said. The college’s

return to ensure the community thrives. And I was

Virginia Western in fall 2019.

proximity to the Richards’

happy to volunteer to share the story, and to make

home in Franklin County

sure our communities know that college is possible

program has allowed her

has allowed her family to

– thanks to CCAP, and thanks to all of those who

family to forego student

maintain the social circles

believe in what it can do.

loans, despite having

they’ve built through

several children who are

homeschooling and

successful is to grow the base of giving, and that’s

simultaneously working

church.

where you can come in.

Richards said the

The only way to make this program more

To learn more, or to meet with one of us to

toward collegiate degrees.

“Virginia Western has

“All of our children —

been the way to go for us,”

talk about the program and about how you

and we as well — are still

Richards said. “They were

can make a difference, contact Amanda

debt-free at this point,”

still at home, still busy at our

Mansfield, Philanthropy Director, at amansfield@

Richards said. “They have

church. It just gave them a

virginiawestern.edu or (540) 857-6962.

no school loans and no car

good start to college.”

loans.”

In addition to making

Through CCAP, Richards has been able

college affordable,

to guarantee her children

Rick James

Richards said that CCAP

a quality education while

Executive Vice President

has also made it easier for

keeping her family close.

Adams Construction Company

her children to transition

“I pray CCAP will still be

from a homeschool

available for our last three,

education to a four-year

and that Carolyn Payne will

college experience. So

stick around until they finish,”

far, all of her children have

she said.

V I RG I N I AW E S T E R N . E D U / FO U N DAT I O N

CCAP2 Campaign Cabinet Member

To learn more about supporting CCAP, go to virginiawestern.edu/makecollegepossible

PAG E 9

A SNAPSHOT OF STUDENT NEEDS 96%

› Plan to work while attending college

44%

› Are first in their family to attend college

24%

› Do not get financial support from their family for school

20%

› Say money issues could force them to drop out of school

15%

› Cut the size of meals or often skip meals because there isn't enough money for food

12%

› Are concerned about having a place to live while in college

7%

› Say English is not the predominant language spoken at home

6%

› Don't have reliable transportation to and from college

Source: Ruffalo Noel Levitz College Student Inventory of incoming fall 2019 CCAP cohort at Virginia Western Community College

WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES CCAP MAKE IN YOUR LIFE?

“It saves me so much money.”

- William Hobbs, Science-Integrated Environmental Studies

“FREE. College. I get my RN for FREE!” - Alissa Edwards, Nursing

“It makes college affordable.”

- Kimberly Rodriguez, Nursing

“It will help me transfer to a four-year school.”

- Habibo Isse, Business Administration

“It helps me not take out student loans and makes college easier.”

- Rachel Davis, Administration of Justice

“CCAP is a huge help in letting me save up for a four-year school.”

- Hunter Johnston, Business Administration

VIRGINIA WESTERN’S COMMUNITY COLLEGE ACCESS PROGRAM

By The Numbers

FOUNDED IN 2008, CCAP IS ONE OF THE COMMONWEALTH’S FIRST “FREE COLLEGE” PROGRAMS AND NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FOR ITS UNIQUE PRIVATE-PUBLIC FUNDING MODEL. IT WAS DESIGNED TO MAKE COLLEGE POSSIBLE AT VIRGINIA WESTERN FOR ROANOKE VALLEY STUDENTS FROM ALL BACKGROUNDS, AND TO ADDRESS THE STUDENT DEBT CRISIS.

SINCE CCAP’S INCEPTION

$6.3 MILLION HAS BEEN PROVIDED IN TUITION ASSISTANCE THAT INVESTMENT HAS HELPED ALLEVIATE DEBT FOR

2,832 STUDENTS

CCAP STUDENTS HAVE VOLUNTEERED

20,438

HOURS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE

OF ALL RECENT HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES ENROLLED AT VIRGINIA WESTERN

42% PARTICIPATE IN CCAP INTEND TO TRANSFER TO A 78% FOUR-YEAR INSTITUTION

ABOUT CCAP

AVERAGE FROM 2014-18

 CCAP provides up to three years of tuition for high school graduates who meet program requirements, as funding allows. Students may also have the opportunity to receive tuition support for workforce credentials.  The program is made possible thanks to a series of public/private partnerships drawing on support from individuals, businesses, foundations, local governments, community groups, alumni and friends.  CCAP serves the entire Virginia Western Community College service region, including the counties of Botetourt, Craig, Franklin and Roanoke and the cities of Roanoke and Salem.  Participants are required to volunteer four hours of community service each semester.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: VIRGINIAWESTERN.EDU/CCAP

VIRGINIA WESTERN ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Virginia Western NAMES DEBORAH L. PETRINE DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA

D

eborah L. Petrine (’74), Chair and CEO

and former students who have attained

of Commonwealth Care of Roanoke,

extraordinary distinction in their professional

received the 2019 Distinguished Alumni

field or life. The award serves to honor all

Award for her longtime commitment to

the men and women whose attendance at

community service as well as her leadership

Virginia Western helped them achieve their

in advocating for the Educational

educational and professional goals, allowing

Foundation’s permanent endowment fund.

them to better serve their communities.

Petrine, Vice Chair of the Educational

Petrine received her bachelor’s degree

Foundation, leads the Advocacy Council

in Business Administration from Virginia Tech,

for the Virginia Western Forward Endowment

where she has remained active. She was

Fund: A Vision of Dr. Charles W. Steger Jr. A

appointed to the Virginia Tech Board of

first-generation college student, Petrine first

Visitors in 2011 and elected Rector in 2014,

attended Virginia Western in 1973-74, later

making her the first female in the school’s

returning for enrichment coursework.

history to lead the board.

Petrine worked her way through Virginia

“I am sincerely humbled and honored

Tech as a secretary/receptionist in a nursing

to be selected for this year’s Distinguished

home. Upon graduation, she entered the

Alumni Award and to be included alongside

company’s Administrator in Training Program

the previous recipients,” Petrine said. “Virginia

and worked her way up through the

Western was the perfect place for me. The

company, eventually becoming president

College provided an excellent educational

at one of Virginia’s largest providers of long-

foundation and enabled me to pursue my

term care services. Under her leadership,

dreams. Looking back, I wonder where I

the company expanded from skilled nursing

would be now if Virginia Western had not

facilities to add assisted-living facilities, a

played such an important role in my early life.

pharmacy company and a home health

For that and the support of my family, friends

company.

and mentors along the way, I am grateful.”

“Debbie’s journey typifies the best outcomes of community college

T

he Virginia Western Community College Alumni Association fosters a mutually beneficial relationship and interaction between the College, its alumni and the community, and supports the College and the Educational Foundation in the completion of their mission.

WHY JOIN THE VIRGINIA WESTERN ALUMNI ASSOCIATION? • Join in social activities to make or renew friendships with other alumni.

• Support service projects that benefit the students and activities of the Virginia Western.

• Become an advocate, engaging alumni and students in areas of critical interest to the welfare of the college and our region.

• Enjoy lifelong support from the Hall Associates Career Center.

• Take advantage of alumni benefits with partners MemberOne Federal Credit Union, Nationwide and more.

Joining the Virginia Western Alumni Association is easy and free. Just visit www.virginiawestern. edu/alumni to join or renew today.

opportunity. Her accomplishments and service have made an indelible impact on so many lives, and we are honored and proud to recognize her as a Distinguished Alumna,” said Dr. Robert H. Sandel, president of Virginia

Jim and Deborah L. Petrine

Western Community College.

Virginia Western’s Distinguished Alumni Award was established in 2006 by the Virginia Western Alumni Association and recognizes Virginia Western Community College alumni

To nominate an alumnus or learn more about past honorees, go to virginiawestern.edu/alumni/distinguished.php.

PAG E 1 3

SCHOLARSHIPS

Fralin Futures

PAG E 1 4

V I RG I N I A W E S T E R N CO M M U N I T Y CO L L EG E E D U C AT I O N A L FO U N DAT I O N

A

new Virginia Western scholarship program aims to address unforeseen life events that can derail students’ success as they approach the finish line of graduation.

V I RG I N I AW E S T E R N . E D U / FO U N DAT I O N

PAG E 1 5

SCHOLARSHIPS

By Tiffany Stevens

B

efore 2017, Kris Collins never thought about a future in

automation and robotics. But after the electric company he had worked with for a dozen years closed its doors unexpectedly, he decided to go back to school. Collins settled on Virginia Western Community College’s mechatronics program – a major rather than passion.

“When I was younger, I started a program doing civil engineering and architecture. Mechatronics was the major that would take most of those credits,” Collins said. “Then I started doing it and I realized I had a big interest.”

Soon, 35-year-old Collins found an internship with Systems Technology of Virginia, a small robotics and automated machinery company located in Eagle Rock. By fall of 2019, he had only two more semesters to complete, and was well on his way to a promising new career.

‘ ’ Having the scholarship helps take away

When his wife became pregnant with their second child, however,

that stress, knowing I won’t completely worry

he realized that the upcoming

about, ‘Where’s the money coming from?’

birth might force him to forestall

EBONY LYNCH-THOMAS (Nursing)

graduation.

Fortunately, Collins found an advertisement for the Fralin

in mind. At Virginia Western and

Futures STEM-H Scholarship

to not have to work overtime and

at other community colleges,

program while hunting for

try to do school at the same time,

students frequently juggle family

just to try and make everything

and career demands on top of

work.”

their course load. An unexpected

scholarship program has not only classes, but has provided him with funds he and his wife can use to support their growing family.

