BRCC Educational Foundation Board Chair Debra S. Callison

Vice-Chair Thomas C. Mendez

Community Link is an official publication of the Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation, Inc. 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/.

Secretary John A. DowneyTreasurer Robert S. Baldygo

John S. Barret Jr.Tony E. Biller

Alphonso P. Boxley IIIDennis O. Burnett

Stephen W. ClaffeyDenise E. “D.D.” DawsonLawrence H. Hoover Jr.

Nancy HulingsCamala B. KiteMartha Livick

Mary N. MannixJohn L. MatherlyMary McDermott

Beverly B. McGowanKaren E. SantosStacey D. Strawn

Steven E. StroopAlan J. Sweet

Travis J. TysingerCynthia Weidner

Cathleen P. Welsh

Spring 2014

Spring Fling Auction Friday, April 11, 2014

Diamond Sponsor

BRCC Educational Foundation, Inc.

the

Gold Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

MMake plans now to join us for the annual Spring Fling Auction on Friday, April 11th. This year’s theme is the 80s, so dig out your Members Only jackets, jelly shoes, Swatch watches and neon, and you could win a prize for best dressed! Our Diamond sponsor, Moseley Architects, along with our Platinum sponsors Beam Brothers Trucking and Graves-Light Wealth Management of Wells Fargo Advisors, invite you to join them for the silent auction at 6:00 p.m. and the live auction beginning at 7:45 p.m. in the Robert E. Plecker Workforce Center.

WBRCC Alumni Quick Quotes

We recently asked BRCC Alumni to tell us how BRCC made a difference in their lives, and we received some wonderful responses! Watch future issues of Community Link for more great BRCC alumni success stories that showcase how your investment in BRCC changes lives.

Taylor Fix“I am so thankful for my BRCC experience. It has had such a lasting impact on

me, from the professors I got to work with, to my student involvement on campus. It really taught me a lot about how to have no fear when it comes to making change. When I served as SGA President I spent a lot of time with administration. I felt that because I was willing to voice my opinion about important issues on campus a new level of respect was brought forth to me that made me feel more than just a student. It was that feeling that drove me to serving in the positions I now hold at my four-year institution, and will continue to use as motivation to pursue future endeavors of leadership. I am now a senior at Virginia Tech majoring in Animal and Poultry Science with double minors in

Political Science and Applied Economic Management. Upon graduating I plan to get a job working in the cattle industry and continue to stay

heavily involved with advocating for agriculture through leadership positions and working with our legislators.” BRCC ’12, Taylor Fix

Heather Bowser“While attending BRCC I visited with a great guidance counselor — a guy with thick

glasses and funny-looking hair named John Downey — who encouraged me to get involved in the school’s honor society. “You’ve got all As,” he said. “If you do this, those other schools will be begging you to apply.” The counselor was right; after graduating with honors (Magna Cum Laude) in 2001, I finally got accepted to several colleges around the country! I chose to attend BYU in Provo, UT, becoming the first BRCC graduate to transfer there. Fifteen years ago, BRCC gave me — an ungrateful high school student from Harrisonburg — a warm home to refine my grades, attitude, and lifelong goals. It’s thanks to my time at Blue Ridge that I was given enough time to start down a path, which has lead to more

happiness and success than I ever dreamed possible.” BRCC ’01, Heather Bowser

Online Giving Option AvailableDid you know that you can make an investment in BRCC online? If you value

what BRCC provides to our community, and want to help make a difference for students today, 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’s Award Winning Honor Society

The Alpha Xi Xi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa recently received multiple awards at the Virginia/West Virginia Regional Convention in Lewisburg, West Virginia. Chapter members Amber Masincup and Sergio Coppola pose with Alpha Xi Xi’s Five Star chapter development certificate. This is the highest chapter development level in Phi Theta Kappa and one of several recognitions the chapter received at the recent regional convention. The chapter was also recognized at the regional level with a Distinguished Chapter award, and a Distinguished Theme Award. Janelly Lopez received honors as Distinguished Chapter Officer, while advisor

Abby Montgomery received the Horizon Award for Advisor Service.

