OUR REGION'S FUTURE. - Virginia Western Community College

FROM THE 

PRESIDENT’S DESK 

Impacting 

our Region 

Dear Friends: 

Th e Virginia Western Educational 

Foundation continues to make 

signifi cant progress in spite of the 

adverse economic conditions that 

abound. In my last letter, I updated 

you regarding the Salem Community 

College Access Program (SCCAP 

as we like to abbreviate it). Today, 

I’d like to talk about a whole new 

program being rolled out – the 

RCCAP (Roanoke Community 

College Access Program if we don’t 

abbreviate it). 

Th e City of Roanoke, the Roanoke 

Women’s Foundation, area businesses 

and the Virginia Western Educational 

Foundation teamed up to establish an 

innovative public/private partnership 

to fund this expanded initiative. Th e 

goal is to provide the opportunity for 

all 2009 Roanoke City high school 

graduates to continue their education 

tuition–free at Virginia Western 

Community College. Like the 

SCCAP, this program is designed to 

prepare our students for well-paying 

jobs within the region and/or transfer 

to a 4-year college. 

Th e Educational Foundation 

is constantly seeking to grow 

and create new and innovative 

programs such as the CCAP, even 

in these diffi cult times. Th e US 

investment market has suff ered 

serious volatility and declines in value 

in the last year, which has greatly 

impacted educational endowments 

nationwide – ours included. 

Knowing student need for tuition 

assistance today is greater than ever, 

the Foundation remains focused 

on fi nding new and creative ways 

to assist as many needy students as 

possible given funds available. 

In addition to the Salem and 

Roanoke CCAP programs, the 

Foundation will also provide over 

$70,000 in scholarships to 117 

students for the fall of 2009. When 

you add all this up, the future impact 

to our region is enormous. An 

educated workforce is an essential 

key to the quality of life of all our 

citizens. However, in order to 

continue our work, we need your 

help and support. 

Get to know the Virginia Western 

Educational Foundation and get 

involved. Help us continue to make 

this positive impact felt across our 

entire region. Please consider making 

a donation to support and grow these 

important programs. Together we 

can make powerful changes. 

Imagine the impact. 

Sincerely, 

Russell H. Ellis, President 

Virginia Western Community 

College Educational Foundation 

2 • Spring/Summer 2009 Virginia Western Educational Foundation Alumni & Friends News • Volume 2 • Issue 2

2 

4 

DEPARTMENTS 

From the President 

Bits and Bites 

Above – Amy Fenster’s 

Microbiology Lab takes a hands– 

on approach to learning. Cover – 

Kandy Elliott and Ginny 

Jarrett of the Roanoke Women’s 

Foundation, who sponsored 

the pilot year for the Roanoke 

Community College Access 

Program. Below – Members of 

the Roanoke City School Board 

and School Superintendent Dr. 

Rita Bishop have embraced the 

Roanoke Community College 

8 

12 

14 

FEATURES 

CONTENTS 

Brokers of Hope 

Th e Roanoke Women’s Foundation has helped to 

bring a sense of hope to Roanoke City high school 

students. 

Innovative Teaching, Innovative Learning 

At Virginia Western, a hands-on education is much 

more than a promise, it is a reality. 

Distinguished Alumni Award 2008 

Donna Mitchell ‘81, the 2008 award recipient, 

is just one example of how alumni can make a 

diff erence for their alma mater. 

EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

Access Program. Impact is published by the Virginia Western Educational Foundation, 

Inc. for donors, alumni, and friends of Virginia Western Community 

4 

7 

Donors 

Alumni in the News 

ALUMNI COUNCIL MEMBERS 

Cheryl Cunningham ‘86, Chair 

Anne Hogan ‘76, Vice Chair 

Susan Cain 

Jimmy Holt ‘83 

Barbara Maberry ‘03 

Donna Mitchell ‘81 

Deb Saunders ‘93 

Shirl Lamanca ‘75 

Sonya Ranson ‘85 

Roger Bellini ‘09, SGA President 

College. Comments and suggestions may be sent to VWCC Educational 

Foundation, P.O. Box 14007, Roanoke, VA 24038-4007 or by 

calling (540) 857-8914. 

President 

Russell H. Ellis 

Vice President 

James W. Arend 

Secretary 

Edwin C. Hall 

Treasurer 

Neil D. Wilkin, Jr. 

Immediate Past 

President 

Donna L. Mitchell 

Local Board Chair 

Dennis R. Cronk 

College President 

Robert H. Sandel 

At-Large Members 

Th omas R. Bagby 

Barry W. Baird 

Jason Bingham 

Martha Bruce Boggs 

John S. Capps 

R. Daniel Carson, Jr. 

Dorothy S. Clifton 

Glen C. Combs 

Katherine Elliott 

Ronald R. Hare 

Barry L. Henderson 

Cynthia D. Lawrence 

William L. Lee 

Harold M. McLeod, III 

Gerald Pace, Sr. 

James W. Th weatt, Jr. 

Directors Emeriti 

G. Len Boone 

G. Franklin Flippin 

William H. Fralin, Jr. 

John R. Francis, Jr. 

Barbara B. Lemon 

Elizabeth W. Payne, 

Ed.D. 