“If it wasn’t for the Fralin scholarship, I wouldn’t be able to

PAG E 1 6

❖❖❖❖❖

The Fralin Futures scholarship

life event — a new baby, a sudden can death, a car malfunction –—can derail a scholar’s plans, making it

program, which began its inaugural year in fall 2019, was

or, in some cases, at all. By funding

created with students like Collins

V I RG I N I A W E S T E R N CO M M U N I T Y CO L L EG E E D U C AT I O N A L FO U N DAT I O N

and providing an

control over her life.

equivalent stipend,

“I was nervous

the Fralin Futures

at first, going back,

Scholarship lowers

‘cause I knew there

a student’s risk of

would be younger

dropping out.

kids. But the younger

Unforeseen life

people were actually

events can especially

very helpful to me,”

pose a significant

Lynch-Thomas said.

threat to academic

“Age really didn’t

success for adult

matter, and I wasn’t

learners, many of

the only one my

whom are already

age going back to

balancing full

school.”

schedules and slim

The Fralin Futures

budgets, said Marilyn

scholarship has

Herbert-Ashton,

Unforeseen life events can especially pose threats to the success of adult students, who don’t have parental supports, says Marilyn Herbert-Ashton, Virginia Western’s Vice President of Institutional Advancement.

Virginia Western’s Vice President of Institutional Advancement.

Most adult learners have full- or parttime jobs in addition to their educational responsibilities; some are single

given LynchThomas the ability to cut back her work hours without worrying about how she will be able to cover her living

Ebony Lynch-Thomas, 44,

costs. Without it, she

parents or care for aging relatives.

said she decided to go back to

said, she might not be able to

Unlike younger peers, they may

school after she was inspired by

complete her schooling as easily,

not be able to defray educational

her eldest daughter’s graduation

or at all.

and living expenses with parental

from New York University. She

support. In some cases, they

had achieved the top salary at

requires so much study time, and

might even be the first in their

the small massage company

some people can’t work and

family to pursue a postsecondary

where she works and wanted

complete their classes, and I’m just

degree.

to pursue a career where she

not one of those individuals that

could earn more, receive benefits

can afford not to work through

circumstances that keep them

and have more opportunity for

school,” Lynch-Thomas said.

from finishing their programs of

advancement.

“Having the scholarship helps take

“A lot of the time, it’s the life

study,” Herbert-Ashton said. “It’s

After enrolling in Virginia

“Being in a nursing program

away that stress, knowing I won’t

not so much academics, it’s

Western, Lynch-Thomas said she

completely worry about ‘Where’s

just everything that goes on in

decided to study nursing in hopes

the money coming from?’ ”

life because they’re balancing

of eventually working in one of

and managing so many other

Southwest Virginia’s emergency

priorities. They could be out the

departments. Although returning

door over a flat tire, or if they

to school was an adjustment at

quarter of Virginia Western’s

become ill, it will cause them to

first, the decision provided Lynch-

student body is considered an

leave the college.”

Thomas with an extra confidence

adult learner, meaning they are

boost and a better sense of

25 years old or older, according to

❖❖❖❖❖ On average, more than a

❖❖❖❖❖

V I RG I N I AW E S T E R N . E D U / FO U N DAT I O N

PAG E 1 7

About Fralin Futures

program is

I

n 2019, the Educational Foundation launched a pioneering new scholarship program for students in STEM-H (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and health care) programs of study.

limited to STEM-H majors with 3.0 and above GPAs. That limited focus allows the program to better ensure recipients can secure well-

THE FRALIN FUTURES SCHOLARSHIPS: • Focus on the "finish line," funding the recipient's last two semesters before graduating

paying jobs in high-growth fields, HerbertAshton said. At the moment, Virginia Western

• Recognize academic excellence in STEM-H programs of study (3.0 GPA or higher) • Offer cohort activities and mentorships affiliated with Roanoke’s Fralin Biomedical Research Institute THE SCHOLARSHIP WILL SUPPORT: • The total cost of tuition for up to 2 semesters • An additional monetary stipend equal to the cost of tuition each semester

plans to offer scholarships to about a dozen students each year, but as the endowment grows, Herbert-

Fralin Futures recipients, from left, Kris Collins, Allison Smith and Laura Montemurro

Ashton said, the College hopes to see the annual cohort size increase. For its first year, 12 students have

data collected and published by the

been selected. Those students represent

college. Adult learners make up nearly

a wide array of future career paths,

• A cash incentive upon graduation

half of those enrolled in the college’s

including mechanical engineering,

evening classes, and more than a third

radiation oncology and dentistry.

• A second cash incentive 6 months post-graduation, after reporting employment status

of those taking courses online.

“This is our first year, and in the first

While some of these challenges

tweaks down the road,” she said. “Our

students, Herbert-Ashton said they can

intent, however, is to fund it forever and

affect students in any demographic.

grow enough of the endowment to

“Really, our adult learners are even 20 years old sometimes,” Herbert-

For more information on the Fralin Futures STEM-H Scholarship program, go to virginiawestern.edu/ fralinfutures.

PAG E 1 8

year, there’s always bound to be some

are more commonly faced by older

have even more students accepted.”

In addition to two semesters' worth

Ashton said. “So many of them are

of tuition and an equivalent stipend,

coming here and they already have

recipients also receive the opportunity

families, they’re already working.”

to earn two $500 cash incentives,

Funded through an endowment

Herbert-Ashton said. One is granted

provided by the Horace G. Fralin

on graduation; the other is earned if

Charitable Trust, the Fralin Futures

the student updates Virginia Western

V I RG I N I A W E S T E R N CO M M U N I T Y CO L L EG E E D U C AT I O N A L FO U N DAT I O N

on their educational

universities, though

or employment status

most have provided

six months after

students with help

completing their

through other forms

degree.

of assistance, such

On top of the

as food banks

financial incentives,

or housing and

Fralin scholars will be

transportation

given the opportunity

vouchers.

to go on several

By allowing the

educational trips, both

student to decide

within and outside of

how best to spend

Virginia. For example,

financial aid,

the College is planning

solutions like the Fralin

a spring trip to the

Futures scholarship

National Institute of

more directly address

Health in Bethesda,

the problems caused

Maryland. Herbert-

by emergency costs.

Ashton said the cohort is planning to attend one of the Maury Strauss Distinguished Public Lecture events held by the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech as well. Recipients will also be paired with mentors who can help

Students are given

‘ ’ I can have $100 to get me through the week,

❖❖❖❖❖

Virginia Western is not the

how the scholarship and the cash incentives affect their lives. They can

and that is even just a blessing in itself.

use the money to

Fralin Futures Recipient TORI KING (IST: Network and Security Administration)

pay off an existing

them further their academic and professional ambitions.

more control over

bolster savings, or to loan. Students can even use the money

to cover any credentials needed

community college has launched

for the student’s professional field,

several initiatives aimed at its

Herbert-Ashton said.

most vulnerable students over the

“When a student graduates

only community college to

course of a decade, including

our nursing program, they have

acknowledge that adult learners

a fund to cover the cost of off-

to take the National Council of

may need help avoiding the more

campus emergencies and a

State Boards of Nursing (NCLEX)

ruinous effects of happenstance.

low-cost daycare parents can use

licensing exam,” she said. “And

In a 2018 case study published

during class.

that’s expensive, at a cost of

Empirical numbers are not

$450. So this particular scholarship

for Postsecondary Education

yet available to show what kind

provides funding for this exam, for

(HOPE) Lab at the University of

of impact these programs have

example.”

Wisconsin-Madison and Temple

had on Amarillo’s students, but

University, researchers looked

researchers have applauded the

can simply provide the peace of

at the programs created under

school’s efforts to shift on-campus

mind a student needs to calmly

the No Excuses Poverty Initiative

priorities to meet the student

complete her courses. Tori King,

launched at Amarillo College in

needs. The study also noted similar

a 23-year-old Fralin scholar

2010. The mid-sized, Texas-based

programs at other colleges and

studying server security and

by the Harvesting Opportunities

V I RG I N I AW E S T E R N . E D U / FO U N DAT I O N

In some cases, the scholarship

PAG E 19

The Fralin Futures STEM-H Scholarship program is made possible by a $5 million endowment from the Horace G. Fralin Charitable Trust.

“These finish-line scholarships will provide residents of this region the opportunity to further their education and position themselves to lead the next generation to great success,” says W. Heywood Fralin, Chairman of Medical Facilities of America and a member of the Educational Foundation’s Board of Directors. Pictured with his children, from left, Robert, Katherine and William Fralin.

administration, said that after

help of the Fralin scholarship and

has felt guilty in the past for

experiencing poverty as a child

the income she earns from the

accepting even small amounts

in Nebraska, she promised herself

Roanoke-based accounting firm

of financial assistance. She

that she would seek out a future

Brown Edwards, King has enough

encouraged other Virginia

with more financial stability. She

money to cover both routine and

Western students, however, to

recalled how her grade school

unexpected costs.

ignore that guilt, and to apply

teachers would sometimes give

“I can have $100 to get me

to the Fralin program when

students a bag with peanut

through the week, and that is

applications open up again in

butter and other nonperishables

even just a blessing in itself,” she

spring 2020. Imposter syndrome

in an effort to ensure their pupils

said. “I feel like I’m actually a

or a sense of unworthiness, she

had enough food to get through

normal person. If I want to go

added, shouldn’t prevent a

the weekend.

to the movies — if I want just a

student from getting the help she

popcorn, and generally a smaller

or he needs to graduate.

Even as a working adult, she’s sometimes had to struggle with

popcorn — I’m able to reward

thin budgets. In the past, the

myself for the hard work I’m

it, don’t feel bad about it,” King

former Navy machinist mate said

doing. It’s not like I’m not getting

said. “You were meant to get that

she’s had to get by with as little

anywhere.”

scholarship. You wouldn’t have

as $20 a week. Now, with the

PAG E 2 0

King said she sometimes

“If you apply for it and you get

been chosen otherwise.”

V I RG I N I A W E S T E R N CO M M U N I T Y CO L L EG E E D U C AT I O N A L FO U N DAT I O N

STUDENT SUPPORT

New food co-op FUELED BY PIONEERING PARTNERSHIP

I

n fall 2019, the Virginia Western Community College Educational Foundation partnered

with Kroger and Kraft Heinz to launch the Virginia Western Student Co-Op fueled by Kroger. This pioneering initiative marks the first time the Kroger Corp. has joined forces with a U.S. community college food pantry.

