Meet Our New Foundation Board Members Karen Clark, a native of Staunton, Virginia, currently serves as the President of Augusta Medical Group, the physician group practice division of Augusta Health in Fishersville, Virginia. Karen received a B.S. degree in Biology and Clinical Laboratory Science and a Master’s in Business Administration from James Madison University. She is a member of Calvary United Methodist Church in Stuarts Draft, and has served on several community boards including the Augusta Regional Free Clinic and the Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce. Karen and her husband, William, live in Stuarts Draft and have two daughters, Katelyn and Mariah.
Non Profit Org. U. S. Postage and Fees Paid BRCC
Fall 2017
BRCC Celebrates 50 Years of Excellence, 1967-2017
Ken Cleveland began his career as an engineer at Westinghouse in Aiken, South Carolina. He became Controller at Cadence, Inc. (formerly Specialty Blades, Inc.) in Staunton in 1996 and currently serves as its Chief Financial Officer. He received his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Virginia Tech and his Master’s in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina. He has previously served on the boards of Valley Alliance for Education, The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge, and Shenandoah Valley Technology Council. Ken resides in Verona with his wife Tonya, an Augusta County teacher, and two children, Kris and Tori.
More than 170 supporters joined us at CrossKeys Vineyard to celebrate on Saturday, September 23rd. Special thanks to our 50th Gala Title Sponsor, McDonald’s / Boxley Organization; Reception Sponsor, Graves-Light Wealth Management; Entertainment Sponsors, Augusta Health and DuPont Community Credit Union, and a multitude of generous Corporate and Friend Sponsors.
Bill Saxman was born and raised in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and graduated with a degree in history from Allegheny College. He served three years in the Air Force before beginning a business career as a marketing trainee at the Carling Brewing Company in Cleveland, Ohio. After earning his MBA from Michigan State University, Bill opened his own distributorships in the Staunton and Winchester markets. In 1983, he began focusing his energies into building Shenandoah Water Company, a home and office bottled water business, which grew from 100 customers to over 12,000 in western Virginia, northern West Virginia and Maryland. Bill sold the water business in March 2017. He has three grown children and six grandchildren, all who live in the Richmond area.
April 20, 2018, 6:00 p.m., Robert E. Plecker Workforce Center
23rd Annual Spring Fling Auction
October 18, 2017, 7:30 a.m., Waynesboro Country Club October 19, 2017, 7:30 a.m., Spotswood Country Club, Harrisonburg October 20, 2017, 7:30 a.m., Stonewall Jackson Hotel & Conference Center, Staunton
Save the Date!
Community Breakfast Series
Address Service Requested
Pamela Ungar graduated from Purdue University with a B.S. Degree in Science, then moved to Virginia Beach with her husband and two children to start her teaching career in 1975. After moving to the Shenandoah Valley, she taught Chemistry and Physics for Augusta County Public Schools. She earned her Master’s in Education from JMU, and a Doctorate from UVA, and completed her career in Augusta County by serving for 15 years as Assistant Superintendent for Instruction. Pam continues to work part-time at JMU’s College of Education. She served for six years on the Rockingham County Harrisonburg City Community Services Board. She currently resides in Rockingham County with her husband, Phillip Ungar, a ceramics instructor for BRCC and the City of Harrisonburg. They have two adult children, Eric and Bryan.
Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation, Inc. P. O. Box 80 Weyers Cave, VA 24486 (540) 453-2211 www.brcc.edu/EdFound
Matthias Smith has been General Manager of Massanutten Resort and Vice President of Great Eastern Resorts since 2014. Prior to his position in Rockingham County, he held a variety of leadership roles within the hospitality industry. Since graduating from the University of California at Berkeley, Matthias has been an active advocate for education, both in the classroom as a member of Teach for America and in supporting organizations, including Rotary International, Camp Kesem, and Santa Barbara City Community College, where he received an Associate’s degree prior to transferring to UC Berkeley. When not working at the resort or partnering in the community, Matthias spends time with his wife and three children and enjoys the outdoors.