Donald G. Smith 

John B. Williamson, III 

For more information on the Virginia Western Educational Foundation 

and its programs or activities, please contact: 

Katherine F. Strickland, Executive Director 

Phone: (540) 857-6020 | kstrickland@virginiawestern.edu 

Wanda L. DiMarco, Administrative & Offi ce Specialist 

Phone: (540) 857-6371 | wdimarco@virginiawestern.edu 

Linda J. Fayed, Fiscal Technician 

Phone: (540) 857-7312 | lfayed@virginiawestern.edu 

Erik W. Williams, Alumni Relations & 

Annual Giving Coordinator 

Phone: (540) 857-8914 | ewilliams@virginiawestern.edu 

Virginia Western Educational Foundation Alumni & Friends News • Volume 2 • Issue 2 Spring/Summer 2009 • 3

2008 - 2009 

ANNUAL 

CONTRIBUTORS 

as of 5/13/2009 

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE 

$10,000+ 

Al Pollard Memorial Foundation 

LEADERSHIP SOCIETY 

$5,000 - $9,999 

Mrs. Grace B. Taylor 

Fred Whitaker Company 

COMMUNITY PARTNERS 

$1,000 - $4,999 

Anonymous (3) 

Barry and Alison Baird 

Belmont Presbyterian Church 

Bank of Botetourt 

Mr. & Mrs. Monty D. Brown 

Mrs. Dorothy S. Clifton 

Th e Commonwealth Council 

Dennis R. Cronk 

Mr. Daniel Davis 

Walter Dixon 

Dixon, Hubard, Feinour & Brown, Inc. 

Mr. & Mrs. Dan Fisher 

Mr. Gregory Freeman and Dr. Gudrun 

Freeman 

Gary J. Harpold, M.D. 

Leon and Beverly Harris 

Faith Janney -e 

Ms. Cheryl C. Miller -e 

nTelos Foundation 

Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Odasz 

Prestige Motorcycle Club 

Colonel William Preston, DAR 

Dr. Albert S. Roslyn 

Mr. & Mrs. Donald G. Smith 

Dr. & Mrs. Chuck Terrell -e 

in memory of Pat Morgan 

Mr. & Mrs. James W. Th weatt, Jr. 

Dr. Rosalind Williams 

Michael A. Wray 

DEAN’S SOCIETY 

$500 - $999 

Dr. J. Andrew Archer 

in honor of Carol Clower 

Cabell and Shirley Brand Charitable Lead 

Trust 

Mr. & Mrs. R. Daniel Carson, Jr. 

BITS & BITES 

AND WE HAVE A WINNER…. 

What do Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts – Las Vegas, Johnson 

& Wales University – Denver, and Virginia Western Community 

College all have in common? Th ey all have winners in the Dole Frozen 

Fruit Culinary Student Recipe Contest! 

Sam Fochtman, who is enrolled in the A.A.S. Culinary Arts Degree 

Program, was announced a fi rst–place winner in the contest. Th e 

contest was open to any level culinary student and they could choose 

one of four categories to compete in: Breakfast/Baking, Salad/Side Dish, 

Dessert/Pastry or Entrée. 

Two sections of HRI 218 Fruit, 

Vegetable and Starch Preparation were 

taught in the fall, and entering this 

contest was a requirement of the course. 

Th e main criterion was to incorporate 

Dole Frozen Fruit into the dish. Sam 

entered a Baked Brie with Fruit Coulis 

recipe in the Dessert/Pastry category 

and won one of four fi rst-place prizes. 

- DOLE is a registered trademark of Dole 

Food Company, Inc. 

BAKED BRIE WITH FRUIT COULIS 

Makes 8 desserts 

Ingredients: 

1 cup DOLE fresh frozen sliced 

strawberries, thawed with juice 

1 cup DOLE fresh frozen 

blueberries, thawed with juice 

DOLE fresh frozen mango chunks, 

thawed 

8 oz. brie cheese round, cut into 8 

wedges 

1 egg 

1 Tbsp. water 

1/3 to 1/2 cup brown sugar 

17.3 oz. puff pastry sheets, thawed 

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 

2. Place strawberries and blueberries 

with juice in a blender or food 

processor. Cover and blend until 

smooth. 

3. Heat berry blend in a small 

saucepan over medium heat for 4 to 

5 minutes. Cool slightly and push 

through a sieve to remove seeds. Set 

sauce aside. 

4. Stir egg and water together in a 

small bowl. 

5. Unfold one pastry sheet on a 

lightly fl oured surface and cut into 

four 5-inch squares. Repeat with a 

second pastry sheet. 

6. Prepare each pastry square by 

sprinkling a small amount of brown 

sugar in the center. Cut one brie 

wedge in half and stack on top. Add 

a mango chunk. Brush the edges of 

the pastry square with egg mixture. 

Fold the corners of the pastry 

square to the center over the cheese 

and fruit, sealing well at all sides. 

Lightly brush top with additional 

egg mixture. 

7.Place bundles on a large baking 

sheet that has been sprayed with 

nonstick cooking spray. 

8. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or 

until golden brown. 

9. Serve on dessert plates with a 

spoonful of berry sauce. 


MEET SUSAN CAIN 

Not only is Susan the most recently elected member of the Virginia 

Western Alumni Council, but she is also Virginia Western’s most 

recently published alumni author! 

Her new novel, � reefold, off ers murder, mystery, 

ghost haunting, and romance, along with twists 

arah Carroll had just lost her mother to suicide, or so it 

and turns and an ending you will seemed. never She is determined guess. to make certain people pay It for 

S not keeping their promises that led up to her mother’s 

death. But will they pay, or will she be the one to pay…Threefold? 

is available through most major bookstores’ online 

Tainted with suicide, murder, hauntings, romance 

and page by page suspense, Threefold will keep you 

on the edge of your seat from cover to cover. 

stores. Susan plans to market her book throughout 

Virginia and surrounding states. Her fi rst book, 

Pride and a Tear, was published four years ago, 

also by PublishAmerica. 

Be sure to go out and pick up your copy of 

� reefold and enjoy the latest from one of Virginia 

www.PublishAmerica.com 

Western’s alumni authors! 

BITS & BITES Dr. John S. Capps -e 

VIRGINIA WESTERN, YOUR 

BEST LOCAL RESOURCE 

As we all continue to feel the pressures of the ongoing economic 

downturn, remember that Virginia Western Community College is your 

local resource for numerous services and off erings to help you weather 

the economic storm. 

Th rough our Hall Associates Career & 

Employment Assistance Center, our Learn 

Connect Workforce Development Services, 

and even our Alumni Association, Virginia 

Western wants to be your resource when 

it comes to your career search, retraining 

opportunities, and local business discounts. 

