Non Profit Org. U. S. Postage and Fees Paid BRCC
Summer 2013
BRCC’s 45th commencement was held at JMU’s Convocation Center on May 11.
BRCC President Dr. John Downey, keynote speaker Rosalie Nicosia, and BRCC Local Board Vice-Chair Carl Rosberg take the stage.
April 11, 2014, 6:00 p.m., Robert E. Plecker Workforce Center
19th Annual Spring Fling Auction
September 26, 2013, 3 p.m., BRCC Grounds
BRCC’s 46th Anniversary Celebration
September 20, 2013, 12:00 p.m., Robert E. Plecker Workforce Center
President’s Luncheon
Save The Date
Address Service Requested
Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation, Inc. P. O. Box 80 Weyers Cave, VA 24486 (540) 453-2211 www.brcc.edu/EdFound
BRCC Nursing graduates look forward to serving our community.
BRCC Veterinary Technology graduates Ashley Balsley and Kristin Seamster.
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More than 500 degrees and diplomas were conferred at BRCC’s 45th commencement ceremony on May 11. BRCC’s impact on our community is profound, as we provide a pathway to success for these students and their current and future employers. BRCC students are your family members, friends, neighbors, employees, and our business and community leaders. Rosalie Nicosia, 1993 BRCC graduate and Chief Operating Officer and Compliance Officer of Whitaker Securities in New York City, delivered the keynote address. After graduating from BRCC, she went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from JMU, and then her master’s from Hofstra University. Ms. Nicosia said that the path to her current position, “wasn’t the plan” that she had when she left Blue Ridge, but that life events – motherhood, living through the attack on the World Trade Center, and amazing opportunities – led her in a different route. She told graduates, “If the map doesn’t match the road, draw a new map!”
Chair Debra S. Callison Vice-Chair Thomas C. Mendez Secretary John A. Downey Treasurer Robert S. Baldygo John S. Barret Tony E. Biller Alphonso P. Boxley III Gregory W. Campbell Stephen W. Claffey
Laura Lee Conklin Denise E. (D.D.) Dawson Lawrence H. Hoover Jr. Nancy Hulings Carl G. Lind Martha Livick
Mary N. Mannix John L. Matherly Mary McDermott Stacey D. Strawn Steven E. Stroop Don (Robin) Sullenberger III
Alan J. Sweet Travis J. Tysinger Cynthia Weidner Cathleen P. Welsh
Community Link is an official publication of the Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation. It is distributed to friends in the Shenandoah Valley, as well as BRCC faculty and staff, and is published quarterly by the Development Office, Blue Ridge Community College, Weyers Cave, VA 24486. If you have any questions or comments regarding this publication, please contact Angie Glenn, Development Services Coordinator, at (540) 453-2307 or glenna@brcc.edu. Additional articles can be found at http://community.brcc.edu/link/.
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ComSonics, Inc. Honored
ComSonics, Inc. of Harrisonburg has earned the 2013 Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy. The company was nominated for the award by Blue Ridge Community College. The award was given at a luncheon ceremony at the Country Club of Virginia on April 16. BRCC’s relationship with ComSonics, Inc. dates back more than two decades, as they have been funding scholarships for students in our electronics technology program since 1991. More than 100 student scholars have benefitted from the scholarships generously provided by ComSonics. In addition, they have donated equipment to BRCC to aid in both the existing electronics program and our new soldering program. ComSonics will be a significant partner in the new Soldering Certification program.
Spring Fling 2013 Raises Over $85,000
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Thanks to the generosity of the BRCC community, the 2013 Spring Fling was the most successful to date, breaking attendance records and raising more than $85,000! This event, held at the Robert E. Plecker Workforce Center on April 12, was sponsored by Diamond Sponsor Moseley Architects, and Platinum Sponsors Beam Brothers Trucking and Graves-Light Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors. The BRCC Educational Foundation thanks all those involved in making this a successful community event. Be sure to make plans now to join us for the next Spring Fling Auction on April 11, 2014.