O
Over the past 50 years, Blue Ridge Community College has changed thousands of lives through quality education in the central Shenandoah Valley. During this academic year, we’ll look back at how we began, how far we’ve come, and look ahead to a bright future in an ever-changing landscape of higher education. No history is complete without stories. We invite you to visit our Anniversary website to reminisce through pictures and stories: http:// www.brcc.edu/brcc/history/. We also encourage you to share your own Blue Ridge memories there. And if you haven’t visited campus in some time, we cordially invite you to come back. You’ll be amazed at how we’ve grown. Cultural events, open to the public, will be planned throughout the year so you can help us celebrate five decades of success. Our Mission states: “Blue Ridge Community College meets the educational needs of the community, empowering students through comprehensive programs and services, within an environment of academic excellence.” Thanks to the many supporters of the BRCC Educational Foundation, we can continue to fulfill this mission and be an integral part of all that is great about the community we call home. BRCC Educational Foundation Board
Chair Cathleen P. Welsh Vice Chair Mary Louise Leake Secretary John A. Downey Treasurer Cynthia F. Page
Kelly R.S. Blosser Rob W. Cale Karen C. Clark Kenneth S. Cleveland III Denise E. “D.D.” Dawson Douglas G. Driver Silvia T. Garcia-Romero
Teresa H. Gauldin Nancy L. Hulings Camala B. Kite Martha S. Livick Mary McDermott Beverly B. McGowan Karen E. Santos
William M. Saxman Jr. Jerry D. Sheets Alan L. Shelton Matthias N. Smith Linnea J. Spradlin Pamela K. Ungar
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.
Photo Gallery—BRCC Then and Now
A
BRCC Student Spotlight
Although he started out leaning toward pursuing a Business Management degree, Kevin Andrade, Sr. finds his interests pulling him in a different direction. But that is the beauty of a Blue Ridge education: flexibility is offered along the way. “That’s the power of choice. You can absorb the ripple effects of change,” Kevin says. “I started out with an interest in forensic accounting, but after taking some geosciences classes, I see there are so many disciplines to go into, like early warning systems for earthquakes (geophysics seismology), as an example.” Kevin decided to start a new chapter in his working life after moving to the Valley, and attending Blue Ridge helped put a plan into motion. “If you want to be successful, you have to plan for it,” says Kevin. “I’m focused now on being a good classmate. I enjoy being in class with a diverse group of students. Professors here are consummate professionals, conducting their classes in a manner which allows every student to contribute and succeed equally.” Kevin’s children attend Blue Ridge as well. Being in class with his oldest son “creates a healthy competition toward high achievement,” he says with a laugh. Community college has been a smart, affordable choice for their family. “BRCC really challenges you to do well, and that prepares you for the university. When you get there, you’re already running at that pace,” he notes. “There are very real elements of accountability, quality leadership, and teachers with impressive amounts of experience.”
Directors Emeriti Recognized for Extraordinary Service
After living in many places, Kevin is happy to call the Valley home. He loves the mountains and the people. “The atmosphere supports a feeling of community,” Kevin says. “There is a sampling of society that goes to school here, and that is one of the best strengths.”
Learning Can Be Fun
T
Your Support In Action
The Center for Academic Vision and Excellence (CAVE) is a dedicated space for BRCC’s tutoring program, group study, and student academic assistance. With laptops provided for checkout and state-of-the-art technology, the CAVE is a collaborative workspace where faculty and students can come together in a supportive and high-tech environment. One of the traditions of the CAVE is that faculty hold office hours or provide additional assistance there during free times each week. We also have a group of trained student tutors and faculty who are strong in their subject fields and willing to work with those students who may be struggling. For some students, working with a tutor may be the difference between passing and failing a course and ultimately attaining a degree. Tutors also provide feedback to instructors, helping them recognize areas where students may be having issues. Peer tutors are available for over 80 classes/subjects, including Accounting, Biology, Business, Chemistry, English, History, Math and Psychology to name a few. If needed, help with Blackboard (an online learning platform) and basic computer use are also available in the CAVE. In 2012, the BRCC Educational Foundation made an initial investment of $100,000 in the Center for Academic Vision and Excellence, funding furniture and technology to make the space a reality. Since then, the Foundation has invested over $48,000 in support of peer tutoring. Because of your support of the Educational Foundation, BRCC is able to provide students the academic support they need to succeed!