For assistance with fi nding a job, writing that resume, and other 

employment and career–related needs, contact the Hall Associates 

Career & Employment 

Assistance Center at 857-7298. 

For assistance with various 

training initiatives, the 

Quick Connect program, and numerous other programs, contact the 

Workforce Development Services Offi ce at 857-6076. 

Th inking about changing your career or returning to the classroom? 

Contact our Admissions Offi ce at 857-7231 to explore your 

opportunities. 

Want to take advantage of 

local and national discounts 

on everything from gym 

memberships to a rental car? Join 

the Virginia Western Alumni Association; simply visit virginiawestern. 

edu/alumni or call 857-8914. 

THREEFOLD 

Susan R. Cain 

Clark & Karen Cole 

Mr. & Mrs. Preston M. Collins, Jr. 

Mr. Sigmund E. Davidson 

in honor of Dorothy S. Clifton 

Down Syndrome Association of Roanoke 

Mr. & Mrs. Russell H. Ellis 

R. Wayne and Marianne E. Gandee 

Dr. Virginia Garden -e 

in memory of Dr. Donna Harpold 

Bill, Andrew & Elizabeth Hackworth 

in memory of Judy Hackworth 

Dr. David C. Hanson -e 

Ronald Hare 

Ellen P. Holtman -e 

in memory of Louis Bass 

Anne B. Kornegay -e 

in memory of Shannon Crouse 

Mr. & Mrs. Mark Lawrence 

Mr. & Mrs. Samuel L. Lionberger, Jr. 

Sandra Rakes McMinnis -e 

in memory of Mr. & Mrs. Glenn W. Rakes 

Ms. Donna L. Mitchell 

G. Michael Pace, Jr. 

Lynn Painter -e 

Jim Poythress -e 

Mr. & Mrs. Charles A. Saldarini 

Sandy Shelton 

Ms. Betsey E. Soulsby 

Southern Refrigeration Corporation 

Kay and Wayne Strickland -e 

Allen and Pamela Trigger -e 

Emily and Chip Woodrum 

Brenda Lee Xeroteres -e 

in honor of Christopher Abblett 

Danielle and Ed Yarber 

Mr. & Mrs. Gary C. Young -e 

SCHOLAR SOCIETY 

$250 - $499 

Anonymous 

Tommy Amos -e 

Anderson Construction, Inc. 

Grady and Lori Baker -e 

in honor of Student Services Division 

Mr. & Mrs. C. Whitney Brown, Jr. 

Brucie Boggs and Chip Dondrea 

Glen and Marsha Combs 

Nancy B. Cook -e 

in memory of Beth Ramos 

Continued on page 6 


Nancy E. Francisco -e 

in memory of Yolanda Salyers 

Mr. & Mrs. Barry L. Henderson 

Dan Horine -e 

Lynn Hancock Hurt -e 

in memory of Wanda L. Basham 

Shirl Duke Lamanca -e 

in memory of Hilton Holdren, III & 

in memory of Preston B. Mayson, MD 

Ms. Susan V. Lockwood 

Carlton and Melody Mabe -e 

Mr. & Mrs. Ralph D. Mabes 

in honor of Michael Williams 

David and Mary Jo Mitchell 

Elizabeth H. Muse 

Tara L. Nepper -e 

Susan Quesenberry -e 

Martha Roberson -e 

Richard and Deanna Shoemaker 

in honor of our children, grandchildren and 

great-grandchildren 

Brian Sieveking -e 

Patsy and John Starnes 

Mr. Albert W. Stewart 

in memory of Prof. James E. Nelson 

Mr. Jeff Strom -e 

Ms. Natasha Taylor -e 

Mr. Christopher Vaughn -e 

Marla S. Whiteside -e 

Erik W. Williams -e 

Mr. & Mrs. Douglas R. Wright 

Deborah A. Yancey -e 

Ms. Kelsey Yardley -e 

FRIENDS 

$100 - $249 

Anonymous (11) 

Gary M. Adkins -e 

William Alexander -e 

Amy Anguiano -e 

Gilbert and Sharon Armour -e 

in memory of Nicholas E. Janney 

Ms. Cristin Barrett -e 

Nicole Bell -e 

Mr. John Berardi -e 

Dr. & Mrs. Robert E. Berry 

in honor of Dr. & Mrs. Robert Sandel 

Jim Blackwell 

Michael and Teresa Birmingham 

Pat Bolt 

Kathryn Boylan -e 

Ruby Brogan -e 

BITS & BITES 

Advance Auto Contributes 

$125,000 to support RCCAP 

Advance Auto Parts 

recently contributed 

$125,000 to support the 

Roanoke Community 

College Access Program 

(RCCAP). Advance Auto 

Parts joins other prominent 

area businesses such 

as Appalachian Power, 

Carilion Clinic, Medical Facilities of America, and Trane as supporters of 

RCCAP. Th e Roanoke Women’s Foundation is the ‘09-’10 pilot program 

year sponsor. For more information on the Community College Access 

Program, visit www.virginiawestern.edu/ccap. 

(above from left to right) Roanoke City School Board Chair David Carson joins VWCC 

President Dr. Robert Sandel and VWCC Educational Foundation Executive Director 

Kay Strickland to accept a check from Advance Auto Parts CEO Darren Jackson and 

President Jim Wade. 

HALL ASSOCIATES 

CAREER CENTER CORNER 

Question: I need some help fi nding a job; 

can someone at Virginia Western help? 

Answer: 

Th e Hall Associates Career & 

Employment Assistance Center has 

numerous tools to help you fi nd the job 

that you are searching for! By stopping 

by their offi ce in the Student Center, 

Room 202, or calling the offi ce at 857- 

7298, or by visiting their interactive 

website at virginiawestern.edu/career_ 

center, the staff in the Career Center 

can get you well on your way to fi nding 

that job that is just right for you. Do 

you need help with your resume? Th ey 

can help with that as well. Let the 

Hall Associates Career & Employment 

Assistance Center be your local resource 

in your employment search! 