When asked why Comsonics supports BRCC, Dennis Zimmerman stated that “for value, the community college is the best educational dollar for your buck. They are closer to where we need to be in the educational world.” The Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy recognition is offered by the Virginia Foundation for Community College Dennis Zimmerman, President and CEO Education (VFCCE) to honor the leading philanthropists from each of Virginia’s 23 community colleges as well as the statewide foundation. This marks the eighth year the awards have been given. This year’s class of distinguished philanthropy leaders has contributed a combined total of more than $17 million dollars to Virginia’s Community Colleges. “The generosity of the two dozen philanthropy leaders we honor represents a brilliant collection of individuals, foundations and employers who believe in the sheer beauty From left to right: Chancellor of Virginia’s Community of transformation,” says VCCS Colleges Glenn DuBois, Sara Zimmerman and Dennis Chancellor Glenn DuBois. “They Zimmerman. believe in the knowledge and skills that Virginia’s Community Colleges offer to every Virginian. We thank them deeply for the partnerships that demonstrate the brilliance of philanthropy.” The honored philanthropists will have a scholarship named after them which will be awarded next fall to a student attending their community college.
Attendees enjoyed the Spring Fling Hoedown theme, and spent the evening bidding on more than 215 items donated by generous businesses and individuals. Proceeds from the auction support student scholarships, technology in the classrooms, grant funding, and a variety of other initiatives that enhance educational opportunities for our community.
Planned Giving Corner The Blue Ridge Vision Society encourages all who support the College’s mission to use their financial and estate planning to help the College maintain the affordable access and educational experience our community expects and deserves. When you remember BRCC in your long-term planning, you are making a difference for generations of BRCC students to come. When you inform us that you have done so, you lead by example, encouraging others to do likewise. Please let us know of your plans, and allow us to publicize your name along with the other people who have so thoughtfully remembered our mission. If you have included the BRCC Educational Foundation in your estate planning or would like further information, please contact Sally Jane Conner at (540) 453-2203 or conners@brcc.edu. Including the BRCC Educational Foundation in your estate plans today allows the College to educate the deserving students in our community tomorrow.
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ComSonics, Inc. Honored
ComSonics, Inc. of Harrisonburg has earned the 2013 Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy. The company was nominated for the award by Blue Ridge Community College. The award was given at a luncheon ceremony at the Country Club of Virginia on April 16. BRCC’s relationship with ComSonics, Inc. dates back more than two decades, as they have been funding scholarships for students in our electronics technology program since 1991. More than 100 student scholars have benefitted from the scholarships generously provided by ComSonics. In addition, they have donated equipment to BRCC to aid in both the existing electronics program and our new soldering program. ComSonics will be a significant partner in the new Soldering Certification program.
Spring Fling 2013 Raises Over $85,000
T
Thanks to the generosity of the BRCC community, the 2013 Spring Fling was the most successful to date, breaking attendance records and raising more than $85,000! This event, held at the Robert E. Plecker Workforce Center on April 12, was sponsored by Diamond Sponsor Moseley Architects, and Platinum Sponsors Beam Brothers Trucking and Graves-Light Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors. The BRCC Educational Foundation thanks all those involved in making this a successful community event. Be sure to make plans now to join us for the next Spring Fling Auction on April 11, 2014.
When asked why Comsonics supports BRCC, Dennis Zimmerman stated that “for value, the community college is the best educational dollar for your buck. They are closer to where we need to be in the educational world.” The Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy recognition is offered by the Virginia Foundation for Community College Dennis Zimmerman, President and CEO Education (VFCCE) to honor the leading philanthropists from each of Virginia’s 23 community colleges as well as the statewide foundation. This marks the eighth year the awards have been given. This year’s class of distinguished philanthropy leaders has contributed a combined total of more than $17 million dollars to Virginia’s Community Colleges. “The generosity of the two dozen philanthropy leaders we honor represents a brilliant collection of individuals, foundations and employers who believe in the sheer beauty From left to right: Chancellor of Virginia’s Community of transformation,” says VCCS Colleges Glenn DuBois, Sara Zimmerman and Dennis Chancellor Glenn DuBois. “They Zimmerman. believe in the knowledge and skills that Virginia’s Community Colleges offer to every Virginian. We thank them deeply for the partnerships that demonstrate the brilliance of philanthropy.” The honored philanthropists will have a scholarship named after them which will be awarded next fall to a student attending their community college.