B
BRCC a Certified V3 Educator
Blue Ridge Community College received one of the first V3 Educator certifications awarded at the Virginia Community College Military Summit earlier this year. The College completed the requirements set forth by the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Educator Program.
I
In special circumstances, the Blue Ridge Community College President and the BRCC Educational Foundation Board of Directors may confer “Director Emeritus” status on a former member of the Educational Foundation Board of Directors. This designation is earned through extraordinary service to Blue Ridge Community College and the BRCC Educational Foundation. It is also the result of generous philanthropic leadership to the BRCC Educational Foundation. To date, BRCC has recognized 40 former Foundation Board members with this designation. On September 8, 2017 two more well-deserving individuals, Debra Stiles Callison and Travis J. “Ty” Tysinger, were honored. Both Debbie’s and Ty’s service to BRCC has been extraordinary, and BRCC is grateful for their past and continued support!
L
Learning Can Be Fun was an active, busy, creative time for 445 students in 58 classes over the summer! With a variety of classes to choose from in Arts, Sciences, Sports, and Literature, there was something offered for every interest. The BRCC Educational Foundation thanks McDonald’s-Boxley Organization, the Rudy Tucker family, and the Shenandoah Valley Kiwanis Club for supporting the Learning Can Be Fun program by providing need-based scholarships totaling over $2,600 to over 20 students.
“All of us at Blue Ridge Community College are thrilled to receive this certification,” said John A. Downey, BRCC president. “It represents the value the College places on training and educating our dedicated service men and women whose military experience enriches the learning environment here. In turn, what they learn here benefits the entire community as they graduate and work in local business and industry.” Recently, the V3 Educator Program held a roundtable event to discuss how employers and career centers can work together to get Veteran or Military-related students hired right out of school, to facilitate partnerships between schools and employers, and to assist Military-related students find resources to secure employment. Other education institutions certified are: John Tyler Community College, Germanna Community College, Tidewater Community College, Mary Baldwin University, Advanced Training Institute, Tri-County Driving Academy and Regent University.
Photo Gallery—BRCC Then and Now
A
BRCC Student Spotlight
Although he started out leaning toward pursuing a Business Management degree, Kevin Andrade, Sr. finds his interests pulling him in a different direction. But that is the beauty of a Blue Ridge education: flexibility is offered along the way. “That’s the power of choice. You can absorb the ripple effects of change,” Kevin says. “I started out with an interest in forensic accounting, but after taking some geosciences classes, I see there are so many disciplines to go into, like early warning systems for earthquakes (geophysics seismology), as an example.” Kevin decided to start a new chapter in his working life after moving to the Valley, and attending Blue Ridge helped put a plan into motion. “If you want to be successful, you have to plan for it,” says Kevin. “I’m focused now on being a good classmate. I enjoy being in class with a diverse group of students. Professors here are consummate professionals, conducting their classes in a manner which allows every student to contribute and succeed equally.” Kevin’s children attend Blue Ridge as well. Being in class with his oldest son “creates a healthy competition toward high achievement,” he says with a laugh. Community college has been a smart, affordable choice for their family. “BRCC really challenges you to do well, and that prepares you for the university. When you get there, you’re already running at that pace,” he notes. “There are very real elements of accountability, quality leadership, and teachers with impressive amounts of experience.”