Th e Hall Associates Career and Employment Assistance Center would be happy 

to help you create an eff ective resume. Contact them at (540) 857-7298 or 

careercenter@virginiawestern.edu. Th ey look forward to hearing from you! 


BITS & BITES 

YOUR IMPACT. THEIR EDUCATION. 

OUR REGION’S FUTURE. 

At the Educational Foundation’s 2008 Awards Ceremony this past 

November, the Foundation recognized 99 area residents as recipients of 

2008-2009 Educational Foundation Scholarships. Individuals, businesses, 

and corporations investing in scholarships for Virginia Western students 

create doorways for individual growth and achievement that would otherwise 

be closed. 

Virginia Western Responds to 

Reduced Operating Budget 

Virginia Western Community 

College, like all other state agencies 

and institutions of higher education 

in Virginia, has been hit hard by the 

current economic downturn facing 

the country. For the past three 

years, the state has reduced the 

College’s operating budget by over 

three million dollars, with Virginia 

now providing just over 52% of the 

College’s overall budget. 

With a greater reliance on tuition 

dollars to alleviate the current 

budget shortfall, the College has 

remained committed to maintaining 

its core mission of providing 

quality educational off erings to the 

Roanoke Valley while not impacting 

learning and the classroom experience. 

� rough restricted travel, 

reduced marketing eff orts, restructuring 

of programs and divisions, 

a hiring freeze, and various other 

measures, Virginia Western has 

positioned itself to continue to be 

“� e Community’s College” and 

to maintain a commitment to its 

core values of Integrity, Excellence, 

Service, and Community. 

� rough innovative programs 

such as the City of Salem Community 

College Access Program, 

the Roanoke Community College 

Access Program and increased 

scholarship opportunities, Virginia 

Western’s friends, alumni, and donors 

are doing their part to ensure 

a brighter future for the Roanoke 

Valley by ensuring that money is 

never a barrier to a Virginia Western 

Brad and Yvonne Burkholder -e 

in memory of Clyde Jones 

Carroll Family -e 

Dr. & Mrs. Richard L. Clark, Jr. -e 

Mr. William W. Clingempeel 

Leah K. Coff man -e 

Bob and Sally Crawford -e 

Wanda and Paul DiMarco -e 

Linda E. Durham, Ph.D. -e 

Frank and Lucy Ellett 

Kim Ellis -e 

Linda and Jerry Fayed -e 

in honor of Colin, Sophia, Lana & Ellis 

Wayne & Cris Flippen 

Richard Gaynor -e 

Mike Greer -e 

Terry and Zana Hall 

Ronald Hare 

David W. Harrison -e 

in honor of B Bagby (in keeping the arts alive!) 

Anne and Al Hurt 

Ann R. Kakouras -e 

George Kegley 

Anne Koon -e 

Rachelle Koudelik-Jones -e 

Dr. Gloria Lindsay -e 

Owen Lofthus, II -e 

in memory of Dr. Donna Harpold 

Dr. Mary B. Loritsch -e 


Karen P. McCall -e 

Heidi McClintic -e 

in memory of Dr. Gare LeCompte 

Maggie McDaniel -e 

Dr. Roy G. Miles 

Melanie Moore -e 

Mona R. Moore -e 

Dr. Ann H. Moser -e 

Joyce Music 

Meg and Rick Patterson -e 

Mary Y. Perry -e 

Pat Price -e 

Dr. Avis C. Quinn -e 

Janet Rathbun -e 

Karen Rayl -e 

in memory of Curtis F. Orpin, Sr. 

Robyn Reid -e 

in memory of Mark Harrell 

Martha Richardson 

Continued on page 16 


BROKERS 

OF HOPE 

you 

h e a r d 

the good 

news? We 

“Have 

can go to 

college now!” Th ose were the 

exclamations that reverberated 

throughout Dr. Katherine F. 

Walker’s Th e Foundations of 

Leadership class at William 

Fleming High School – a 

program that is the result of a 

partnership between Hollins 

University, the Junior League 

and William Fleming. 

Th e old adage “good news 

travels fast” held true last fall. 

Just two short days after Th e 

Roanoke Women’s Foundation 

(RWF) awarded the Virginia 

Western Community College 

Educational Foundation a 

$100,000 grant to jumpstart the 

Roanoke Community College 

Access Program (Roanoke 

CCAP), students in Dr. Walker’s 

class already knew the news 

– and the impact it would have 

on their lives. 

“Th ese girls could pinpoint 

areas that dramatically aff ect their 

lives,” says Walker. “Th e dropout 

rate is one of those factors. Th ey 

understand at a level that’s not 

based on statistics, but on what 

they’re seeing every day.” 

Modeled after the City of 

Salem Community College 

Access Program (SCCAP), 

the Roanoke CCAP is a pilot 

program that makes college 

available tuition-free to 2009 

graduates of Patrick Henry or 

William Fleming High School. 

Th e program covers the cost 

of tuition at Virginia Western 

� rough the generosity of women like Kandy Elliott (left) and Ginny 

Jarrett (right) and the entire Roanoke Women’s Foundation, the 

Roanoke Community College Access Program will begin in 2009 and 

off er 2009 graduating seniors from Roanoke City an opportunity to 

attend Virginia Western Community College for two years tuition-free. 


From left to right, Roanoke City School Board members 

Todd Putney, Mae Huff , Roanoke City Public Schools 

Superintendent Dr. Rita Bishop, School Board Chairman 

David Carson, School Board member Suzanne Moore, and 

School Board Vice-Chairman Jason Bingham. 

Community College for two years or up to 72 credit hours, 

whichever comes fi rst, and supports as many students as 

possible, based on student need and funds available. 

Unbeknownst to Walker’s students, she is a RWF member, 

and her students were volunteering this information. 