Attendees enjoyed the Spring Fling Hoedown theme, and spent the evening bidding on more than 215 items donated by generous businesses and individuals. Proceeds from the auction support student scholarships, technology in the classrooms, grant funding, and a variety of other initiatives that enhance educational opportunities for our community.
Planned Giving Corner The Blue Ridge Vision Society encourages all who support the College’s mission to use their financial and estate planning to help the College maintain the affordable access and educational experience our community expects and deserves. When you remember BRCC in your long-term planning, you are making a difference for generations of BRCC students to come. When you inform us that you have done so, you lead by example, encouraging others to do likewise. Please let us know of your plans, and allow us to publicize your name along with the other people who have so thoughtfully remembered our mission. If you have included the BRCC Educational Foundation in your estate planning or would like further information, please contact Sally Jane Conner at (540) 453-2203 or conners@brcc.edu. Including the BRCC Educational Foundation in your estate plans today allows the College to educate the deserving students in our community tomorrow.
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Kawneer & BRCC: A Community Partnership
Jared Jenkins graduated from BRCC in 2007 with a degree in Computer & Electronics Technology. He has been a drafter at Kawneer for 5 years.
With a connection that spans decades, Kawneer and Blue Ridge Community College continue to work together to benefit each other, and the Valley community. “Before I started at Kawneer, in May of 1984, there was already a well-developed relationship between Kawneer and Blue Ridge Community College,” said Kawneer employee Phil Hall. “BRCC graduates come to the workplace with the perfect combination of skills allowing them to quickly become productive members of our team.” In fact, there are currently 29 BRCC alumni working at Kawneer, making up nearly 40% of the total workforce. Skills such as 3D viewing capability and the discipline of an engineeringlike background – most have associate’s degrees in Mechanical Design – make them successful employees. Duane Painter, Contracts Manager at Kawneer, says that hiring local talent is something he likes to do. “It gives us a hometown feel,” he explained, adding that the BRCC graduates also provide good customer service. When Kawneer needs additional or new training for its incumbent workers, the company turns to Blue Ridge. “We’ve sent several employees for non-credit training in leadership skills,” said Painter. Both Phil and Duane are BRCC grads themselves, having received degrees in Mechanical Design Technology. The Kawneer-BRCC relationship isn’t limited to just employment and training. “Our relationship with Kawneer extends all the way back to the ‘80s when they first invested in Blue Ridge students through the BRCC Educational Foundation,” explained Amy Laser Kiger, executive director of BRCC Educational Foundation. She added, “Their recent support of the Student Outreach and Resource (SOAR) Center now makes an important difference in our ability to provide emergency financial assistance to students in need. We are fortunate to have partners like Kawneer in our community!” With the support of their parent company – Alcoa – Kawneer has donated both time and resources. A 2012 action grant provided for 40 hours of volunteer services to the SOAR Center and $3,000 this past fall, and an Alcoa Foundation grant for $15,000 was awarded to the Blue Ridge in 2011. “Our willingness to volunteer at and support BRCC is simply a way of expressing our thankfulness,” said Hall. During the 2011-12 academic year, the BRCC SOAR Center used combined resources from the Alcoa Foundation grant and the BRCC Educational Foundation to award a record $15,322.19 to help 21 students weather financial crises. Most expenditures helped cover housing costs, with other aid provided for utility payments, gas vouchers, textbooks, tuition, and car repairs. In addition to meeting emergency financial needs, the SOAR Center used Alcoa Foundation funding to purchase personal finance books and CDs; pay three credits of tuition for eight Alcoa Project students who met grade criteria; and provide an online continuing education personal finance course. Of the 16 Alcoa Project students, 87.5% enrolled in at least one subsequent semester after receiving assistance, and three have graduated from BRCC. The SOAR Center, which began as the Women’s Resource Center in 1989 as a community outreach effort, shifted its approach in the mid-1990s to meet the needs of BRCC credit students through support groups, seminars, and occasional monetary assistance for students who hit financial roadblocks. Since 1999, the SOAR Center has provided over $70,000 in temporary emergency financial assistance to over 150 male and female students.