The effort is aimed at eliminating student food insecurity at Virginia Western as part of

hunger in the community is the spirit of our Zero Hunger

Kroger’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Plan.

| Zero Waste commitment. We’re proud to stand with

Kroger executive David Dantzler, a former Educational

Kraft Heinz to bring food to Virginia Western Community

Foundation Board of Directors member, worked tirelessly

College students who are struggling to find their next

to bring the Student Co-Op to fruition, meeting with food

meal.”

pantry experts and nutritionists to help develop a process and inventory to meet students’ needs.

“People don’t always consider college students when

Kroger’s initial gift of $10,000 turned what was before just a few shelves of food into a complete food pantry that now fills an entire office in the College’s Student

thinking of groups who face hunger, but many of these

Life Center, complete with fresh paint and signage.

students are food insecure,” said Dantzler. “Establishing

The newly named Student Co-Op also benefited from

new partnerships and finding creative ways to solve

Kroger-donated shelving, reusable cinch sack food bags and reusable water bottles.

Kraft Heinz joined Kroger with a matching gift of $10,000 for the Student Co-Op. The Student Co-Op has been outfitted with a Kraft Heinzbranded cooler to provide refrigerated foods.

“With the support of Kroger and Kraft Heinz, we now have an amazing opportunity to impact student success in a way we never have before,” said Amanda Mansfield, Virginia Western’s Philanthropy Director. “We truly believe that if we can fuel their bodies, we can fuel their minds.”

V I RG I N I AW E S T E R N . E D U / FO U N DAT I O N

PAG E 2 1

SCHOLARSHIPS

High school teacher Colleen Morrison initially went back to college to set an example for her students. But she ended up falling in love with computer science and pursuing a new path at Virginia Western.

Showing the courage TO STEP OFF THE EDGE

A

s a 10th-grade English teacher at Cave Spring

since rekindled her own love for computer-based

High School, Colleen Morrison enjoys every

fields and opened up potential career paths for

chance to encourage and inspire her students.

However, she’s noticed that some students shy

herself.

Balancing a teacher’s workload with her studies

away from certain career paths because they think

has been challenging, but Morrison has excelled. Her

those jobs are out of reach. Girls, especially, tend to

hard work has been recognized with two scholarships.

discount careers in science, technology, engineering

The Business, Technology & Trades Annual Scholarship,

and math (STEM).

provided through Virginia Western, honors the legacy

Morrison first decided to pursue a database

of late dean Deborah A. Yancey; it gives qualifying

programming degree at Virginia Western Community

recipients $500 per semester. The Neall Family

College to set a good example for her students. She’s

Charitable Foundation Scholarship, provided through

PAG E 2 2

V I RG I N I A W E S T E R N CO M M U N I T Y CO L L EG E E D U C AT I O N A L FO U N DAT I O N

New Educational Foundation Scholarship and Program Funds The Virginia Foundation for Community College Education, gives qualified students $2,160.

Q.: How have the scholarships you’ve received helped you while you’re working toward this degree?

My husband and I had some money set aside that we didn’t use for our

Established July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019 • Al Pollard Memorial Foundation Chefs' Competition Annual Scholarship • Connie Stephens May Scholarship • Elizabeth and Harry Sellers Annual Scholarship

wedding, and I figured that it might as

• Dr. J. Andrew Archer Memorial Annual Scholarship

well go to good use for education. I

• Micron Technology Opportunity Fund

ended up not having to pay any of it.

We still have that money, which is fairly nice for things like houses and children eventually. And not only is it nice to

• Farrell Family Permanent Endowment Fund • ACF Program Fund • Community Arboretum Gazebo Fund

have that extra padding, but I think

• Community Arboretum Endowment Fund

it’s really neat to say that I’m going to

• Virginia Western Singers Fund

be in this program, probably, when I

• VWCC Food Co-Op Fueled by Kroger

become a mom.

• Workforce Recruitment Fund

Q.: How did you become interested in the database programming degree?

I always really, really liked working with computers when I was younger.

It was just never met with much enthusiasm by anyone other than my parents because I was a girl in the South. I did almost every required science fair project we had to do with computers, and I was always kind of met with, “That’s great for a girl,” and “You’re doing an awesome job, for a girl.”

Q.: Any plans for your degree when you graduate?

I kind of like the idea of starting some sort of tech ed program or something that can encourage other girls to go do this. I think having influence on the ground floor would be really promising for women in STEM in the future.

Q.: Do you have any advice for other adult learners who might want to obtain a new degree while managing a full-time job?

If it’s something you’re interested in, there’s no harm at all in trying it out. If it’s a monetary thing, you can always audit classes and see if it’s something you might be

How to establish a Virginia Western scholarship Scholarship funds provide support for tuition, books and other related expenses for qualifying Virginia Western students. The Educational Foundation administers two basic types of scholarships: Annual scholarships You may fund a named scholarship on an annual basis that awards the entire amount during the year in which you give it.

Endowed scholarships You may fund a named scholarship that will continue to help students in perpetuity and leave a lasting legacy for your family or organization. An endowed scholarship may be funded over a maximum of five years.

• To learn more, contact Philanthropy Director Amanda Mansfield at (540) 857-6962 or amansfield@virginiawestern.edu.

• To donate to an established scholarship, please go online to virginiawestern.edu/ foundation

interested in before committing to it. This ended up being one of the coolest things that I’ve gotten to do in my 27 years of life, so I think that everybody should have the confidence to try to step off the edge.

V I RG I N I AW E S T E R N . E D U / FO U N DAT I O N

A complete listing of Virginia Western scholarships can be found at virginiawestern.edu/foundation/ scholarship/list.php

PAG E 2 3

SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarship and Awards Ceremony

I

n March 2019, scholarship donors, student recipients, faculty, friends and family gathered together at the Educational Foundation’s Scholarship and Awards Ceremony.

The annual event celebrates the academic achievements of Virginia Western students and the generosity of Educational Foundation donors.

PAG E 2 4

V I RG I N I A W E S T E R N CO M M U N I T Y CO L L EG E E D U C AT I O N A L FO U N DAT I O N

V I RG I N I AW E S T E R N . E D U / FO U N DAT I O N

PAG E 2 5

CAMPUS GROWTH

NEW STEM BUILDING IS A HUB OF

collaboration

By Karenna Glover

Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), and is now the single largest building on the Colonial

R

eturning students in the STEM program at Virginia

Avenue campus. The building and its state-of-the-art

Western Community College didn’t recognize their

equipment represent what STEM Dean Amy White has

learning space when classes began in fall 2019. The

envisioned to provide students the most ideal learning

new contemporary classrooms filled with TV monitors,

environment and prepare them for long-lasting

modular furniture and the most modern equipment

careers.

were a far cry from the classrooms in 50-year-old

“To me, the building is about preparing students for

Anderson Hall, with its traditional wooden desks,

jobs that don’t yet exist,” White said. “The space allows

chalkboards and projectors.

them to focus on critical thinking, problem-solving

The new 72,000-square-foot space houses many of Virginia Western’s programs for Science,

skills and communications skills. (But) it’s not about the equipment. It’s not about the buttons on the machine.

The view looking west from the new STEM Building captures a new campus green also flanked by Webber Hall and the Maury & Sheila Strauss Family Student Life Center.

PAG E 2 6

V I RG I N I A W E S T E R N CO M M U N I T Y CO L L EG E E D U C AT I O N A L FO U N DAT I O N

It’s about why the buttons are on the machine, and how the students can solve problems using the latest and greatest equipment.”

Building construction by Branch & Associates began in 2016, but design of the space began years earlier, and input from faculty and students is woven throughout the four-story building. ”Who knows better what students need than the faculty? The space was designed with an understanding of what works best for students and how they learn and engage,” White said.

Alif Hill, a second-year mechatronics major, was excited to see the building open and was deeply invested in the space, as he offered suggestions on the design and selection of some equipment in the new Fab Lab, including new 3-D printers. “The new building feels personal. I feel like a kid on Christmas, with all new toys,” Hill said. “I’m so excited to use the new equipment in the space.”

Tucked in the corners of each floor is space dedicated for student study, both independent and collaborative, as well as an office for walk-in tutoring where students can get peer-to-peer tutoring.

Classrooms in the $37 million facility were designed to be open and flexible, allowing students and faculty to easily move from lecture-style learning to group work.

Whiteboards cover the walls and 80inch TV monitors mounted in corners replace traditional chalkboards.

“It may sound simple and small, but I’m excited with how the seats are arranged in the new building,” said Assistant Professor of Mechatronics David Berry, noting

V I RG I N I AW E S T E R N . E D U / FO U N DAT I O N

PAG E 2 7

CAMPUS GROWTH the more open space with movable tables and chairs. “I hope it will allow me to reach my students in a better way. The new space offers us a chance to all work together, where everyone can touch things and collaborate.”

This concept of collaboration offered by the new space extends beyond the faculty and students to the community. Virginia Western leaders envision other students at other colleges, community organizations and companies across the region using both the space and new equipment. The new biotechnology suite may draw use from students and faculty from the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC to utilize new microscopes that they may not have or when use of their own equipment is overtaxed. Startup companies across the region that may not have access to stateof-the-art equipment could also partner with VWCC to access the equipment.

“I really see it as a way to

students outdoor space and gives

looking to come to the area,” said

network and engage with

visibility to the activity to those

White.

community partners and local

passing by on Colonial Avenue.

industries,” said Stacie Deaver,

Tapping into industries and

Leaders across the community agree that the new building and

Program Head of Biotechnology

understanding the current and future

equipment will better prepare VWCC

Career Studies Certificate. “This

needs for employment and skills has

students and offer them greater

could be an avenue to open

been a long-term goal of the STEM

employment opportunities.

opportunities for the science

program, and the new space reflects

economy in the area.”

this commitment.