“Th ey understood that access to college would improve the 

graduation rate,” she says. 

Currently, Roanoke City Schools has a 52% dropout 

rate, the tenth highest in the state. But the Virginia Western 

Educational Foundation Board has worked tirelessly with city 

school board members and local businesses to decrease that 

rate by developing the Roanoke CCAP. Dr. Robert Sandel, 

president of Virginia Western, says the program “could be the 

catalyst to keep kids in school.” 

Dr. Rita Bishop, superintendent of Roanoke City Schools, 

says the program is a “ray of light” amid other challenges the 

school system faces and calls those responsible for the program 

“brokers of hope.” She laments that many students do not see 

the value in taking honors programs or fi nishing high school. 

“Th is program creates real hope for kids without support 

or role models who don’t see a way out, or who maybe have 

parents who have worked hard and are still in poverty,” says 

Jason Bingham, Vice Chairman, Roanoke City School Board 

and Educational Foundation Board Member. 

Th e Roanoke CCAP “provides a motivation for our young 

people,” says Ginny Jarrett, member and co-founder of the 

RWF. “Th is gives them something to look forward to—a ‘leg 

up’ that will help them the rest of their lives.” 

“Th e community is really at stake here,” says Kandy Elliott, 

RWF co-founder with Jarrett. “Ultimately, we all gain if we 

end up with a stronger workforce, and you have to be more 

educated to be more employable.” 

Local businesses and industries do not have enough 


skilled applicants to fi ll positions. Many jobs require postsecondary 

training/education beyond high school, but less 

than a four-year degree. “Th e Roanoke CCAP can provide 

candidates who meet these needs,” says Bingham. “Th ese 

are kids who are staying in the area as we train them for jobs 

that need to be fi lled.” 

WE ALL VIEW THIS AS A 

PROGRAM THAT DIRECTLY 

AFFECTS OUR CHILDREN, GIVES 

THEM HOPE, KEEPS THEM IN 

SCHOOL AND ENCOURAGES THEM 

TO DO WELL IN SCHOOL 

Sandel calls the program a “pipeline” to the job market 

and says, “We want students to come to college here and 

have an opportunity to take programs of study that will 

lead them into job opportunities.” Once students complete 

a certificate program, 

earn an associate’s degree 

or complete coursework 

to transfer to a four-year 

college or university, 

they can utilize the Hall 

Associates Career and 

Placement Center located 

on the Virginia Western 

campus to help them line 

up internships and jobs. 

Th anks to the generous 

grant from the RWF, this 

pilot program begins 

in fall 2009. By the 

next academic year, the 

Roanoke CCAP will be 

a full-fl edged program 

with funding from fi ve 

entities: area business and 

industry, Roanoke City 

Schools, Roanoke City, 

the federal government 

and the Virginia Western 

From left to right, Jason Bingham, 

Kandy Elliott, David Carson, and 

Ginny Jarrett 

Educational Foundation. 

“We all view this as a program that directly aff ects 

our children, gives them hope, keeps them in school and 

encourages them to do well in school,” says Dave Carson, 

Chairman, Roanoke City School Board. 

Th at’s why Bingham says, “Th ere’s no ‘sell’ to this 

program. As soon as people hear about it, they say, ‘How 

can I help?’” And it’s a key reason the Roanoke CCAP 

garnered such overwhelming support from the RWF, which 

off ers women a vehicle for collaborative giving in response 

to the communities’ many needs. Th e Roanoke CCAP fi t 

into one of the RWF’s four broad areas of support, but also 

addresses the plight of the city schools—a key community 

issue brought to the organization’s attention before their 

annual grant application review process. 

Individual women comprise RWF membership, and 

each member casts an equal vote when selecting its annual 

large-impact grants. Th e RWF has given away $618K to 14 

non-profi t organizations in just four years. 

Walker says the broad impact the Roanoke CCAP has on 

the larger community is what makes it so exciting. “Th is is 

the kind of program that aff ects these students in a way that 

makes them want to talk about it. Everybody recognizes the 

importance of it. Everybody gets it.” 


INNOVATIVE TEACHING, 

INNOVATIVE LEARNING 

When you visit the third fl oor of 

Anderson Hall, you can see many 

students busily walking about to 

their next class, studying for their 

chemistry test, or just taking a break before their 

next anatomy course. But if you happen to pass 

the biology lab with Amy Fenster busily walking 

around to groups of engaged and interested 

students, then you have stumbled onto just 

one of the many examples of how innovative 

teaching methods empower students to succeed 

here at Virginia Western. 

Having been at Virginia Western Community 

College for over four years, Amy Fenster has 

brought her love of biology and microbiology to 

her students. Having received her undergraduate 

degree from James Madison University and 

her graduate degree in microbiology and 

immunology from Virginia Commonwealth 

University, Amy knew that becoming a college 

professor was something that she wanted to 

do. “I really, really love science,” states Fenster, 

so teaching science seemed like a perfect fi t. “I 

remembered how important it was for me to 

be turned on to science early by my mentor in 

college, and I wanted to have that same eff ect 

on students,” notes Fenster. “Students can get 

turned off to science early if it is not presented 

to them correctly, and I want to make sure that 

does not happen.” 

Her passion for teaching and learning 

is evident in her teaching methods as well. 

Having received several Virginia Western 

Community College Educational Foundation 

Innovation Grants, which provide funding 

for academic enrichment, innovative projects, 

novel approaches, and creative activities that 

are typically not funded through traditional 

sources, Amy introduced an innovative 

approach to teaching in her microbiology class 

by giving her students an unknown organism 

at the beginning of the semester which they 

would in turn study and identify throughout 

the semester. Th is method of teaching has 

proved so popular that Amy has recently had a 

manuscript describing this method accepted for 

publication. Amy has also used funds from the 

Educational Foundation to hold a “Holler for 

your Health” presentation on campus, which 

focused on toxins in our own environment and 

how they can aff ect us through our consumption 

of food and through other various methods as 

well. In addition to teaching general biology, 

she also teaches microbiology and immunology 

at Virginia Western and is an adjunct at Hollins 

University. “Th e class I teach at Hollins is not 

diff erent from what I teach at Virginia Western, 

we off er a cutting-edge and aff ordable education 

right here in Roanoke,” states Fenster. 