Volunteers Cindy Bolin, Cassandra Frysinger, David Shenk, Doug Hendricks, Lawrence Soto, Bob Rees, Kim Malamphy, John Wheelbarger, Phil Hall, and Duane Painter helped to inventory the SOAR Center library, clean book shelves, organize books by author and category, and catalog books in October 2012.
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Kawneer & BRCC: A Community Partnership
Jared Jenkins graduated from BRCC in 2007 with a degree in Computer & Electronics Technology. He has been a drafter at Kawneer for 5 years.
With a connection that spans decades, Kawneer and Blue Ridge Community College continue to work together to benefit each other, and the Valley community. “Before I started at Kawneer, in May of 1984, there was already a well-developed relationship between Kawneer and Blue Ridge Community College,” said Kawneer employee Phil Hall. “BRCC graduates come to the workplace with the perfect combination of skills allowing them to quickly become productive members of our team.” In fact, there are currently 29 BRCC alumni working at Kawneer, making up nearly 40% of the total workforce. Skills such as 3D viewing capability and the discipline of an engineeringlike background – most have associate’s degrees in Mechanical Design – make them successful employees. Duane Painter, Contracts Manager at Kawneer, says that hiring local talent is something he likes to do. “It gives us a hometown feel,” he explained, adding that the BRCC graduates also provide good customer service. When Kawneer needs additional or new training for its incumbent workers, the company turns to Blue Ridge. “We’ve sent several employees for non-credit training in leadership skills,” said Painter. Both Phil and Duane are BRCC grads themselves, having received degrees in Mechanical Design Technology. The Kawneer-BRCC relationship isn’t limited to just employment and training. “Our relationship with Kawneer extends all the way back to the ‘80s when they first invested in Blue Ridge students through the BRCC Educational Foundation,” explained Amy Laser Kiger, executive director of BRCC Educational Foundation. She added, “Their recent support of the Student Outreach and Resource (SOAR) Center now makes an important difference in our ability to provide emergency financial assistance to students in need. We are fortunate to have partners like Kawneer in our community!” With the support of their parent company – Alcoa – Kawneer has donated both time and resources. A 2012 action grant provided for 40 hours of volunteer services to the SOAR Center and $3,000 this past fall, and an Alcoa Foundation grant for $15,000 was awarded to the Blue Ridge in 2011. “Our willingness to volunteer at and support BRCC is simply a way of expressing our thankfulness,” said Hall. During the 2011-12 academic year, the BRCC SOAR Center used combined resources from the Alcoa Foundation grant and the BRCC Educational Foundation to award a record $15,322.19 to help 21 students weather financial crises. Most expenditures helped cover housing costs, with other aid provided for utility payments, gas vouchers, textbooks, tuition, and car repairs. In addition to meeting emergency financial needs, the SOAR Center used Alcoa Foundation funding to purchase personal finance books and CDs; pay three credits of tuition for eight Alcoa Project students who met grade criteria; and provide an online continuing education personal finance course. Of the 16 Alcoa Project students, 87.5% enrolled in at least one subsequent semester after receiving assistance, and three have graduated from BRCC. The SOAR Center, which began as the Women’s Resource Center in 1989 as a community outreach effort, shifted its approach in the mid-1990s to meet the needs of BRCC credit students through support groups, seminars, and occasional monetary assistance for students who hit financial roadblocks. Since 1999, the SOAR Center has provided over $70,000 in temporary emergency financial assistance to over 150 male and female students.
Volunteers Cindy Bolin, Cassandra Frysinger, David Shenk, Doug Hendricks, Lawrence Soto, Bob Rees, Kim Malamphy, John Wheelbarger, Phil Hall, and Duane Painter helped to inventory the SOAR Center library, clean book shelves, organize books by author and category, and catalog books in October 2012.