Directors Emeriti Recognized for Extraordinary Service
After living in many places, Kevin is happy to call the Valley home. He loves the mountains and the people. “The atmosphere supports a feeling of community,” Kevin says. “There is a sampling of society that goes to school here, and that is one of the best strengths.”
Learning Can Be Fun
T
Your Support In Action
The Center for Academic Vision and Excellence (CAVE) is a dedicated space for BRCC’s tutoring program, group study, and student academic assistance. With laptops provided for checkout and state-of-the-art technology, the CAVE is a collaborative workspace where faculty and students can come together in a supportive and high-tech environment. One of the traditions of the CAVE is that faculty hold office hours or provide additional assistance there during free times each week. We also have a group of trained student tutors and faculty who are strong in their subject fields and willing to work with those students who may be struggling. For some students, working with a tutor may be the difference between passing and failing a course and ultimately attaining a degree. Tutors also provide feedback to instructors, helping them recognize areas where students may be having issues. Peer tutors are available for over 80 classes/subjects, including Accounting, Biology, Business, Chemistry, English, History, Math and Psychology to name a few. If needed, help with Blackboard (an online learning platform) and basic computer use are also available in the CAVE. In 2012, the BRCC Educational Foundation made an initial investment of $100,000 in the Center for Academic Vision and Excellence, funding furniture and technology to make the space a reality. Since then, the Foundation has invested over $48,000 in support of peer tutoring. Because of your support of the Educational Foundation, BRCC is able to provide students the academic support they need to succeed!
B
BRCC a Certified V3 Educator
Blue Ridge Community College received one of the first V3 Educator certifications awarded at the Virginia Community College Military Summit earlier this year. The College completed the requirements set forth by the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Educator Program.
I
In special circumstances, the Blue Ridge Community College President and the BRCC Educational Foundation Board of Directors may confer “Director Emeritus” status on a former member of the Educational Foundation Board of Directors. This designation is earned through extraordinary service to Blue Ridge Community College and the BRCC Educational Foundation. It is also the result of generous philanthropic leadership to the BRCC Educational Foundation. To date, BRCC has recognized 40 former Foundation Board members with this designation. On September 8, 2017 two more well-deserving individuals, Debra Stiles Callison and Travis J. “Ty” Tysinger, were honored. Both Debbie’s and Ty’s service to BRCC has been extraordinary, and BRCC is grateful for their past and continued support!
L
Learning Can Be Fun was an active, busy, creative time for 445 students in 58 classes over the summer! With a variety of classes to choose from in Arts, Sciences, Sports, and Literature, there was something offered for every interest. The BRCC Educational Foundation thanks McDonald’s-Boxley Organization, the Rudy Tucker family, and the Shenandoah Valley Kiwanis Club for supporting the Learning Can Be Fun program by providing need-based scholarships totaling over $2,600 to over 20 students.
“All of us at Blue Ridge Community College are thrilled to receive this certification,” said John A. Downey, BRCC president. “It represents the value the College places on training and educating our dedicated service men and women whose military experience enriches the learning environment here. In turn, what they learn here benefits the entire community as they graduate and work in local business and industry.” Recently, the V3 Educator Program held a roundtable event to discuss how employers and career centers can work together to get Veteran or Military-related students hired right out of school, to facilitate partnerships between schools and employers, and to assist Military-related students find resources to secure employment. Other education institutions certified are: John Tyler Community College, Germanna Community College, Tidewater Community College, Mary Baldwin University, Advanced Training Institute, Tri-County Driving Academy and Regent University.