“She just lights up in class and it spills over 

into her teaching and it makes us want to come 

to class, and to learn,” states Kelli Loftus, one 

of Amy’s Biology 101 students. “Can you not 

see the enthusiasm? We get that every day!” 

Not only are her students well prepared for the 

classroom, but they are also well prepared for 

life. “I teach my students it’s ok to be smart and 

to excel, and also emphasize independence and 

personal responsibility,” states Fenster. Innovative 

teaching that not only leads to engaged and 

successful students in the classroom, but in life 

as well – now that’s an education. 


DISTINGUISHED 

ALUMNI AWARD 2008 

Advocate. Friend. Supporter. Alumna. 

Th ese are just a few of the words that 

can describe Donna L. Mitchell, 

’81, the 2008 Virginia Western 

Community College Distinguished Alumni 

Award recipient. 

A 1981 graduate of Virginia Western 

Community College, she credits the College 

with changing her life. “My years at Virginia 

Western were a pivotal time for me,” states 

Mitchell. “Th e warm, nurturing, empowering 

environment there brought me from a shy 

child to a self-confi dent young woman.” A 

confi dence that bred accomplishment: Donna 

transferred to Virginia Tech, where she was 

“very well prepared” to earn separate degrees in 

Business Management and English. Not afraid 

to take risks, she found a niche where she could 

intertwine both her business and analytical 

skills as a stockbroker for UBS Financial 

Services Inc., where she has worked for more 

than 20 years and is currently its Vice President 

of Investments. 

“Every day, Virginia Western proves the 

adage that ‘if you give a man a fi sh you feed 

him for a day, but if you teach him how to 

fi sh you feed him for a lifetime’,” and through 

Donna’s work on both the Virginia Western 

Community College Educational Board of 

Directors and the Virginia Western Alumni 

Council, she is able to see the proof every day. 

“It has been my pleasure to witness these positive 

changes fi rsthand through my work with the 

Foundation. I fi rmly believe that my fi nancial 

contributions to the Foundation are making a 

real diff erence in the lives of individuals and in 

our community,” states Mitchell. Donna and 

her family established the James Mark Mitchell 

Endowed Scholarship in 1997 in memory of 

her brother, and in 2004 Donna and four of her 

classmates from Virginia Western established 

the Friendship Endowed Scholarship and the 

Friendship Annual Scholarship to fi nancially 

assist female students in the college’s service 

region. She has also included Virginia Western 

in her estate plans. 

Th e impact of Donna’s eff orts for Virginia 

Western continue to be felt as she tirelessly 

supports the Foundation in its day-to-day 

fundraising and advocacy initiatives. Donna is 

the immediate past president of the Educational 

Foundation and was instrumental in establishing 

the College’s fi rst Alumni Association in 2005. 

She served as the fi rst Alumni Council Chair. 

Donna’s dedication to Virginia Western has 

also been recognized at the state level. She was 

the 2008 recipient of the Virginia Community 

College System Chancellor’s Award for 

Leadership in Philanthropy. 

Donna spoke to the near-capacity crowd in 

Whitman Auditorium when she received her 

award this past November and she spoke fondly 

of her time at Virginia Western. She credited 

her alma mater for changing her life, something 

that tens of thousands of her fellow alumni can 

easily relate to. 


Legacy Society Members 

Martha and William Adams 

(dec.) 

Ruby M. Brogan 

Lawrence H. Hamlar (dec.) 

Stanard F. Lanford 

Gertrude Light Hubbard 

(dec.) 

Donna L. Mitchell 

Mary B. Moses (dec.) 

Mr. and Mrs. Bernard F. 

Odasz 

J. William Wilcher

J. David and Frankie Robbins 

in honor of Donna L. Mitchell 

William A. Salyers, Jr. -e 

in memory of William & Yolanda Salyers 

Dr. & Mrs. Robert H. Sandel -e 

James Sargent -e 

Dan Semones -e 

Gene and Linda Stuckey -e 

Debra Th omas -e 

Dr. Radford Th omas and Sue Steele Th omas -e 

in memory of Fred & Bessie Steele 

Lora S. Vasiliauskas -e 

Dr. & Mrs. Peter A. Wallenborn, Jr. 

W. Lee Wilhelm, III 

Ms. Yolanda Williams -e 

Dr. Elizabeth Wilmer -e 

Mr. Roger C. Wilson -e 

Sharlona Wimmer -e 

Bill Work -e 

CONTRIBUTORS 

$1 - $99 

Anonymous (9) 

Fredona Aaron -e 

Lee Allen -e 

Th eodore D. Allen 

Julia Andrews -e 

Brenda C. Ashcraft -e 

Ms. Margaret K. Bacon 

Amy Balzer -e 

Ralph and Lee Baker 

Carolyn L. Baratta -e 

Dr. & Mrs. Luther A. Beazley 

Ms. Betsy Boardwine -e 

Jennifer Bobbitt -e 

Ms. Pamela K. Brown 

Mr. Scott Burton 

Arletha H. Butler -e 

Dr. Carrie Cao -e 

Dr. Annemarie Carroll -e 

Ms. Tisa A. Carter 

Ms. Catherine E. Carroll 

Ms. Dori V. Cawley -e 

Becky Chauncey -e 

Ms. Heidi Christopher -e 

Kristel L. Clark -e 

Carolyn Cleiland -e 

Ms. Joyce A. Cobbs 

Joseph D. Collins -e 

Lorraine Conklin -e 

BITS & BITES 

Commencement 2009 

On May 15, the Salem Civic Center was jammed with eager graduates 

and proud family and friends to watch over 400 of Virginia Western’s 

newest graduates receive their 

degree or certifi cate. Mr. Ed 

Hall (left) President and CEO of 

Hall Associates, Inc. and Secretary 

of the Virginia Western 

Educational Foundation, was the 

keynote speaker and he gave this 

advice to the graduates: “Success 

is about making the right 

choices, such as the goal you have 

just accomplished, but also about 

having the courage to admit your 

mistakes, change, pay the price, 

and move forward when you 

make the wrong choices.” Also at 

the College’s Forty-Th ird Commencement 

Ceremony, Professor 

Cheryl Cunningham, Virginia Western 

Alumni Association Chair, gives some words 

of wisdom to VWCC’s newest graduates. 