BRCC Graduate Profile: Dena Cortes
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While other little girls were playing with dolls and doll houses, Dena Cortes was asking for chemistry sets and microscopes. Inspired by two caring nurses she met in childhood, Dena knew she wanted to use her inquisitive mind to help people, and that’s why she dreamed of being a nurse. “I always knew that nursing was my calling,” she says. Poet Langston Hughes asked “What happens to a dream deferred?” When life put some road blocks in Dena’s way, her aspirations of a nursing career had “to be put in a box on a shelf,” but they were not forgotten. A Mother’s Day gift of a computer helped Dena make the decision to continue her education at Blue Ridge. Dena graduated from BRCC on May 11, will take her nursing board exams in mid-June, and then start the job search in the areas of maternity/ obstetrics, oncology, or home health. Returning to school as an older student presents challenges and requires sacrifice, Dena says. She enjoyed the mix of student ages in her nursing classes and Dena Cortes checks the heart rate of fellow the camaraderie it created. Both groups of nursing student Lynne Sutherland. students can learn things from each other. “Younger students can learn to consider how each decision can affect their long term plans. Older students can learn to just be adventurous and not feel like you’re too old to accomplish things,” she notes. Finances would have derailed Dena’s dreams again had it not been for several scholarships awarded through the BRCC Educational Foundation, a work study position Lynne Sutherland and Dena Cortes in Admission and Records, and help from on graduation day. the Student Outreach and Resource Center. According to Dena, “I absolutely would not be at Blue Ridge if not for the scholarships I’ve received. All the donors have made such a difference in my life. I would not be able to pursue my dream without their generosity.”
You Can Make a Difference With your continued support, many students like Dena are able to make their educational dreams come true. The BRCC Educational Foundation awarded a record $251,981 in scholarships to 199 deserving students during the 2012-13 academic year. The Foundation closes out its fiscal year on June 30, 2013, but there is still time to contribute to the 2012-13 Blue Ridge Annual Fund. If you want to be a part of building the dreams of today’s students while ensuring them one of the finest educations available, then make your gift to the Blue Ridge Annual Fund. Simply use the enclosed envelope today, and know that you are making a difference for our students, faculty and community. Did you know that you can make an investment in BRCC online? It’s as simple as going to the BRCC Educational Foundation’s homepage at www.brcc.edu/edfound, and clicking on the “Online Donations” link!
BRCC Earns Place on National Honor Roll for Community Service Blue Ridge Community College was named to the 2013 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. This designation is the highest honor a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service learning, and civic engagement. “The faculty and students at Blue Ridge Community College have a long history of engagement in community service and service learning. We believe such service helps prepare our graduates to be active and engaged leaders in the community,” said Dr. John Downey, President of BRCC. More information on eligibility and the full list of Honor Roll awardees can be found at nationalservice.gov.
BRCC’s Phi Theta Kappa Chapter Recognized Phi Theta Kappa is an international honor society for community colleges. The purpose of Phi Theta Kappa is to recognize and to encourage scholarship among associate degree students. At the annual Virginia Regional Convention this spring, BRCC Chapter Alpha Xi Xi members Peggy Michel and Val Hiner were named to the Virginia Region Hall of Honor, and BRCC Alumna Terry Laney was recognized for her service as an officer in the Virginia Region Alumni Association. The chapter also received honors at the international level and earned 5-star status, the highest such recognition available in the Phi Theta Kappa 5-Star Development Program.
BRCC Enactus Team Wins The BRCC Enactus team (formerly SIFE) was named Regional Champion for the ninth consecutive year at the ENACTUS Regional Competition held in March in Baltimore, Maryland. As regional champion, the BRCC team advanced to the National Exposition in May, where they competed against 155 other regional teams and placed third in the nation! This is the first time that a two year college has placed among the top four teams in the country. BRCC Enactus also leaves Kansas City with over $13,000 in earnings from awards competitions. Pictured from left to right are BRCC Enactus team members Shayma Al-Sindi, Teri Stearn, Cristyn Filla, Mitch Grenzebach, Storm Butler-Hall, Jessica Romero, Yenny Hevener, and Ana Lopez.