“Harnessing innovation is essential to a forward-thinking

Entering the new Fab Lab on

Wages and employment

the first floor, you can immediately

opportunities are known to be

Western makes possible,” said Neil

see the incorporation of real-world

higher in STEM fields. According

D. Wilkin Jr., CEO of Optical Cable

environment. The black-painted

to the Pew Research Center, the

Corp. and Chair of the Virginia

ceiling and cement floor offer an

average full-time STEM worker earns

Western Community College

industrial design to the space. A

$54,575, or 26% more than a non-

Educational Foundation. “With the

garage door allows for additions

STEM worker.

opening of its new STEM facility,

of large equipment like a robot or

“Through our community

institution – and that’s what Virginia

the College is poised to meet our

over-sized machine for students to

partnerships, we are able to offer

region’s business and community

work on. It also extends the Lab to

access to an employable workforce

needs with invention, flexibility and

the outdoors with a patio offering

both to existing industries and those

an eye to what comes next.”

PAG E 2 8

V I RG I N I A W E S T E R N CO M M U N I T Y CO L L EG E E D U C AT I O N A L FO U N DAT I O N

VIRGINIA WESTERN’S NEW STEM BUILDING

By the Numbers 44 217 103 70 12

miles of communication cable

computers

TV monitors white boards wet labs (an increase of 5 on campus)

Top 5 STEM programs of study at Virginia Western • Mechatronics • Engineering • Biology/Chemistry/Biotechnology • Computer Science and Information Technology • Health Sciences

V I RG I N I AW E S T E R N . E D U / FO U N DAT I O N

NEW EQUIPMENT INCLUDES: Phase Contrast Fluorescence Microscope: Detects the presence of materials, such as protein, and identifies the location of materials in relation to other structures in a cell or tissue.

Multiphoton Confocal Microscope: Provides high-resolution fluorescent imaging of cellular processes or other materials and generates 3-D images of structures using laser scanning to improve resolution.

Scanning Electron Microscope: Provides visibility at 250 to 500 times the magnification of most light microscopes, with focused electron beams to show detailed features of samples and composition and topography information.

This microscope allows visualization at the nanometer level.

4 New Spectrometers: Used in analytical chemistry to determine information about an object or substance, these sophisticated instruments employ a variety of methods to identify and characterize materials and molecules.

Collaborative Robot: Much like industrial robots that are common in manufacturing, the largest difference between the two is that collaborative robots are designed to safely work with human operators rather than in lieu of operators. The robot can easily be taught new processes and tasks as operators or operations change, without safety concerns.

PAG E 2 9

PAG E 3 0

V I RG I N I A W E S T E R N CO M M U N I T Y CO L L EG E E D U C AT I O N A L FO U N DAT I O N

V I RG I N I AW E S T E R N . E D U / FO U N DAT I O N

PAG E 3 1

PAG E 3 2

V I RG I N I A W E S T E R N CO M M U N I T Y CO L L EG E E D U C AT I O N A L FO U N DAT I O N

V I RG I N I AW E S T E R N . E D U / FO U N DAT I O N

PAG E 3 3

PAG E 3 4

V I RG I N I A W E S T E R N CO M M U N I T Y CO L L EG E E D U C AT I O N A L FO U N DAT I O N

V I RG I N I AW E S T E R N . E D U / FO U N DAT I O N

PAG E 3 5

PAG E 3 6

V I RG I N I A W E S T E R N CO M M U N I T Y CO L L EG E E D U C AT I O N A L FO U N DAT I O N

V I RG I N I AW E S T E R N . E D U / FO U N DAT I O N

PAG E 3 7

FACULTY SUPPORT

Innovation grants

FOCUS ON CYBERSECURITY & NURSING EDUCATION

E

ach year, the Educational Foundation seeks to support faculty and staff through its Innovation Grant awards. In 2019-20, it will award more than $27,750 to the following projects:

“MEETING CERTIFICATION EXPECTATIONS FOR FACULTY” The grant enables the faculty member to meet cybersecurity certification requirements listed in Department of Defense Approved 8570 Baseline Certifications.

Project lead: B Bagby, Assistant Professor, STEM, Information Systems Technology

“CERTIFICATION PAVES THE WAY FOR EMPLOYMENT” Project objective is to provide students with the opportunity to become Autodesk Certified at no additional cost to students.

Project lead: Sherry Crickenberger, Adjunct Instructor, Program Head for Computer-Aided Drafting and Design

“NURSING FACULTY CERTIFICATION” The grant will increase nursing faculty credentials in the area of teaching and learning that supports excellence in advanced nursing practice through the National League for Nursing's Certified Nursing Educator certification. This is a nationally recognized credential.

Project lead: Lauren Hayward, Administrative Officer for Nursing, AAS Nursing Program

“GROWING CAPACITY IN TRANSPORTATION TECHNOLOGIES II” The grant will support the purchase of tools and light equipment necessary to prepare new class and lab space and launch additional courses in the new automotive and diesel technology program.

Project lead: Milan Hayward, Vice President of Workforce Development Services

Lauren Hayward, project lead for Nursing Faculty Certification innovation grant

PAG E 3 8

V I RG I N I A W E S T E R N CO M M U N I T Y CO L L EG E E D U C AT I O N A L FO U N DAT I O N

FACULTY SUPPORT

Chef Ted Polfelt is pictured with, from left, Marilyn Herbert-Ashton, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, College President Dr. Robert H. Sandel and Yvonne Campbell, Dean of the School of Business, Trades and Technology.

Endowed teaching chair HONORS COLLEGE'S CULINARY ARTS INSTRUCTOR

T

ed Polfelt, an award-winning local chef and

compete in a professional-level “culinary salon”

instructor in the College’s Al Pollard Culinary Arts

without the cost of travel. The competition will be

Program, was recognized with the Donald G. Smith

open to students and culinary professionals alike, and

Endowed Teaching Chair for 2019-21. The teaching

draw on judges sanctioned by the American Culinary

chair is intended to honor an outstanding Virginia

Federation.

Western instructor who advances the understanding

The endowed chair is named for the late Don

of business management principles in his or her

Smith, who led Roanoke Electric Steel and was a

coursework, regardless of academic discipline.

Director Emeritus of the Educational Foundation.

During his term, Polfelt plans to host a culinary

Steel Dynamics Inc., formerly Roanoke Electric Steel,

competition and educational seminar at Virginia

established the endowed chair in 2006 with a $100,000

Western that will give students the opportunity to

gift to honor Smith’s longtime leadership.

V I RG I N I AW E S T E R N . E D U / FO U N DAT I O N

PAG E 3 9

CULINARY ARTS

COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS

culinary talent

John Schopp, right, an instructor in Virginia Western’s Al Pollard Culinary Arts Program, congratulates Daniel Lemons, who was the grand prize scholarship winner in the 2019 Al Pollard Memorial Gala’s culinary competition.

A

member for the Al Pollard Memorial

which can be

company was awarded a full

Foundation, said that the Al

completed in one year.

scholarship to the Al Pollard

Pollard Zero Hunger / Zero Waste

Culinary Arts Program at Virginia

Chef Competition is intended to

which took place in September

Western Community College

help budding chefs like Lemons

2019 at Virginia Western’s culinary

after triumphing in the 2019 Al

receive a culinary education while

facilities at the Claude Moore

Pollard Memorial Gala’s culinary

simultaneously continuing their

Educational Complex at the

competition.

work in fine dining and culinary

Roanoke Higher Education Center,

institutions throughout Southwest

is held in memory of Al Pollard, an

Catering received an $8,000

Virginia. Competing chefs are

area restaurateur who created

scholarship, which covers a two-

sponsored by the restaurant or food

lauded local institutions such as

year associate degree at the

company they are employed with,

Corned Beef & Co. Pollard was

culinary school. The chef, who is in

which include several notable local

instrumental in revitalizing the

charge of smoking food at Center

institutions, including Billy’s, Lucky

downtown dining experience in

Stage, was discovered by culinary

Restaurant and 419 West.

Roanoke, and was an enthusiastic

student chef representing a Rocky Mount catering

Daniel Lemons of Center Stage

arts instructors Ted Polfelt and John

CJ King, who serves as a board

The competition, which consists

certificate,

The Al Pollard Memorial Gala,

supporter of the culinary school,

Schopp after he posted pictures

of a mystery basket-style challenge

which was announced shortly

of his cooking online. He has been

overseen by experienced judges,

before his death in 2006.

training as a secondary sous chef

benefits everyone who competes,

at the catering company ever

King said. All participants are

foundation has raised over $500,000

since, and is particularly fond of

awarded with a $4,000 scholarship

to benefit Virginia Western’s

cooking barbecue.

intended to cover a career studies

culinary program.

PAG E 4 0

Since its inception, the

V I RG I N I A W E S T E R N CO M M U N I T Y CO L L EG E E D U C AT I O N A L FO U N DAT I O N

COLLEGE NEWS

Agriculture Science VIRGINIA WESTERN'S NEWEST DEGREE PROGRAM

I

n fall 2019, Virginia Western

Education in Nursing (ACEN) for

Science Degree in Agriculture,

its Associate of Applied Science

with a goal of developing a

Degree in Nursing program. In

flexible program that is tailored

order to be recognized with this

to individual student needs.

national accreditation, the program

The A.S. Agriculture Degree

underwent a comprehensive and

is transferable to a four-year

rigorous review process for more than

college, where students can

two years to evaluate its quality and

pursue career paths such as

effectiveness on multiple levels.

extension work, agricultural

“I am so proud of Virginia

education, agribusiness

Western’s nursing faculty and

or veterinary medicine.

staff, who have committed wholeTerry Austin

modify the program to include technical skills such as welding, which can help them in their home agribusinesses.

Specialized classes such as animal science, plant science and forestry will provide students the basic skills needed to maintain livestock, land and forests. Other classes in the program, such as agribusiness and welding, can provide skills needed to handle farm finances and farm maintenance or provide an avenue of additional income.

“Agriculture is interwoven into the history of our region, which is home to more than 4,000 farms,” said Terry Austin, a Virginia House Delegate and Virginia Western alumnus. “Virginia Western’s Agriculture program will ensure that farming remains one of our cornerstone industries for decades to come.”