Russ Ellis, Virginia Western 

Educational Foundation President, 

brings greetings to the graduates. 

Emeritus Awards were presented 

to Dr. Elizabeth W. Payne, 

below left, and Dr. J. Andrew 

Archer, below right, both former 

members of the Virginia Western 

Educational Foundation Board 

of Directors. 


BITS & BITES 

Join the Virginia Western Alumni Association 

on Facebook, MySpace, and LinkedIn 

Do you currently have a page on Facebook, MySpace or LinkedIn? Well, 

then you need to connect with the Virginia Western Community College 

Alumni Association on there as well! 

Th e Alumni Association recently launched its own presence on these 

popular social networking sites and invites all alumni and friends to join 

and stay connected with their alma mater and their former classmates. Just 

visit us on MySpace at www.myspace.com/vwccalumni or search for the 

Virginia Western Community College Alumni Association on Facebook and 

LinkedIn to connect today. 

Virginia Western 

Professor Named SBEA 

Postsecondary Teacher 

of the Year 

Linda Davis, Associate Professor in 

Administrative Support Technology, was 

announced as the Southern Business 

Education Association 2008 Postsecondary 

Teacher of the Year at the Southern 

Business Association Conference in 

Louisville. Congratulations, Linda! 

Alumni Association Welcomes New 

Alumni Bene� ts Participants 

Th e Virginia Western Alumni Association recently welcomed three new 

participants to the Alumni Benefi ts Program. For more information on how 

you can take advantage of exclusive off ers from DirecTV, Hughes Satellite 

Internet, and ADT, please visit www.virginiawestern.edu/alumni and click 

on Alumni Benefi ts Program. Remember, only Alumni Association members 

have access to these and other benefi ts, so join today! 

Pam Conner -e 

in honor of Callie Conner, my granddaughter 

Ramona Coveny -e 

Lynn Crane -e 

Mrs. Susan B. Cregger 

Leo & Sharon Cullen -e 

Mr. John R. Cutler 

Cheryl V. Cunningham, RTR -e 

Mr. Shelbert G. Daniels 

Linda S. Davis -e 

in honor of Donna Abbatello 

Mr. Corvin Davis -e 

Andrew J. DeLeo -e 

Ms. Shelia B. Delp 

Gary L. Dent -e 

Mr. Richard T. Driscoll 

Terry Drumheller -e 

Bill East -e 

Dr. Mark Q. Emick, Sr. -e 

Cathy Falligant -e 

Amy S. Fenster -e 

Brooke N. Ferguson -e 

Mia Webb Fittz -e 

Mr. Scott C. Frazier 

Kimberly French -e 

Ms. Judy E. Garst 

Jeff rey S. Gillette -e 

Mr. Ricky Gossage 

Marion Grammer -e 

Mr. Michael E. Green 

Mr. Walter A. Grigg, III 

Elizabeth Griffi n -e 

Dr. & Mrs. Harold B. Haley 

Tracy Harmon -e 

Craig S. Harris -e 

Kent and Heather Harris -e 

Eddie and Susan Haynes -e 

in memory of John S. Carson 

Ms. Sheila D. Haynes -e 

Heavenly Ham 

Mr. & Mrs. Richard R. Hawkins 

Dr. Ruth Z. Hendrick -e 

in memory of Nadine Ingram 

Ms. Cheryl B. Henry 

Sarah Higgins -e 

Mr. Grady Hill -e 

J. Lee Hipp -e 

Kathy P. Holland -e 

Ms. Margaret S. Holland 


Mr. & Mrs. Gary Houff -e 

in honor of Gary Houff , Sarah Houff & Callie 

Houff 

Cathy A. Hubbard 

Steve Huff -e 

Ms. Mildred Huff man -e 

Lyn Hursey -e 

Mr. David Hutchins 

Carly Johnson -e 

in honor of Paul and Connie Johnson 

Johnny Johnson -e 

Ms. Brenda L. Jones 

Charles H. Judge 

Kathlyn Killian 

Jenifer Kurtz -e 

Ann F. Layne -e 

Mr. Robert L. Leftwich 

Judy Lienhardt -e 

Shirley S. Long -e 

Mike Lucas -e 

Tony Maiolo -e 

Amy Chambers Maiolo -e 

Scott MacRae 

Mr. Charles O. Markham, Jr. 

Constance W. McClain, M.Ed., RTR -e 


Lewis A. Menefee 

Ms. Elisabeth A. Miller 

Laura Milliman -e 

Ms. Dawn C. Moses 

Ms. Sally E. Motley 

Mr. & Mrs. Johnny E. Murray, Jr. 

Ms. Diana L. Nicholson 

Judy Nunn -e 

Joel & Emily Pack 

Rhonda N. Perdue -e 

Rose Peters -e 

Mr. & Mrs. Jeff ery L. Poff -e 

John D. Price -e 

Joyce and Randy Rakes 

Jeff Rakes -e 

Ms. Barbara Raintree 

Jim Ramsdel -e 

Pat Rhodes -e 

Martha Richardson -e 

in memory of Shannon Crouse 

Jerry J. Schaefer 

in memory of my son, Jerry John Schaefer 

Chasity Schaff er -e 

Bryan Schaubach -e 

BITS & BITES 

Gifts to the Employee Giving 

Campaign Make a Di� erence 

Donations to the 2008 Employee Giving Campaign enabled the Foundation 

to make a diff erence for 18 students who received Foundation 

Book Funds and 12 students 

who received Foundation 

Emergency Funds in 2008. In 

just the fi rst few months of 

2009, 23 students have received 

book funds and 8 students have 

received emergency funds. Th e 

need is great and ever-growing. 