Dr. Darrell W. Hurst Remembered Lida Hurst stands beside a portrait of her late husband, Dr. Darrell Hurst, in BRCC’s Fine Arts Center during a reception held on May 9. The portrait, along with a resolution and plaque were installed to honor Dr. Hurst’s achievements and patronage of the arts and cultural enrichment. Dr. Hurst was a founding faculty member of BRCC, educating countless students as Professor of English and Humanities from 1967 until his passing in March 2012. Dr. Hurst was instrumental in creating an endowment for cultural enrichment at BRCC, and upon his death, this fund was renamed the “Dr. Darrell W. Hurst Endowment for Cultural Enrichment.”
BRCC Graduate Profile: Dena Cortes
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While other little girls were playing with dolls and doll houses, Dena Cortes was asking for chemistry sets and microscopes. Inspired by two caring nurses she met in childhood, Dena knew she wanted to use her inquisitive mind to help people, and that’s why she dreamed of being a nurse. “I always knew that nursing was my calling,” she says. Poet Langston Hughes asked “What happens to a dream deferred?” When life put some road blocks in Dena’s way, her aspirations of a nursing career had “to be put in a box on a shelf,” but they were not forgotten. A Mother’s Day gift of a computer helped Dena make the decision to continue her education at Blue Ridge. Dena graduated from BRCC on May 11, will take her nursing board exams in mid-June, and then start the job search in the areas of maternity/ obstetrics, oncology, or home health. Returning to school as an older student presents challenges and requires sacrifice, Dena says. She enjoyed the mix of student ages in her nursing classes and Dena Cortes checks the heart rate of fellow the camaraderie it created. Both groups of nursing student Lynne Sutherland. students can learn things from each other. “Younger students can learn to consider how each decision can affect their long term plans. Older students can learn to just be adventurous and not feel like you’re too old to accomplish things,” she notes. Finances would have derailed Dena’s dreams again had it not been for several scholarships awarded through the BRCC Educational Foundation, a work study position Lynne Sutherland and Dena Cortes in Admission and Records, and help from on graduation day. the Student Outreach and Resource Center. According to Dena, “I absolutely would not be at Blue Ridge if not for the scholarships I’ve received. All the donors have made such a difference in my life. I would not be able to pursue my dream without their generosity.”
You Can Make a Difference With your continued support, many students like Dena are able to make their educational dreams come true. The BRCC Educational Foundation awarded a record $251,981 in scholarships to 199 deserving students during the 2012-13 academic year. The Foundation closes out its fiscal year on June 30, 2013, but there is still time to contribute to the 2012-13 Blue Ridge Annual Fund. If you want to be a part of building the dreams of today’s students while ensuring them one of the finest educations available, then make your gift to the Blue Ridge Annual Fund. Simply use the enclosed envelope today, and know that you are making a difference for our students, faculty and community. Did you know that you can make an investment in BRCC online? It’s as simple as going to the BRCC Educational Foundation’s homepage at www.brcc.edu/edfound, and clicking on the “Online Donations” link!
BRCC Earns Place on National Honor Roll for Community Service Blue Ridge Community College was named to the 2013 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. This designation is the highest honor a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service learning, and civic engagement. “The faculty and students at Blue Ridge Community College have a long history of engagement in community service and service learning. We believe such service helps prepare our graduates to be active and engaged leaders in the community,” said Dr. John Downey, President of BRCC. More information on eligibility and the full list of Honor Roll awardees can be found at nationalservice.gov.
BRCC’s Phi Theta Kappa Chapter Recognized Phi Theta Kappa is an international honor society for community colleges. The purpose of Phi Theta Kappa is to recognize and to encourage scholarship among associate degree students. At the annual Virginia Regional Convention this spring, BRCC Chapter Alpha Xi Xi members Peggy Michel and Val Hiner were named to the Virginia Region Hall of Honor, and BRCC Alumna Terry Laney was recognized for her service as an officer in the Virginia Region Alumni Association. The chapter also received honors at the international level and earned 5-star status, the highest such recognition available in the Phi Theta Kappa 5-Star Development Program.