I

the Accreditation Commission for

launched a new Associate of

interested in transfer, they can

EARNS INITIAL ACCREDITATION received initial accreditation by

n fall 2019, Virginia Western

Alternatively, if students are not

Nursing program

heartedly to this process in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of their program and curriculum,” said Dr. Robert H. Sandel, President of Virginia Western. “As an institution, we are fortunate to reside in a healthcarefocused region, and our students are an ongoing and integral part of elevating the level of care that is provided. The ACEN accreditation will help us serve our students, our area healthcare providers and our community better.”

This national accreditation indicates to the general public and to the educational community that Virginia Western’s nursing program has clear and appropriate educational objectives and is working to achieve those objectives, and demonstrates Virginia Western’s commitment to providing a strong quality nursing program focused on excellence in nursing education.

V I RG I N I AW E S T E R N . E D U / FO U N DAT I O N

PAG E 4 1

COMMUNITY ARBORETUM

School says 'I do' to new gazebo

By Beth JoJack

department, hopes to soon see the aging gazebo replaced with

K

im Thomas and Dan Doherty

a new one, which will serve the

married in the gazebo at the

Arboretum’s numerous visitors as well

Community Arboretum at Virginia

as the next generation of love birds

Western.

wanting to say their “I dos.”

“We had both been married

“Today, the structure stands firm

before. We didn’t want to have a

but is in need of cosmetic repairs and

church wedding,” Thomas explains.

updates to allow handicap access

“I like the outdoors and he does,

and compliance with Commonwealth

too. I said, ‘Well, let’s get married

of Virginia and the Virginia Community

outdoors somewhere.’ ”

College System construction

Thomas isn’t sure what prompted her to pick the Arboretum specifically.

specifications,” BeCraft says.

While the Arboretum celebrated

“I like flowers,” she says. “I thought, ‘It’ll

its 25th anniversary in May 2018,

be pretty to get married somewhere

Virginia Western students actually

where flowers are blooming.’ ”

constructed the gazebo a couple of

She remembers the gazebo fondly as an ideal setting for her

Clark BeCraft

years before that official dedication.

BeCraft can’t take advantage of

May 4, 2003, nuptials, which were

student labor this time around due to

witnessed by a preacher, a bagpiper

regulations regarding construction on

volunteer advisory board already

and a handful of guests.

state property. “So it’s costing us more

have $25,000 in seed money to put

than it did in the past to accomplish

toward the new gazebo, which will

improvements,” BeCraft explains.

cost about $70,000. They hope to

Clark BeCraft, the coordinator of the Arboretum and the horticulture

Members of the Arboretum’s

raise about 20 percent of that by the beginning of 2020 by selling engraved pavers which will go on the floor of the gazebo and on the ground around it. “You can put that in memory or in honor of someone,” BeCraft says.

Engraved pavers range from $150 to $1,000, depending on the size and location of the brick.

In fall 2019, an anonymous donor made a matching gift challenge for the gazebo fundraising campaign.

The donor will match gifts up to $25,000, providing a significant boost toward the project’s completion.

Many Arboretum visitors

PAG E 4 2

V I RG I N I A W E S T E R N CO M M U N I T Y CO L L EG E E D U C AT I O N A L FO U N DAT I O N

mistakenly assume that taxpayers cover the attraction’s upkeep, according to BeCraft.

When the Commonwealth of Virginia originally donated the 2 acres of the Virginia Western campus for the Arboretum, organizers agreed to raise the money to build the gardens and maintain them.

Until now, proceeds from popular plant sales and membership fees to the Friends of the Arboretum program mostly covered the attraction’s day-to-day expenses.

Updating several areas of the aging attraction will require additional funding sources. “We need more money to take the Arboretum into the next 25 years,” BeCraft says.

Virginia Western horticulture students under the direction of Lee Hipp, the popular former director of the department, led the charge in the 1980s to create a public garden for the college and the public. Individuals, business owners and organizations in the Roanoke Valley raised $150,000 over a decade for the construction of the Arboretum, which was officially dedicated in 1993.

Naming the garden the Community Arboretum was appropriate not only because it was designed to serve the community, Hipp says. “It was done by the community.”

By the time the Community Arboretum

COMMUNITY ARBORETUM DONORS (July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019)

ENDOWED FUND Anonymous (2) Big Spring Garden Club Blue Ridge Wildflower Society W. Mark Burton Eleanor M. Clark, in memory of Robert V. BeCraft Tonya Harper, in memory of Robert BeCraft Linda Diane Harrison, in memory of Josephine Noblin Porter Lee and Roberta Hipp, in memory of Robert V. BeCraft Landscape Design Council Cathy Leitch William Modica, in memory of Josephine Noblin Porter Claire Privitera, in memory of Robert BeCraft Barbara Raintree School of Business, Technology & Trades, in memory of "Mr. B" Robert V. BeCraft Kalyca Schultz, in honor of James "Jim" Carter Elaine Scott Carla Selvey, in memory of Robert V. BeCraft Sandy and Mike Shelton, in memory of Bob BeCraft Kathy Sink, in memory of Robert BeCraft Laura K. Skeen Jeff Strom

Sugar Loaf Garden Club Cyndy and Brian Unwin, in memory of Robert BeCraft VWCC Horticulture Club Melissa Williams Pamela D. Woody, in memory of Dr. Andrew Archer, Mr. Rich Crites, Dr. Donna Harpold, Dr. Killian and Mona Neese

GAZEBO FUND Rose Marie Dudley Hunting Hills Garden Club Marlene M. Preston

OPERATING FUND John and Marilyn Arbogast Audrey D. Bates Sandra BeCraft Blue Ridge Wildflower Society Chip Dondrea and Brucie Boggs Mr. & Mrs. W. Chan Bolling Matilda and John Bradshaw, in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Frank T. Ellett Thomas Brock Lynn Carter, in memory of Dr. Douglas Carter Jr. Jane Chudina Connie Crites, in memory of Rich Crites Dr. Charles L. Downs Frank and Lucy Ellett

Albert and Carolyn Gard, in support of the Dr. John T. Walke Plant Zoo Gary J. Harpold, M.D. Linda Diane Harrison, in honor of William Modica Ken B. Hipp, in honor of Lee Hipp Richard and Betty Kelly, in memory of Rich Crites J. Langenhorst Dr. Robert L. McClanahan, Jr. Mill Mountain Garden Club Sidney and Wanda Miller Richard D. Nedved, in memory of Fred H. & Mary K. Nedved Dr. Elizabeth W. Payne and Mr. Anthony H. Payne Mr. & Mrs. Charles B. Ryan Sugar Loaf Garden Club Virginia Master Gardener Association, in honor of the Community Arboretum for hosting 2019 Virginia Master Gardener Educational Event Evelyn M. Walke, in memory of Dr. John T. Walke Westchester Garden Club

reaches its 30th anniversary, BeCraft hopes the new gazebo will be in place and three of the 11 gardens will be renovated.

As for Thomas, she didn’t sound too sentimental when told about the plan to replace the gazebo where she was married with a new version. She expects to return to the Arboretum with her husband the Sunday prior to their anniversary, just as they’ve always done.

“We like going back up there,” Thomas says. “We walk around the grounds and look at the flowers that are blooming and the bushes. It's always really quiet and

Interested in buying an engraved brick paver at the Community Arboretum? Options include: $1,000 for an 8X8 paver (engraved paver will be placed under roof of gazebo; includes Certificate of Authenticity and small keepsake replica paver) $500 for a 4X8 paver (engraved paver will be placed under roof of gazebo; includes Certificate of Authenticity and small keepsake replica paver) $250 for a 4X8 paver (engraved paver will be placed under roof of gazebo) $150 for a 4X8 paver (engraved paver will be placed around the outside of gazebo) To order your paver or learn about joining Friends of the Arboretum, go to virginiawestern.edu/arboretum. Depending on the Friends level you choose, membership benefits include early access to Arboretum plant sales, discounts on workshops and special events, and reciprocal privileges at more than 300 American Horticultural Society gardens.

peaceful.”

V I RG I N I AW E S T E R N . E D U / FO U N DAT I O N

PAG E 4 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

RAMP’S 2019 Startup Cohort Adapify Inc.: Creates custom mobileand web-based applications that help youth sporting organizations improve team management and communication.

FAVE: Helps corporations, municipalities and the tourism industry access new markets by understanding and meeting the needs of the 20 million Americans currently impacted by “hidden disabilities" such as autism and Alzheimer's.

Micro Harmonics Corp.: Manufactures millimeter-wave components, which are often used in scientific instruments and in other technologies.

Accelerating growth

Roanoke EDA supports entrepreneurship training for RAMP'S 3rd cohort of startups

M

embers of the RAMP Regional Accelerator’s third cohort received a world-class education in entrepreneurial development, thanks to the

continued support of the City of Roanoke’s Economic Development Authority (EDA).

RAMP, launched in 2017, selects five to eight science, technology, engineering, math and health (STEM-H) early-stage companies on an annual

Point 93: Uses blockchain and AI to help retailers recoup some of the $4 billion lost annually to discounting, with a solution that allows consumers to exchange their data for micro-price adjustments.

basis. The program then provides training and mentorship opportunities for

Prescription Soil & Plant Nutrient Management: Provides a simple, lab-tested lawn care and landscaping plan that homeowners can follow throughout all four seasons.

Blacksburg Technology Council. The EDA’s support to date has surpassed

Ticket Spicket: Its pro-level ticket platform helps customers in 35-plus states drive ticket sales, engage fans and increase fundraising.

For more information on RAMP, visit ramprb.tech PAG E 4 4

leaders of each participating company. Cohort members learn how to test product viability and marketability before selling to the general public.

The EDA’s support of RAMP dates to 2016, when the initiative began as a partnership between the City of Roanoke, Virginia Western and the Roanoke$100,000, and in 2018 and 2019 it funded cohort instruction by Virginia Western adjuncts Mike Abbott and Lisa Garcia. Both instructors, although based in Blacksburg, have international clients interested in their program of entrepreneurship and innovation training.

The EDA’s funds have also been used to enhance the working environment shared by members of RAMP’s cohorts. Each company selected by RAMP is allowed to operate its business rent-free out of the historic Gill Memorial Building on South Jefferson Street in downtown Roanoke for a full year.