BRCC Enactus Returns to HaitiOn January 12, 2014, the fourth anniversary of the devastating Haiti earthquake, BRCC

Enactus members Joni Leetun, Diane Miller, Hind Tatby, and BRCC Enactus Advisor, Rebecca Evans, arrived in Haiti. During their visit, the team distributed shoes to children and visited the BRCC SIFE/Davis School for the Disabled. They provided bio-stove training, showing villagers how to build and use stoves using biomass briquettes. The team also evaluated the production process at the Mon Lopital/Davis Bakery, which is on track to gross $56,000 in its first year of operation, and provides bread to over 3,000 people living in the region.

BRCC Students Making a Difference BRCC Students Visit Richmond

A group of BRCC students and administrators traveled to Richmond in January to thank local legislators for their support of BRCC and to encourage their continued commitment to higher education in the Commonwealth. From left to right are Ezra Strickler, Dr. John Downey, Josh Abshire, Justin Burkholder, Virginia Delegate and BRCC

graduate Tony Wilt, Christopher Wittenberg, and Collette Best.

WBRCC Alumni Quick Quotes

We recently asked BRCC Alumni to tell us how BRCC made a difference in their lives, and we received some wonderful responses! Watch future issues of Community Link for more great BRCC alumni success stories that showcase how your investment in BRCC changes lives.

Taylor Fix“I am so thankful for my BRCC experience. It has had such a lasting impact on

me, from the professors I got to work with, to my student involvement on campus. It really taught me a lot about how to have no fear when it comes to making change. When I served as SGA President I spent a lot of time with administration. I felt that because I was willing to voice my opinion about important issues on campus a new level of respect was brought forth to me that made me feel more than just a student. It was that feeling that drove me to serving in the positions I now hold at my four-year institution, and will continue to use as motivation to pursue future endeavors of leadership. I am now a senior at Virginia Tech majoring in Animal and Poultry Science with double minors in

Political Science and Applied Economic Management. Upon graduating I plan to get a job working in the cattle industry and continue to stay

heavily involved with advocating for agriculture through leadership positions and working with our legislators.” BRCC ’12, Taylor Fix

Heather Bowser“While attending BRCC I visited with a great guidance counselor — a guy with thick

glasses and funny-looking hair named John Downey — who encouraged me to get involved in the school’s honor society. “You’ve got all As,” he said. “If you do this, those other schools will be begging you to apply.” The counselor was right; after graduating with honors (Magna Cum Laude) in 2001, I finally got accepted to several colleges around the country! I chose to attend BYU in Provo, UT, becoming the first BRCC graduate to transfer there. Fifteen years ago, BRCC gave me — an ungrateful high school student from Harrisonburg — a warm home to refine my grades, attitude, and lifelong goals. It’s thanks to my time at Blue Ridge that I was given enough time to start down a path, which has lead to more

happiness and success than I ever dreamed possible.” BRCC ’01, Heather Bowser

Online Giving Option AvailableDid you know that you can make an investment in BRCC online? If you value

what BRCC provides to our community, and want to help make a difference for students today, 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’s Award Winning Honor Society

The Alpha Xi Xi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa recently received multiple awards at the Virginia/West Virginia Regional Convention in Lewisburg, West Virginia. Chapter members Amber Masincup and Sergio Coppola pose with Alpha Xi Xi’s Five Star chapter development certificate. This is the highest chapter development level in Phi Theta Kappa and one of several recognitions the chapter received at the recent regional convention. The chapter was also recognized at the regional level with a Distinguished Chapter award, and a Distinguished Theme Award. Janelly Lopez received honors as Distinguished Chapter Officer, while advisor

Abby Montgomery received the Horizon Award for Advisor Service.