Photo Gallery—BRCC Then and Now
A
BRCC Student Spotlight
Although he started out leaning toward pursuing a Business Management degree, Kevin Andrade, Sr. finds his interests pulling him in a different direction. But that is the beauty of a Blue Ridge education: flexibility is offered along the way. “That’s the power of choice. You can absorb the ripple effects of change,” Kevin says. “I started out with an interest in forensic accounting, but after taking some geosciences classes, I see there are so many disciplines to go into, like early warning systems for earthquakes (geophysics seismology), as an example.” Kevin decided to start a new chapter in his working life after moving to the Valley, and attending Blue Ridge helped put a plan into motion. “If you want to be successful, you have to plan for it,” says Kevin. “I’m focused now on being a good classmate. I enjoy being in class with a diverse group of students. Professors here are consummate professionals, conducting their classes in a manner which allows every student to contribute and succeed equally.” Kevin’s children attend Blue Ridge as well. Being in class with his oldest son “creates a healthy competition toward high achievement,” he says with a laugh. Community college has been a smart, affordable choice for their family. “BRCC really challenges you to do well, and that prepares you for the university. When you get there, you’re already running at that pace,” he notes. “There are very real elements of accountability, quality leadership, and teachers with impressive amounts of experience.”
Directors Emeriti Recognized for Extraordinary Service
After living in many places, Kevin is happy to call the Valley home. He loves the mountains and the people. “The atmosphere supports a feeling of community,” Kevin says. “There is a sampling of society that goes to school here, and that is one of the best strengths.”
Learning Can Be Fun
T
Your Support In Action
The Center for Academic Vision and Excellence (CAVE) is a dedicated space for BRCC’s tutoring program, group study, and student academic assistance. With laptops provided for checkout and state-of-the-art technology, the CAVE is a collaborative workspace where faculty and students can come together in a supportive and high-tech environment. One of the traditions of the CAVE is that faculty hold office hours or provide additional assistance there during free times each week. We also have a group of trained student tutors and faculty who are strong in their subject fields and willing to work with those students who may be struggling. For some students, working with a tutor may be the difference between passing and failing a course and ultimately attaining a degree. Tutors also provide feedback to instructors, helping them recognize areas where students may be having issues. Peer tutors are available for over 80 classes/subjects, including Accounting, Biology, Business, Chemistry, English, History, Math and Psychology to name a few. If needed, help with Blackboard (an online learning platform) and basic computer use are also available in the CAVE. In 2012, the BRCC Educational Foundation made an initial investment of $100,000 in the Center for Academic Vision and Excellence, funding furniture and technology to make the space a reality. Since then, the Foundation has invested over $48,000 in support of peer tutoring. Because of your support of the Educational Foundation, BRCC is able to provide students the academic support they need to succeed!
B
BRCC a Certified V3 Educator
Blue Ridge Community College received one of the first V3 Educator certifications awarded at the Virginia Community College Military Summit earlier this year. The College completed the requirements set forth by the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Educator Program.
I
In special circumstances, the Blue Ridge Community College President and the BRCC Educational Foundation Board of Directors may confer “Director Emeritus” status on a former member of the Educational Foundation Board of Directors. This designation is earned through extraordinary service to Blue Ridge Community College and the BRCC Educational Foundation. It is also the result of generous philanthropic leadership to the BRCC Educational Foundation. To date, BRCC has recognized 40 former Foundation Board members with this designation. On September 8, 2017 two more well-deserving individuals, Debra Stiles Callison and Travis J. “Ty” Tysinger, were honored. Both Debbie’s and Ty’s service to BRCC has been extraordinary, and BRCC is grateful for their past and continued support!
L
Learning Can Be Fun was an active, busy, creative time for 445 students in 58 classes over the summer! With a variety of classes to choose from in Arts, Sciences, Sports, and Literature, there was something offered for every interest. The BRCC Educational Foundation thanks McDonald’s-Boxley Organization, the Rudy Tucker family, and the Shenandoah Valley Kiwanis Club for supporting the Learning Can Be Fun program by providing need-based scholarships totaling over $2,600 to over 20 students.