V I RG I N I A W E S T E R N CO M M U N I T Y CO L L EG E E D U C AT I O N A L FO U N DAT I O N

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

RAMP Demo Day

T

he 3rd annual RAMP Demo Day drew a near-capacity crowd Sept. 9, 2019, to Virginia Western’s Whitman Theater. Each startup company residing at RAMP took to the stage, giving a short pitch presentation to an audience that included potential investors, mentors, local business leaders and Virginia Western faculty and students.

V I RG I N I AW E S T E R N . E D U / FO U N DAT I O N

PAG E 4 5

PAG E 4 6

V I RG I N I A W E S T E R N CO M M U N I T Y CO L L EG E E D U C AT I O N A L FO U N DAT I O N

‘ ’ 2019 GRADUATION

Whatever obstacles come your way,

remember, the more challenges you face, the stronger you become.

Student keynote speaker NICKOLE TOLER Associate of Applied Science (Administrative Medical Technology)

On May 10, 2019, Roanoke’s Berglund Center was filled with Virginia Western graduates and their friends and families for spring commencement.

V I RG I N I AW E S T E R N . E D U / FO U N DAT I O N

PAG E 4 7

VWCC

2019

FAST FACTS

REGIONAL IMPACT

AREAS OF STUDY

31%

69%

FULL TIME

PART TIME

# of credit students enrolled

1,153

(at least 12 credits in a semester)

# of non-credit enrollments

Source: Program-placed credit students

PROGRAM PLACED

56% In a program of study leading to a degree or certiďŹ cate

BY PROGRAM TYPE

CREDIT STUDENTS

ENROLLMENT

9,384

25% 56%

DUAL ENROLLMENT

25% Simultaneous college and high school credit

19% OTHER

19% Non program-placed students

Source: Program-placed credit students

24%

8%

23%

Science

Engineering & mathematics

24%

7%

Liberal arts & social sciences

15%

Business & professional services

9%

Health professions

6%

Information technology

8%

Other

Public service

% of recent high school graduates in the Roanoke Region who enroll at Virginia Western

Source : Based on VCCS College Readiness Reports for 2018. Percent of Spring 2018 high school graduates in the Roanoke Region who enrolled at Virginia Western for Fall 2018.

PAG E 4 8Fall

44%

43% % of students who take an online class

% of all college students from the Roanoke Region who enroll at Virginia Western

Source: Based on VCCS Residency Reports for Fall 2018. Of all individuals the Roanoke Region, V I RG I N I A W E S T Efrom R N CO MM U N I T Y CO L L EG E regardless E D U C AT I O Nof A Lage, FO Uwho N DATattended ION college in Fall 2018, the percent who attended Virginia Western.

% of students who receive financial aid

% of students over age 25

% of students who are veterans or military dependents

25%

• Other locations

• Craig County

• Salem

• Botetourt County

• Franklin County

9%

• Roanoke City

30%

• Roanoke County

60%

WHERE STUDENTS LIVE

DEMOGRAPHICS

Source: Program-placed credit students

10% 9% 8% 1%

33%

14%

OUTCOMES

# OF AWARDS, BY TYPE: 2018-19

389

AA/AS Associate degree designed for transfer

507

Certificate/Career Studies Certificate

314 1,367

TRANSFER

of these, the percent who go on to complete a four-year degree

# of industry credentials Virginia Western students earned From May 15, 2018, to May 14, 2019

TOP TRANSFER INSTITUTIONS (% OF TRANSFERS)

57%

82%

23%

15%

11%

11%

6%

Transfer graduates who enroll at a four-year institution within one year Source: State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) data for 2016-17 transfers

$43,969 EMPLOYMENT

AAS Career Technical associate degree

Source: SCHEV data for 2014-15 transfers

Source: SCHEV data for 2016-17 transfers

Average salary for Virginia Western health professions AAS graduates, one year after graduation

TOP EMPLOYERS OF GRADUATES WITH CAREER-TECHNICAL ASSOCIATE DEGREES • Carilion Medical Center • Carilion Services

• LewisGale Medical Center

TRADES AND MANUFACTURING

• Altec Industries

• Dynax America

BUSINESS

• Wells Fargo Bank

HEALTH CARE

V I RG I N I AW E S T E R N . E D U / FO U N DAT I O N

(electrical utility equipment and service provider)

(manufacturer of automatic transmission components)

SOURCE: PAG E 4 9 Virginia Western Community College Office of Institutional Effectiveness

GIVING

WHY I GIVE

William J. Farrell II I

n 2018, William J. Farrell II, president of the Berglund Automotive Group,

established the Farrell Family Fund at the Virginia Western Educational Foundation. Farrell joined the Foundation’s Board of Directors in 2015 and has served as treasurer since 2016.

Q.: What is your approach to philanthropy, and why have you chosen Virginia Western as a focus?

Our view as a family, and as a business – Berglund Automotive Group, here in the Roanoke Valley – is that we try to give back and to do things that last. We’ve had our business here coming up on 50 years in 2020. Not only has our company

William J. Farrell II

survived this long, but we’ve grown to have about 600 employees who work and raise their families here as well.

We feel that philanthropy is a great way to give back to the community that has supported us and our

whole region just as we serve the

on giving. As our endowment

employees for so many years.

whole region, and I feel that’s the

grows over time, we will be able to

best place to put our philanthropic

expand our impact more and more

dollars, at this point.

in the future. With Virginia Western’s

We have given to many great causes over the years, and we try to give to causes that will affect

Q.: Why did you create the Farrell

focus on the trades, offering

the greatest number of people.

Family Permanent Endowment Fund

two-year associate degrees and

Certainly, we do help with smaller

at Virginia Western?

certificates or credentials – whether

causes or issues that affect a smaller

We want to grow opportunity

it be for automotive technicians or

community, but in general we try

in the automotive industry for

welders, HVAC, heavy equipment

to help with causes that will have

individuals and to grow our region’s

or healthcare – we see filling the

a broader impact on the whole

economic development. We

skills gap as the most important

Valley and the whole region. Virginia

established it as an endowment

investment in the region’s future that

Western fits that vision – it serves the

because these are gifts that keep

we could make.

PAG E 5 0

V I RG I N I A W E S T E R N CO M M U N I T Y CO L L EG E E D U C AT I O N A L FO U N DAT I O N

brands like Chevy, Ford and Chrysler,

yourself and start with what you are

to international brands like Mercedes

passionate about doing. To be the

and Land Rover – and all of these

happiest in the long run, take that

vehicles are extremely technical

and connect it to a way to make a

and continue to be more and more

living, and you’ll start making a life.

advanced to work on.

We find that sometimes younger

Talk with all the people you can that have that kind of role or career

folks don’t necessarily think of these

or passion, and then find a mentor

careers in this way, and they imagine

to help you along the way. Don’t

the work differently than it is. The truth

get distracted. Life is full of daily

is the greatest tool in a technician’s

distractions, but as you go, keep your

toolbox now is his laptop. You can

focus on where you want to be until

make a great living. We have

your passion changes. One thing

technicians that have been with us

leads to another.

30 to 40 years; they’ve raised their

Q.: We know that mentors are so

families, put their kids through college

very important to a life journey. Who

and are truly proud of building a

would you say has been a mentor for

great career.

you?

Q.: How are you partnering

My father (Bruce), of course, is

with Virginia Western on a new

my best and first mentor. I’ve always

automotive technology program?

been very fortunate to have my

We‘ve been working with Virginia

dad in my life to show me the way.

Western to help start an automotive

But along the way I’ve had other

program to meet the needs of the

mentors and friends who have made

automotive trades. We’ve donated

a big difference in my life – peer

extra space at one of our facilities

mentors, automotive dealers who are

to Virginia Western and are working

owners of multiple dealerships across

with Virginia Western’s Workforce

the country that I’ve tried to get to

Development Solutions division to start

know and align myself with. There

a fast-track program. We felt that this

are organizations always in your

was the best way for us to give back

chosen industry that you can join to

to the whole community – to grow a

make those kinds of connections, so

regional workforce not only for us, as

you can see the highs and lows of all

an automotive group, but for all of our

aspects of your business.

automotive colleagues in the Valley.

But mentors can also be other

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “a

community business owners, people

play out in the region’s automotive

rising tide floats all ships,” and it’s true.

you just aspire to be more like.

industry?

We are glad to be a part of growing

Believe it or not, people like that are

automotive opportunity for the entire

always glad to take that call and

region.

talk to you. Truly successful people

Q.: How does the skills gap

In our business, we have a very tough time filling all of the automotive technician opportunities

Q.: What career advice would

are successful because they also

that we have. There is really not a

you give to a Virginia Western

want to give back by sharing those

resource here in the Valley, beyond

student sitting in front of you?

stories, because they want to make

high school, to educate young

I’d ask them first to tell me what

a difference for the future.

people in automotive careers. It’s

they love, what do they really want

Q.: Thank you for all you are

become such a specialized field.

to do. People will always be around

doing to make a difference in our

We represent more than 25 brands

to tell you what you should love

students’ futures.

here in the region – from all domestic

to do, but really be honest with

V I RG I N I AW E S T E R N . E D U / FO U N DAT I O N

It’s all about giving back.

PAG E 5 1

THE VIRGINIA WESTERN FORWARD ENDOWMENT FUND A vision of Dr. Charles W. Steger Jr.