BRCC Enactus Returns to HaitiOn January 12, 2014, the fourth anniversary of the devastating Haiti earthquake, BRCC

Enactus members Joni Leetun, Diane Miller, Hind Tatby, and BRCC Enactus Advisor, Rebecca Evans, arrived in Haiti. During their visit, the team distributed shoes to children and visited the BRCC SIFE/Davis School for the Disabled. They provided bio-stove training, showing villagers how to build and use stoves using biomass briquettes. The team also evaluated the production process at the Mon Lopital/Davis Bakery, which is on track to gross $56,000 in its first year of operation, and provides bread to over 3,000 people living in the region.

BRCC Students Making a Difference BRCC Students Visit Richmond

A group of BRCC students and administrators traveled to Richmond in January to thank local legislators for their support of BRCC and to encourage their continued commitment to higher education in the Commonwealth. From left to right are Ezra Strickler, Dr. John Downey, Josh Abshire, Justin Burkholder, Virginia Delegate and BRCC

graduate Tony Wilt, Christopher Wittenberg, and Collette Best.

WComSonics and BRCC: Partners in Education, Training, and Opportunity

When the newly formed Public Safety division of ComSonics, Inc. needed a logo, they turned to a trusted partner, Blue Ridge Community College. In coordination with Professor John Bell of the BRCC Art Department, a logo design contest was developed around a class assignment. The student with the winning design would receive $500 from ComSonics, in addition to an assignment grade.

Kim Kenyon submitted the winning design, which is now highly visible in all promotional facets for the ComSonics Public Safety business unit. As a part-time designer, photographer, and marketing consultant, Kim was happy to be able to add the logo to her portfolio.

“I was thrilled. It was an honor to have my design chosen by a company like ComSonics. They are a true example of an entrepreneurial success story,” Kim said.

BRCC’s relationship with ComSonics dates back more than two decades; the company began funding scholarships for students in the electronics technology program in 1991. Over 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 the new soldering program. In the spring of 2013, they were recognized with the Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy by the Virginia Community College System.

ComSonics has also hired many BRCC graduates. Currently, BRCC grads make up nearly 50 percent of the Repair Services division in Harrisonburg, with 24 out of 50 employees being from the College. Director of repair services Bret Harrison said that the BRCC students, “came to the workplace with production-ready skills. Unlike many graduates of typical four-year college programs, these students possessed a hands-on understanding supported with practical book knowledge.”

“ComSonics believes in supporting the local community and finds the ‘real world’ training offered by BRCC of value. Further, the proximity and local control of BRCC facilitates the co-development of programs and skill sets for which employers have a definite need,” commented Harrison.

Pam Snyder, director of human resources at ComSonics, said that BRCC’s ability to develop programs and certifications for their current employees, according to the specific needs of their company, is invaluable. “We’re not a huge company, and Blue Ridge will help us create training to address our very niche needs, even if we only need the training to be offered once.” That training, according to Snyder, helps ComSonics to stay competitive in the industry. “Blue Ridge has been the best training resource we have.”

Bret Harrison, Malcolm McIntyre, and Mike Nesslerodt of ComSonics with BRCC student Kim Kenyon.

SSpring Fling Auction

Spring Fling kicks off at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 11th, and is your one-stop shop for spa and fitness packages, restaurant gift certificates, overnight getaways, fabulous vacations, family fun (including canoeing, camping, and passes for local landmarks and historical sites), landscaping services, artwork, handmade quilts, jewelry, and tickets for plays and sporting events! So come and bid on your favorite items and help BRCC raise funds to respond to educational needs of the central Shenandoah Valley.

In addition to our sponsors already featured, the Foundation would also like to recognize Silver Sponsors: Bowman Family Dentistry, Diveley Lind & Associates, LLC, InterChange, John L. Matherly, CPA, McDonalds, APB Restaurants/APB Management, Riddleberger Brothers, The

Rockingham Group; as well as Bronze Sponsors: Dental Health Associates, Frontier Community Bank, Houff Transfer, Lenhart Pettit, Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of Central Virginia, Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative, and Thomas B. Weidner IV, PLLC. Please visit the event website at http://www.brcc.edu/edfound/sf for an up-to-date listing of sponsors and items donated.