BRCC Enactus Team Wins The BRCC Enactus team (formerly SIFE) was named Regional Champion for the ninth consecutive year at the ENACTUS Regional Competition held in March in Baltimore, Maryland. As regional champion, the BRCC team advanced to the National Exposition in May, where they competed against 155 other regional teams and placed third in the nation! This is the first time that a two year college has placed among the top four teams in the country. BRCC Enactus also leaves Kansas City with over $13,000 in earnings from awards competitions. Pictured from left to right are BRCC Enactus team members Shayma Al-Sindi, Teri Stearn, Cristyn Filla, Mitch Grenzebach, Storm Butler-Hall, Jessica Romero, Yenny Hevener, and Ana Lopez.
Dr. Darrell W. Hurst Remembered Lida Hurst stands beside a portrait of her late husband, Dr. Darrell Hurst, in BRCC’s Fine Arts Center during a reception held on May 9. The portrait, along with a resolution and plaque were installed to honor Dr. Hurst’s achievements and patronage of the arts and cultural enrichment. Dr. Hurst was a founding faculty member of BRCC, educating countless students as Professor of English and Humanities from 1967 until his passing in March 2012. Dr. Hurst was instrumental in creating an endowment for cultural enrichment at BRCC, and upon his death, this fund was renamed the “Dr. Darrell W. Hurst Endowment for Cultural Enrichment.”
Non Profit Org. U. S. Postage and Fees Paid BRCC
Summer 2013
BRCC’s 45th commencement was held at JMU’s Convocation Center on May 11.
BRCC President Dr. John Downey, keynote speaker Rosalie Nicosia, and BRCC Local Board Vice-Chair Carl Rosberg take the stage.
April 11, 2014, 6:00 p.m., Robert E. Plecker Workforce Center
19th Annual Spring Fling Auction
September 26, 2013, 3 p.m., BRCC Grounds
BRCC’s 46th Anniversary Celebration
September 20, 2013, 12:00 p.m., Robert E. Plecker Workforce Center
President’s Luncheon
Save The Date
Address Service Requested
Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation, Inc. P. O. Box 80 Weyers Cave, VA 24486 (540) 453-2211 www.brcc.edu/EdFound
BRCC Nursing graduates look forward to serving our community.
BRCC Veterinary Technology graduates Ashley Balsley and Kristin Seamster.
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More than 500 degrees and diplomas were conferred at BRCC’s 45th commencement ceremony on May 11. BRCC’s impact on our community is profound, as we provide a pathway to success for these students and their current and future employers. BRCC students are your family members, friends, neighbors, employees, and our business and community leaders. Rosalie Nicosia, 1993 BRCC graduate and Chief Operating Officer and Compliance Officer of Whitaker Securities in New York City, delivered the keynote address. After graduating from BRCC, she went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from JMU, and then her master’s from Hofstra University. Ms. Nicosia said that the path to her current position, “wasn’t the plan” that she had when she left Blue Ridge, but that life events – motherhood, living through the attack on the World Trade Center, and amazing opportunities – led her in a different route. She told graduates, “If the map doesn’t match the road, draw a new map!”
Chair Debra S. Callison Vice-Chair Thomas C. Mendez Secretary John A. Downey Treasurer Robert S. Baldygo John S. Barret Tony E. Biller Alphonso P. Boxley III Gregory W. Campbell Stephen W. Claffey
Laura Lee Conklin Denise E. (D.D.) Dawson Lawrence H. Hoover Jr. Nancy Hulings Carl G. Lind Martha Livick
Mary N. Mannix John L. Matherly Mary McDermott Stacey D. Strawn Steven E. Stroop Don (Robin) Sullenberger III
Alan J. Sweet Travis J. Tysinger Cynthia Weidner Cathleen P. Welsh
Community Link is an official publication of the Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation. It is distributed to friends in the Shenandoah Valley, as well as BRCC faculty and staff, and is published quarterly by the Development Office, Blue Ridge Community College, Weyers Cave, VA 24486. If you have any questions or comments regarding this publication, please contact Angie Glenn, Development Services Coordinator, at (540) 453-2307 or glenna@brcc.edu. Additional articles can be found at http://community.brcc.edu/link/.