PAG E 5 2

V I RG I N I A W E S T E R N CO M M U N I T Y CO L L EG E E D U C AT I O N A L FO U N DAT I O N

ENDOWMENT GIFT MOVES

Virginia Western forward

I

n spring 2019, Virginia Western’s

is called the Virginia Western Forward

America, said at a dedication

Student Life Center was renamed

Endowment Fund, a vision of Dr.

ceremony. “I encourage those here

the Maury & Sheila Strauss Family

Charles W. Steger Jr., in honor of the

and in our communities to follow

Student Life Center in recognition

Foundation’s late Board of Directors

their example in paving the way to

of the philanthropic leadership of

Chairman and former president of

a brighter future by engaging in their

the Strauss family. Maury Strauss,

Virginia Tech.

own philanthropy and by reaching

a Roanoke business leader and

While relatively rare nationally

out to others to help us move Virginia

founder of the Strauss Development

among community colleges,

Corp., donated $1 million to the

unrestricted endowments are known

Strauss, who was recognized

Virginia Western Community

for being impactful. The Foundation’s

with the Educational Foundation’s

College Educational Foundation to

goal is to raise $15 million, and with

Community College Impact Award

support innovative student-success

the Strauss donation, it has identified

in 2019, said he believes in giving

initiatives and the region’s economic

gifts in excess of $4 million already.

back to the region that helped build

development.

“The Strauss Family’s $1 million

Western Forward.”

his business and provide a home for

The Strauss gift launched the

naming gift drives our endowment

his family. Virginia Western “holds a

public phase of the Educational

plans forward,” W. Heywood Fralin,

warm spot in my heart,” he said, for

Foundation’s unrestricted

Foundation board member and

the power that higher education

endowment campaign. The initiative

chairman of Medical Facilities of

brings to the lives of its students.

The Strauss family gathered in January 2019 for the naming of the Maury & Sheila Strauss Family Student Live Center.

From left: Lori, Stephen, Maury and Lesleigh Strauss.

V I RG I N I AW E S T E R N . E D U / FO U N DAT I O N

PAG E 5 3

ENDOWMENT INITIATIVE

BUILDING A

legacy of strength

2018-19 ANNUAL DONORS (July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019)

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE ADVOCATE $150,000 - $299,999 Claude Moore Charitable Foundation

A

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE CATALYST

Endowment Initiative, a proud

$100,000 - $149,999

Virginia Western Distinguished

Steel Dynamics Roanoke Bar Division

s Advocacy Chair of the Educational Foundation’s

Alumna, and as former Rector of Virginia Tech, I can truly and personally attest to the power of higher education to lead change.

Every journey forward requires a strong foundation underfoot.

As my dear friend Charles Steger shared his vision for Virginia Western, he made it clear that planning for the future is the duty of the present. To this end, the Endowment Initiative at Virginia Western encompasses various forms of endowment giving. The Virginia Western Forward Endowment Fund, or the permanent endowment fund honoring his service, will enable the Foundation to enhance academic instruction and career training, financial aid in the form of scholarships, and equipment and workforce development. These investments will also enable Virginia Western to continue as a leading force in ongoing collaborative and strategic economic development.

Giving the gift of a future of opportunity rests with those here to plan for those yet to be. Please consider your legacies – personal and powerful – and share your vision with us.

Help us move Virginia Western Forward.

Deborah L. Petrine Vice Chair Virginia Western Community College Educational Foundation Chairman and CEO

LEADERSHIP SOCIETY $50,000 - $99,999

Edwin C. Hall Al Pollard Memorial Foundation

CHARTER SOCIETY $25,000 - $49,999

Ceres Foundation, Inc. The Virginia Foundation for Community College Education

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

$15,000 - $24,999 Martha and William Adams Trust Scholarship The Economic Development Authority of the City of Roanoke Powell Charitable Foundation

DEAN’S SOCIETY $5,000 - $14,999

The Helen C. Cobbs Foundation J. Frank Cook, in memory of Catherine R. Cook Delta Dental of Virginia Follett Bookstore J. Spencer and Joy Frantz Donor Advised Fund of Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia Beverly and Leon Harris Kraft Heinz Company Kroger Mid-Atlantic Kate E. and Andrew J. Parker Barbara Pietrowski and Albert Roslyn (dec.)

City of Roanoke Garnett E. Smith Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission Whitaker Fund

SCHOLAR SOCIETY $1,500 - $4,999

American Culinary Federation, Southwestern Virginia Chapter The Clifton Family Fund of Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia Daniel D. Davis Russ and Heather Ellett Farrell Foundation Dr. David C. Hanson Gary J. Harpold, M.D., in memory of Dr. Donna Harpold Stan and Elise Lanford E. C. Pace, III Tony and Amy Pearman Thomas Rutherfoord Foundation Dr. and Mrs. Robert H. Sandel, in memory of Alyse O'Neill

CHAMPIONS $750 - $1,499

Anonymous Julia Archer and Children Bank of Botetourt Elvir Berbic, M.S. Abney S. Boxley, III, in memory of Charles W. Steger, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Monty D. Brown Carilion Clinic Mary Ann and George Cartledge, Jr. Mary Ann and Glen Conrad, in honor of Jane and Bobby Sandel Warner Dalhouse Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Desimone Lucian and Tammy Grove Family Charitable Fund, a Donor Advised Fund of The U.S. Charitable Gift Trust William M. Hackworth, in memory of Dr. Marcia Weiss John and Ashley Harlow Charlotte Hines Faith Janney, in memory of Nicholas Janney Norfolk & Western Railway/ Norfolk Southern Letitia Pleasants Carolyn L. Rakes Ken and Suzanne Randolph Randall R. Rhea, MD The Elizabeth and Harry Sellers

Commonwealth Care of Roanoke

PAG E 5 4

V I RG I N I A W E S T E R N CO M M U N I T Y CO L L EG E E D U C AT I O N A L FO U N DAT I O N

2018-19 ANNUAL DONORS (July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019)

Annual Scholarship Sandy and Mike Shelton TMEIC Corporation Neil and Teena Wilkin The Barton J. and Jacqueline B. Wilner Family Fund of Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, in honor of Bobby and Jane Sandel Mr. & Mrs. J. David Wine

FRIENDS

$250 - $749 Anonymous (3) Jason and Amy Belcher Michael G. Birmingham Mr. & Mrs. W. Chan Bolling L. Preston Bryant, Jr. Ann Clark Gayle Clary Preston and Pamela Collins Colonial Trails Chapter, Colonial Dames XVII Century Glen and Marsha Combs Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas C. Conte Wanda and Paul DiMarco Kim Ellis-Littlefield Sam English Susan and Ted Feinour George K. Fischer, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Byron Randolph Foley Marianne Gandee, in memory of Wayne Gandee Dr. & Mrs. W. Andrew Hackworth Marilyn Herbert-Ashton Dr. Forest I. Jones George A. Kegley Kiwanis Club of Roanoke, in honor of Neil Wilkin Sam and Shirl Lamanca, in memory of Rita David and in honor of Hilton Holdren Natasha R. Lee Dr. & Mrs. Edmund M. Lesko Connie Stephens May Scholarship Fund of Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia Tara Nepper Susan A. Nolley Opera Roanoke Optical Cable Corporation Carolyn Payne Loretta H. Phillips Jennifer Pittman Colonel William Preston

V I RG I N I AW E S T E R N . E D U / FO U N DAT I O N

Chapter NSDAR Robertson Marketing Group Shivaji Samanta Brian Sieveking Smith Mountain Lake Garden Club The Spetzler Fund of Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia John and Patsy Starnes, in honor of Clarence Mays Subway Carole Tarrant, in memory of Joe Tarrant Dr. Radford Thomas and Sue Steele Thomas Swen Thompson Mr. & Mrs. Cranston Williams, Jr. Ed and Danielle Yarber

CONTRIBUTORS $1 - $249

Anonymous (16) Anonymous, in memory of Valerie Haynes Anonymous, in memory of Mary Stocki Donna Abbatello Advance Auto Parts Lee Allen Julia M. Andrews Andrew Anguiano Jackie Baldwin Zip and Vince Basile Kathryn Beard Lois Beck Nicole Bell Bellacino's Eydee Bernier Dr. and Mrs. Robert E. Berry, in honor of Bobby and Jane Sandel Jacqueline Biscardi Judith B. Bishop James Blackwell Betsy D. Boardwine, in memory of Deborah A. Yancey Ethel L. Bonds Whitney Bowles Kathryn Boylan Ruby Brogan Burger in the Square Cameron Carroll Center in the Square Cynthia Chan chocolatepaper Carol Clower, in memory of Dr. Andrew Archer

Nancy B. Cook, in memory of Beth Ramos and in honor of Grace Burton Shonny Kier Cooke Dr. Victoria Cox Hope Cupit, in honor of Charlie, Bob and Marie Davis Linda Curd Russ and Stacey Danstrom Janice and Larry Davidson Stacie Deaver Amanda Decker Sheila B. Delp Frank and Katharine Dennis, in memory of Dr. Marcia Weis Deschutes Brewery Cassandra Dove Dale Dulaney Daniel Ehrich Cathy Ferguson John R. Francis, Jr. Nancy E. Francisco The Fresh Market Linda H. Gale Dr. Virginia Garden The Gift Niche Ann S. Gill Peter Givens Carrie Halpin Tracy L. Harmon Craig Harris Heather Harris Lauren Hayward Sarah Higgins Hillary Holland Hollins Theatre Institute Ellen Holtman Joshua Horn Joshua C. Johnson Keith Johnson Mr. & Mrs. Thomas B. Jones, in honor of Jane and Bobby Sandel Jeffrey Kamal Richard and Betty Kelly, in memory of Prof. Rich Crites Joyce R. Kessinger Sehrish Khan Debbie LaRocca Mary Jean and John Levin Owen Lofthus Macado's Inc. Massage Envy Spa Maggie McDaniel Donald Meyer Roy and Gailen Miles Mill Mountain Theatre Mission BBQ Laura Mofield, in honor of my

grandsons Mr. and Mrs. Johnny E. Murray Joyce Music Marci Myers Woody Nester, in honor of Bill and Joyce Music Off the Rails Theatre Laura S. Overbay Judge and Mrs. Richard C. Pattisall Dr. Elizabeth W. Payne and Mr. Anthony H. Payne Rhonda Perdue Kerstin Plunkett Chris Porter Patti Prevo Bobby Prince Becky S. Queen Barbara Raintree Martha Richardson, in honor of Yadav Sapkota Roanoke Children's Theatre Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op Roanoke Symphony Orchestra Carol Rowlett Chad Sartini Kalyca Schultz, in honor of James "Jim" Carter Alexander Scott Stephanie Seagle Seasons & Occasions Connie and Steven Smith Edward M. Smith Southwest Virginia Ballet Albert W. Stewart Jeff Strom George Studtmann Martha Sullivan Table 50 Taste of Asia Debra Thomas, in memory of Mae and A.R. Coffee Deborah Thompson Alvin R. Thrasher Patti Tyree Amy Vance Lora Vasiliauskas Kitty Walls Leslie Watson Barry Webb John P. Whittle Raymond Wickersty Michael Hugh Williams Elizabeth Wilmer Bart and Lynn Wilner Gracie Wilson Robin Wood Peggy Ann Woody Sandy Workman Brenda Xeroteres