Tickets for this event are $60, and space is limited. If you would like to attend or sponsor the event, or donate an auction item, please contact Sally Jane Conner at (540) 453-2203 or conners@brcc.edu.

Sampling of auction items (view full list of items at http://www.brcc.edu/edfound/sf-items):

• Hornet Extreme Crossbow. Donated by Parker Compound Bows, Inc.

• An evening with the President at Bluestone Vineyard. Join Dr. John Downey and his wife Sandy for a delicious dinner at

the manor at Bluestone Vineyard. Donated by Curt and Jackie Hartman & John and Sandy Downey.

• Four Virginia Tech vs. Western Michigan football tickets for Saturday, September 27, 2014 game. Donated by Carl and

Cheryl Rosberg.

• Glider ride for one with Shenandoah Valley Soaring Club. Take off gracefully from the Eagles Nest Airport in Waynesboro,

and soar silently over the Shenandoah Valley with a FAA-certified Shenandoah Valley Soaring Club pilot at the controls.

Donated by Thomas and Cynthia Weidner.

• Memorial Day Weekend Getaway to Smith Mountain Lake, May 23-26, 2014. Donated by Dr. and Mrs. Frank Gearing.

• Polaroid XS100HD Waterproof Sports Action Video Camera. Donated by Crutchfield Corporation.

• Four Richmond Spring Cup Race (April 26, 2014) 3M VIP Race Packages. Each 3M VIP package includes a race ticket

and a pit and garage walk-through tour-a rare opportunity to experience the inner workings of a live NASCAR garage/pit

area! Donated by E & M Auto Paint & Supply Corporation.

• Hosted tour of the U.S. Capitol and lunch for two in the House Congressional Dining Room. Donated by Congressman

Bob Goodlatte.

• Flatback Cupboard. Donated by To Di IV Antiques, LLC.

• One week getaway to the Florida Keys. Enjoy a week at one of the great deep-sea fishing and reef-diving destinations

in the world, in a luxury one bedroom oceanfront condo at Bonefish Towers in Marathon, Florida. Donated by Chris and

Julia Bland.

• Two tickets and a parking pass for a 2014 Washington Redskins home game. Donated by Diveley Lind and Associates,

LLC.

• $500 travel voucher for any flight into/out of Shenandoah Valley Airport. Donated by Shenandoah Valley Regional

Airport.

Spring Fling supporters often embrace the event’s theme, as evidenced by attendees decked out in their hoedown attire last year.

WComSonics and BRCC: Partners in Education, Training, and Opportunity

When the newly formed Public Safety division of ComSonics, Inc. needed a logo, they turned to a trusted partner, Blue Ridge Community College. In coordination with Professor John Bell of the BRCC Art Department, a logo design contest was developed around a class assignment. The student with the winning design would receive $500 from ComSonics, in addition to an assignment grade.

Kim Kenyon submitted the winning design, which is now highly visible in all promotional facets for the ComSonics Public Safety business unit. As a part-time designer, photographer, and marketing consultant, Kim was happy to be able to add the logo to her portfolio.

“I was thrilled. It was an honor to have my design chosen by a company like ComSonics. They are a true example of an entrepreneurial success story,” Kim said.

BRCC’s relationship with ComSonics dates back more than two decades; the company began funding scholarships for students in the electronics technology program in 1991. Over 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 the new soldering program. In the spring of 2013, they were recognized with the Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy by the Virginia Community College System.

ComSonics has also hired many BRCC graduates. Currently, BRCC grads make up nearly 50 percent of the Repair Services division in Harrisonburg, with 24 out of 50 employees being from the College. Director of repair services Bret Harrison said that the BRCC students, “came to the workplace with production-ready skills. Unlike many graduates of typical four-year college programs, these students possessed a hands-on understanding supported with practical book knowledge.”

“ComSonics believes in supporting the local community and finds the ‘real world’ training offered by BRCC of value. Further, the proximity and local control of BRCC facilitates the co-development of programs and skill sets for which employers have a definite need,” commented Harrison.