“All of us at Blue Ridge Community College are thrilled to receive this certification,” said John A. Downey, BRCC president. “It represents the value the College places on training and educating our dedicated service men and women whose military experience enriches the learning environment here. In turn, what they learn here benefits the entire community as they graduate and work in local business and industry.” Recently, the V3 Educator Program held a roundtable event to discuss how employers and career centers can work together to get Veteran or Military-related students hired right out of school, to facilitate partnerships between schools and employers, and to assist Military-related students find resources to secure employment. Other education institutions certified are: John Tyler Community College, Germanna Community College, Tidewater Community College, Mary Baldwin University, Advanced Training Institute, Tri-County Driving Academy and Regent University.
Meet Our New Foundation Board Members Karen Clark, a native of Staunton, Virginia, currently serves as the President of Augusta Medical Group, the physician group practice division of Augusta Health in Fishersville, Virginia. Karen received a B.S. degree in Biology and Clinical Laboratory Science and a Master’s in Business Administration from James Madison University. She is a member of Calvary United Methodist Church in Stuarts Draft, and has served on several community boards including the Augusta Regional Free Clinic and the Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce. Karen and her husband, William, live in Stuarts Draft and have two daughters, Katelyn and Mariah.
Non Profit Org. U. S. Postage and Fees Paid BRCC
Fall 2017
BRCC Celebrates 50 Years of Excellence, 1967-2017
Ken Cleveland began his career as an engineer at Westinghouse in Aiken, South Carolina. He became Controller at Cadence, Inc. (formerly Specialty Blades, Inc.) in Staunton in 1996 and currently serves as its Chief Financial Officer. He received his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Virginia Tech and his Master’s in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina. He has previously served on the boards of Valley Alliance for Education, The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge, and Shenandoah Valley Technology Council. Ken resides in Verona with his wife Tonya, an Augusta County teacher, and two children, Kris and Tori.
More than 170 supporters joined us at CrossKeys Vineyard to celebrate on Saturday, September 23rd. Special thanks to our 50th Gala Title Sponsor, McDonald’s / Boxley Organization; Reception Sponsor, Graves-Light Wealth Management; Entertainment Sponsors, Augusta Health and DuPont Community Credit Union, and a multitude of generous Corporate and Friend Sponsors.
Bill Saxman was born and raised in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and graduated with a degree in history from Allegheny College. He served three years in the Air Force before beginning a business career as a marketing trainee at the Carling Brewing Company in Cleveland, Ohio. After earning his MBA from Michigan State University, Bill opened his own distributorships in the Staunton and Winchester markets. In 1983, he began focusing his energies into building Shenandoah Water Company, a home and office bottled water business, which grew from 100 customers to over 12,000 in western Virginia, northern West Virginia and Maryland. Bill sold the water business in March 2017. He has three grown children and six grandchildren, all who live in the Richmond area.
April 20, 2018, 6:00 p.m., Robert E. Plecker Workforce Center
23rd Annual Spring Fling Auction
October 18, 2017, 7:30 a.m., Waynesboro Country Club October 19, 2017, 7:30 a.m., Spotswood Country Club, Harrisonburg October 20, 2017, 7:30 a.m., Stonewall Jackson Hotel & Conference Center, Staunton
Save the Date!
Community Breakfast Series
Address Service Requested
Pamela Ungar graduated from Purdue University with a B.S. Degree in Science, then moved to Virginia Beach with her husband and two children to start her teaching career in 1975. After moving to the Shenandoah Valley, she taught Chemistry and Physics for Augusta County Public Schools. She earned her Master’s in Education from JMU, and a Doctorate from UVA, and completed her career in Augusta County by serving for 15 years as Assistant Superintendent for Instruction. Pam continues to work part-time at JMU’s College of Education. She served for six years on the Rockingham County Harrisonburg City Community Services Board. She currently resides in Rockingham County with her husband, Phillip Ungar, a ceramics instructor for BRCC and the City of Harrisonburg. They have two adult children, Eric and Bryan.
Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation, Inc. P. O. Box 80 Weyers Cave, VA 24486 (540) 453-2211 www.brcc.edu/EdFound
Matthias Smith has been General Manager of Massanutten Resort and Vice President of Great Eastern Resorts since 2014. Prior to his position in Rockingham County, he held a variety of leadership roles within the hospitality industry. Since graduating from the University of California at Berkeley, Matthias has been an active advocate for education, both in the classroom as a member of Teach for America and in supporting organizations, including Rotary International, Camp Kesem, and Santa Barbara City Community College, where he received an Associate’s degree prior to transferring to UC Berkeley. When not working at the resort or partnering in the community, Matthias spends time with his wife and three children and enjoys the outdoors.
O
Over the past 50 years, Blue Ridge Community College has changed thousands of lives through quality education in the central Shenandoah Valley. During this academic year, we’ll look back at how we began, how far we’ve come, and look ahead to a bright future in an ever-changing landscape of higher education. No history is complete without stories. We invite you to visit our Anniversary website to reminisce through pictures and stories: http:// www.brcc.edu/brcc/history/. We also encourage you to share your own Blue Ridge memories there. And if you haven’t visited campus in some time, we cordially invite you to come back. You’ll be amazed at how we’ve grown. Cultural events, open to the public, will be planned throughout the year so you can help us celebrate five decades of success. Our Mission states: “Blue Ridge Community College meets the educational needs of the community, empowering students through comprehensive programs and services, within an environment of academic excellence.” Thanks to the many supporters of the BRCC Educational Foundation, we can continue to fulfill this mission and be an integral part of all that is great about the community we call home. BRCC Educational Foundation Board
Chair Cathleen P. Welsh Vice Chair Mary Louise Leake Secretary John A. Downey Treasurer Cynthia F. Page
Kelly R.S. Blosser Rob W. Cale Karen C. Clark Kenneth S. Cleveland III Denise E. “D.D.” Dawson Douglas G. Driver Silvia T. Garcia-Romero
Teresa H. Gauldin Nancy L. Hulings Camala B. Kite Martha S. Livick Mary McDermott Beverly B. McGowan Karen E. Santos
William M. Saxman Jr. Jerry D. Sheets Alan L. Shelton Matthias N. Smith Linnea J. Spradlin Pamela K. Ungar
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.
Meet Our New Foundation Board Members Karen Clark, a native of Staunton, Virginia, currently serves as the President of Augusta Medical Group, the physician group practice division of Augusta Health in Fishersville, Virginia. Karen received a B.S. degree in Biology and Clinical Laboratory Science and a Master’s in Business Administration from James Madison University. She is a member of Calvary United Methodist Church in Stuarts Draft, and has served on several community boards including the Augusta Regional Free Clinic and the Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce. Karen and her husband, William, live in Stuarts Draft and have two daughters, Katelyn and Mariah.
Non Profit Org. U. S. Postage and Fees Paid BRCC
Fall 2017
BRCC Celebrates 50 Years of Excellence, 1967-2017
Ken Cleveland began his career as an engineer at Westinghouse in Aiken, South Carolina. He became Controller at Cadence, Inc. (formerly Specialty Blades, Inc.) in Staunton in 1996 and currently serves as its Chief Financial Officer. He received his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Virginia Tech and his Master’s in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina. He has previously served on the boards of Valley Alliance for Education, The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge, and Shenandoah Valley Technology Council. Ken resides in Verona with his wife Tonya, an Augusta County teacher, and two children, Kris and Tori.
More than 170 supporters joined us at CrossKeys Vineyard to celebrate on Saturday, September 23rd. Special thanks to our 50th Gala Title Sponsor, McDonald’s / Boxley Organization; Reception Sponsor, Graves-Light Wealth Management; Entertainment Sponsors, Augusta Health and DuPont Community Credit Union, and a multitude of generous Corporate and Friend Sponsors.