PAG E 5 5

CCAP2 CAMPAIGN DONORS (July 1, 2016, to June 30, 2019)

PRESIDENT'S CIRCLE VISIONARY $600,000+ Anonymous

PRESIDENT'S CIRCLE PHILANTHROPIST $300,000 - $599,999

CHARTER SOCIETY

CHAMPIONS

Associated Asphalt Community Catalyst Funds of Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia Kirk Foundation William J. Lemon

Anonymous (3) Mike Abajace Donna Abbatello B Bagby Lori Baker Jan Barber Jacqueline Biscardi Jennifer Bobbitt Wesley Brandi Dick and Sandi Clemmer Dr. Victoria Cox Gary Duerk Mr. and Mrs. Roy Dwyer, in honor of Kaitlyn Dwyer Vin and Bonnie Edwards, in memory of Jane Curran Zehringer Mr. Robert Falconetti and Dr. Angela Falconetti Mr. & Mrs. Raphael E. Ferris Greater Roanoke Valley Asthma & Air Quality Coalition Sarah Higgins Breck H. Hudson Beth JoJack

$25,000 - $49,999

Anonymous Kate E. and Andrew J. Parker on behalf of Carter Machinery Company City of Roanoke County of Roanoke Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

PRESIDENT'S CIRCLE ADVOCATE

$5,000 - $14,999

$150,000 - $299,999 City of Salem

PRESIDENT'S CIRCLE CATALYST $100,000 - $149,999 Advance Auto Parts American Electric Power Foundation Luke Waldrop

LEADERSHIP SOCIETY $50,000 - $99,999

$15,000 - $24,999 Mr. & Mrs. J. Spencer Frantz Friendship Foundation Powell Charitable Foundation

DEAN'S SOCIETY Appalachian Power Company Cox Communications, Inc. Franklin County Patrick and Heather Henderson Forest and Betty Jones Nathan Kerr Plastics One Inc.

$1 - $999

Amy and Tony Maiolo Amanda Mansfield Jim McAden, in honor of Forest Jones Josh and Susan Meyer Sarah Miller Woody Nester, in honor of Joyce and Bill Music Network for Good Lyle Ostrom, in memory of Debbie Yancey Rhonda Perdue Barbara Raintree Alexander Scott Stephanie Seagle Jan and Steve Shepard, in honor of Roanoke City Health Department Refugee Clinic Albert W. Stewart Cathy Swain Debra Thomas, in memory of Mae and A.R. Coffey and in honor of Law Enforcement Amy S. White, in memory of Jean Felder Sandel Raymond D. Williams Mary Teresa Willoughby

SCHOLAR SOCIETY $1,000 - $4,999

The Robertson Family Fund of Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia Mary and Douglas Waters

Anonymous Botetourt County Botetourt County Public Schools Education Foundation Estate of Joan F. Brenner Craig County The Economic Development Authority of the City of Roanoke Rockydale Quarries Corporation

PAG E 5 6

V I RG I N I A W E S T E R N CO M M U N I T Y CO L L EG E E D U C AT I O N A L FO U N DAT I O N

ENDOWED DONORS (July 1, 2016, to June 30, 2019)

VISIONARY CIRCLE

BENEFACTORS

Maury L. Strauss

William J. Lemon

PRESIDENT'S CIRCLE CUM LAUDE

SUSTAINERS

$1,000,000+

$500,000 - $999,999

Heywood and Cynthia Fralin

CORNERSTONE SOCIETY $100,000 - $499,999

George W. Logan, in honor of Anne and Granger Macfarlane and in memory of Dr. Charles W. Steger Edwin C. Hall

HERITAGE SOCIETY $50,000 - $99,999 Anonymous

CHARTER SOCIETY $25,000 - $49,999

Russ and Heather Ellett Farrell Foundation

V I RG I N I AW E S T E R N . E D U / FO U N DAT I O N

$5,000 - $9,999

$1,000 - $4,999 Deborah L. Petrine Randall R. Rhea, MD

BLUE AND GOLD SOCIETY $1 - $999

Anonymous Anonymous, in memory of Loretta A. Gray Ellen and Whitney Brown Joel Collier Sarah Higgins Amanda Mansfield Jim McAden, in honor of Doug Waters Alexander Scott Dr. Charles W. Steger (dec.) and Mrs. Janet Steger Martha Sullivan Mary and Douglas Waters, in honor of Jim McAden

PAG E 5 7

ANNUAL REPORT

Virginia Western Community College Educational Foundation, Inc. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

Year Ended December 31, 2018

Without Donor With Donor

Restrictions Restrictions

SUPPORT AND REVENUES Contributions $79,081 $3,133,594 In-kind contributions 377,253 3,718 Interest and dividend income 93,509 312,676 Net unrealized gain (loss) on investment securities (144,767) (1,835,497) Net realized gain on sales of investment securities 161,945 496,540 Gain from doubtful pledges - 5,918 Change in cash surrender value of life insurance - 41,600 Rental revenue 111,980 - Administrative fees 239,132 (239,132) Net assets released from restrictions and reclassifications 1,723,972 (1,723,972)

Total support and revenues 2,642,105 195,445

FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES

Scholarships, grants, and programs 1,401,076 - Operating expenses 820,126 - Promotion, fundraising, and marketing 128,032 - Gill building expenses 273,491 -

Total expenses 2,622,725 -

Change in net assets 19,380 195,445

NET ASSETS

Beginning 1,179,833 18,083,859

Ending $ 1,199,213 $ 18,279,304

December 31, 2018 and 2017 Total

$3,212,675 380,971 406,185 (1,980,264) 658,485 5,918 41,600 111,980 -

2,837,550

1,401,076 820,126 128,032 273,491 2,622,725 214,825

2018 ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $1,806,386 Accounts receivable 735 Pledges and grants receivable – current 340,622 Accrued interest and dividends receivable 44,472 Prepaid expenses 16,663 In-kind use of facility – current 117,915 Note receivable – current, net of imputed interest 95,238 Total current assets 2,422,031

Property and equipment Furniture and fixtures 45,583 Software 65,607

Accumulated depreciation

Net property and equipment 14,082

Other assets Pledges and grants receivable – noncurrent, net of discount 316,457 In-kind use of facility – noncurrent, net of discount 226,454 Note receivable – noncurrent, net of imputed interest - Investment securities 16,568,600 Cash surrender value of life insurance 59,060

Total other assets

19,263,692 $ 19,478,517

111,190 (97,108)

17,170,571

Total assets $19,606,684

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Current Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 128,167 Total current liabilities 128,167

NET ASSETS Without donor restrictions 1,199,213 With donor restrictions 18,279,304

Note: As independently audited by Brown, Edwards and Company, L.L.P., June 2019

Total net assets

19,478,517

Total liabilities and net assets

$ 19,606,684

2017

$755,921 460,507 39,292 12,613 117,915 90,703 1,476,951

45,583 65,607 111,190 (85,257) 25,933

335,012 340,652 95,238 17,162,682 17,460 17,951,044 $19,453,928

$ 190,236 190,236

1,179,833 18,083,859 19,263,692 $ 19,453,928

The Legacy Society honors those who, through their generosity, have the foresight to make a planned gift that will have a lasting impact on the lives of Virginia Western students and our community.

Martha and William Adams (dec.)

Joan F. Brenner (dec.)

Ruby M. Brogan Betty Conduff Craig (dec.)

Sigmund E. Davidson Edwin C. and Glenna H. (dec.) Hall Lawrence H. Hamlar (dec.)

PAG E 5 8

Gertrude Light Hubbard (dec.)

Donald M. Kinzer (dec.)

Ellen F. Knisely (dec.)

Stan and Elise Lanford Donna L. Mitchell Mary B. Moses (dec.)

Mr. & Mrs. Bernard F. Odasz

Leroy Harden Smith, Jr. (dec.)

Linda P. Stuckey Mr. & Mrs. Walter Darnall Vinyard (dec.)

J. William Wilcher Alice Becker Hinchcliffe Williams (dec.)

V I RG I N I A W E S T E R N CO M M U N I T Y CO L L EG E E D U C AT I O N A L FO U N DAT I O N

Educational Foundation Staff

Marilyn Herbert-Ashton

Amanda Mansfield

Carole Tarrant

Vice President of Institutional Advancement mherbert-ashton@ virginiawestern.edu (540) 857-6372

Philanthropy Director amansfield@ virginiawestern. edu (540) 857-6962

Coordinator of Development ctarrant@ virginiawestern. edu (540) 857-6281

Carolyn Payne CCAP and Scholarship Program Coordinator cpayne@ virginiawestern.edu (540) 857-6371

Wanda DiMarco Development Operations Assistant wdimarco@ virginiawestern. edu (540) 857-7312

Jill Sorrells Foundation Campaign Assistant jsorrells@ virginiawestern. edu (540) 857-6306

How to contact us 3093 Colonial Ave. S.W. | Fishburn Hall | Room 214F | Roanoke, VA 24015 | (540) 857-7312 Virginiawestern.edu/foundation

V I RG I N I AW E S T E R N . E D U / FO U N DAT I O N

www.facebook.com/virginiawesternfoundation

@virginiawestern

PAG E 5 9

VIRGINIA WESTERN

Educational Foundation Inc. Fishburn Hall 3093 Colonial Avenue Roanoke, VA 24015