Pam Snyder, director of human resources at ComSonics, said that BRCC’s ability to develop programs and certifications for their current employees, according to the specific needs of their company, is invaluable. “We’re not a huge company, and Blue Ridge will help us create training to address our very niche needs, even if we only need the training to be offered once.” That training, according to Snyder, helps ComSonics to stay competitive in the industry. “Blue Ridge has been the best training resource we have.”

Bret Harrison, Malcolm McIntyre, and Mike Nesslerodt of ComSonics with BRCC student Kim Kenyon.

SSpring Fling Auction

Spring Fling kicks off at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 11th, and is your one-stop shop for spa and fitness packages, restaurant gift certificates, overnight getaways, fabulous vacations, family fun (including canoeing, camping, and passes for local landmarks and historical sites), landscaping services, artwork, handmade quilts, jewelry, and tickets for plays and sporting events! So come and bid on your favorite items and help BRCC raise funds to respond to educational needs of the central Shenandoah Valley.

In addition to our sponsors already featured, the Foundation would also like to recognize Silver Sponsors: Bowman Family Dentistry, Diveley Lind & Associates, LLC, InterChange, John L. Matherly, CPA, McDonalds, APB Restaurants/APB Management, Riddleberger Brothers, The

Rockingham Group; as well as Bronze Sponsors: Dental Health Associates, Frontier Community Bank, Houff Transfer, Lenhart Pettit, Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of Central Virginia, Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative, and Thomas B. Weidner IV, PLLC. Please visit the event website at http://www.brcc.edu/edfound/sf for an up-to-date listing of sponsors and items donated.

Tickets for this event are $60, and space is limited. If you would like to attend or sponsor the event, or donate an auction item, please contact Sally Jane Conner at (540) 453-2203 or conners@brcc.edu.

Sampling of auction items (view full list of items at http://www.brcc.edu/edfound/sf-items):

• Hornet Extreme Crossbow. Donated by Parker Compound Bows, Inc.

• An evening with the President at Bluestone Vineyard. Join Dr. John Downey and his wife Sandy for a delicious dinner at

the manor at Bluestone Vineyard. Donated by Curt and Jackie Hartman & John and Sandy Downey.

• Four Virginia Tech vs. Western Michigan football tickets for Saturday, September 27, 2014 game. Donated by Carl and

Cheryl Rosberg.

• Glider ride for one with Shenandoah Valley Soaring Club. Take off gracefully from the Eagles Nest Airport in Waynesboro,

and soar silently over the Shenandoah Valley with a FAA-certified Shenandoah Valley Soaring Club pilot at the controls.

Donated by Thomas and Cynthia Weidner.

• Memorial Day Weekend Getaway to Smith Mountain Lake, May 23-26, 2014. Donated by Dr. and Mrs. Frank Gearing.

• Polaroid XS100HD Waterproof Sports Action Video Camera. Donated by Crutchfield Corporation.

• Four Richmond Spring Cup Race (April 26, 2014) 3M VIP Race Packages. Each 3M VIP package includes a race ticket

and a pit and garage walk-through tour-a rare opportunity to experience the inner workings of a live NASCAR garage/pit

area! Donated by E & M Auto Paint & Supply Corporation.

• Hosted tour of the U.S. Capitol and lunch for two in the House Congressional Dining Room. Donated by Congressman

Bob Goodlatte.

• Flatback Cupboard. Donated by To Di IV Antiques, LLC.

• One week getaway to the Florida Keys. Enjoy a week at one of the great deep-sea fishing and reef-diving destinations

in the world, in a luxury one bedroom oceanfront condo at Bonefish Towers in Marathon, Florida. Donated by Chris and

Julia Bland.

• Two tickets and a parking pass for a 2014 Washington Redskins home game. Donated by Diveley Lind and Associates,

LLC.

• $500 travel voucher for any flight into/out of Shenandoah Valley Airport. Donated by Shenandoah Valley Regional

Airport.

Spring Fling supporters often embrace the event’s theme, as evidenced by attendees decked out in their hoedown attire last year.

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