Bill Saxman was born and raised in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and graduated with a degree in history from Allegheny College. He served three years in the Air Force before beginning a business career as a marketing trainee at the Carling Brewing Company in Cleveland, Ohio. After earning his MBA from Michigan State University, Bill opened his own distributorships in the Staunton and Winchester markets. In 1983, he began focusing his energies into building Shenandoah Water Company, a home and office bottled water business, which grew from 100 customers to over 12,000 in western Virginia, northern West Virginia and Maryland. Bill sold the water business in March 2017. He has three grown children and six grandchildren, all who live in the Richmond area.
April 20, 2018, 6:00 p.m., Robert E. Plecker Workforce Center
23rd Annual Spring Fling Auction
October 18, 2017, 7:30 a.m., Waynesboro Country Club October 19, 2017, 7:30 a.m., Spotswood Country Club, Harrisonburg October 20, 2017, 7:30 a.m., Stonewall Jackson Hotel & Conference Center, Staunton
Save the Date!
Community Breakfast Series
Address Service Requested
Pamela Ungar graduated from Purdue University with a B.S. Degree in Science, then moved to Virginia Beach with her husband and two children to start her teaching career in 1975. After moving to the Shenandoah Valley, she taught Chemistry and Physics for Augusta County Public Schools. She earned her Master’s in Education from JMU, and a Doctorate from UVA, and completed her career in Augusta County by serving for 15 years as Assistant Superintendent for Instruction. Pam continues to work part-time at JMU’s College of Education. She served for six years on the Rockingham County Harrisonburg City Community Services Board. She currently resides in Rockingham County with her husband, Phillip Ungar, a ceramics instructor for BRCC and the City of Harrisonburg. They have two adult children, Eric and Bryan.
Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation, Inc. P. O. Box 80 Weyers Cave, VA 24486 (540) 453-2211 www.brcc.edu/EdFound
Matthias Smith has been General Manager of Massanutten Resort and Vice President of Great Eastern Resorts since 2014. Prior to his position in Rockingham County, he held a variety of leadership roles within the hospitality industry. Since graduating from the University of California at Berkeley, Matthias has been an active advocate for education, both in the classroom as a member of Teach for America and in supporting organizations, including Rotary International, Camp Kesem, and Santa Barbara City Community College, where he received an Associate’s degree prior to transferring to UC Berkeley. When not working at the resort or partnering in the community, Matthias spends time with his wife and three children and enjoys the outdoors.
O
Over the past 50 years, Blue Ridge Community College has changed thousands of lives through quality education in the central Shenandoah Valley. During this academic year, we’ll look back at how we began, how far we’ve come, and look ahead to a bright future in an ever-changing landscape of higher education. No history is complete without stories. We invite you to visit our Anniversary website to reminisce through pictures and stories: http:// www.brcc.edu/brcc/history/. We also encourage you to share your own Blue Ridge memories there. And if you haven’t visited campus in some time, we cordially invite you to come back. You’ll be amazed at how we’ve grown. Cultural events, open to the public, will be planned throughout the year so you can help us celebrate five decades of success. Our Mission states: “Blue Ridge Community College meets the educational needs of the community, empowering students through comprehensive programs and services, within an environment of academic excellence.” Thanks to the many supporters of the BRCC Educational Foundation, we can continue to fulfill this mission and be an integral part of all that is great about the community we call home. BRCC Educational Foundation Board
Chair Cathleen P. Welsh Vice Chair Mary Louise Leake Secretary John A. Downey Treasurer Cynthia F. Page
Kelly R.S. Blosser Rob W. Cale Karen C. Clark Kenneth S. Cleveland III Denise E. “D.D.” Dawson Douglas G. Driver Silvia T. Garcia-Romero
Teresa H. Gauldin Nancy L. Hulings Camala B. Kite Martha S. Livick Mary McDermott Beverly B. McGowan Karen E. Santos
William M. Saxman Jr. Jerry D. Sheets Alan L. Shelton Matthias N. Smith Linnea J. Spradlin Pamela K. Ungar
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.