Often these funds remove 

the last obstacle to a student’s 

success. As one student told 

NEW ALUMNI 

the Foundation, “I thought my 

dream of an associate’s degree 

was over when I lost my transportation, 

but when the Foundation 

provided funds for bus 

passes, I knew I would make it.” 

Welcome to the newest members of the Virginia Western Alumni Association! Join your fellow 

classmates in making a lasting impact on your alma mater by joining the Alumni Association 

today. Visit www.virginiawestern.edu/alumni for more information. 

Margaret K. Bacon Scott Burton 

Daniel Davis, 1991 Scott C. Frazier, 1988 

Walter A. Grigg, III, 1999 Carole J. Hawkins, 1979 

Brenda L. Jones Robert Lewis Leftwich, 1970 

Lewis A. Menefee, 1991 Dawn Cameron Moses, 1977 

Vickie Vivian Vandergrift, 1977 Richard Wayne Woods, 1977 

(between 10/28/2008 and 4/30/2009) 


BITS & BITES 

Virginia Western Community College Summer 

Children’s Theatre Camp – July 6-17 

Th eatre and kids go together like peanut butter and jelly. Kids are naturally 

creative, and the aim of this camp is to nurture these natural talents and 

allow them to grow. Studying the art and craft of theatre off ers opportunities 

to gain a love of the arts as well as valuable life skills. While creating a full 

production, participants will also learn to work as a team and build language 

and communication skills, self-confi dence, and respect. All participants will 

have a part in the production, help build the set and design the costumes. 

Th is is a hands-on, full-participation, fun-fi lled two-week session of theatre 

magic! No previous experience is necessary; every child is a natural star! 

Th is exciting opportunity is open to all children in the 3rd through 9th 

grades; tuition is $250 and will provide each participant with a theatre camp 

T-shirt and snacks. Places are limited, and registration is on a fi rst-come 

fi rst-served basis: the deadline for registration is June 26. For more information 

and to register, please visit www.virginiawestern.edu/sctc or call the 

VWCC Humanities Division Offi ce at 857.7271. 

Business Division Receives 

Rea� rmation of Accreditation 

The Associate Degree Board of Commissioners voted to grant reaffirmation 

of accreditation to Virginia Western Community College 

for its Accounting, AST, IST, management, marketing and BAUD 

courses. 

Th e accreditation process 

was spearheaded by Virginia 

Western Faculty Debbie Yancey 

and Jeff Strom. Th e Business 

Division will receive its 

certifi cate of accreditation at 

the 2009 Annual Conference 

in San Antonio, TX in June. 

Ms. Denise Schuh -e 

Bonny Simpson -e 

in memory of Mason Metz 

Richard S. Skelley -e 

Mrs. Angela T. Stanfi ll 

in honor of Ed and Glenna Hall 

Christine Stanley -e 

Cathy Swain -e 

Rebecca Talbot -e 

Natalie Mace Talbott -e 

Susan C. Taylor -e 

in memory of Rachel Rakes Hager 

Taaza 

Rick and Sue Terrell 

Claire Th omas, CPS -e 

Ms. Belinda Th omas 

Mr. & Mrs. Paul R. Th omson, Jr. 

in memory of Paul R. � omson, Sr. 

Brenda Tilley -e 

Tong’s Th ai Too 

Ms. Tina Trudeau -e 

Mrs. Tara Vance -e 

Ms. Vickie V. Vandergrift 

Debora Q. Weeks -e 

in memory of Margaret Hollandsworth 

Quesenberry 

Joanie White -e 

Felicia White -e 

in honor of Mr. Cecil White 

Mrs. Bonnie V. Whitley -e 

Edna Whittier 

Melissa Williams -e 

Michael H. Williams 

Dianne L. Williams -e 

Ms. Suzanne L. Williamson 

Gracie M. Wilson -e 

Kevin G. Witter -e 

Mr. Richard W. Woods 

Holly A. Woodson -e 

Pamela D. Woody -e 

in memory of Leon Hooper 

Peggy A. Woody 

Mr. Lionel T. Woody -e 

Barbara Wright -e 

Mrs. Janice A. Young 

-e denotes VWCC employee 


Virginia Western Educational Foundation 

P.O. Box 14007 

Roanoke, VA 24038-4007 

JOIN TODAY! 

Become an Alumni Association Member 

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION 

_____________________________________________________________________________ 

Full Name (Please Print) Maiden Name (if applicable) 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Joint Member Name (if applicable) 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Address 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

City State Zip 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Phone E-mail 

_________________________________________________________ 

VWCC Graduation Year or # of credit/hours completed 

_________________________________________________________ 

VWCC Curriculum 

MEMBERSHIP TYPES 

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$20 Annual – Joint* 

*Membership Eligibility: Joint membership is available to two individuals living at the same address. For Gift Membership, simply fill out the form with 

the recipient’s information and include your name & address beside the gift membership box. 

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Did someone refer or encourage you to join? Is so, please include this 

person’s name here so they can receive reward points for participating in 

our “I am. Are you?” Membership Campaign. 

____________________________________________________ 

Class of 2009 2008 graduate - - free 

I did not attend Virginia Western, but I 

want to join the Alumni Association as 

a Friend. 

$10 Gift Membership* ___________________________________________________________________ 

Given by Address City State Zip 

MAIL OR FAX COMPLETED FORM TO: 

Virginia Western Alumni Association 

P.O. Box 14007 

Roanoke, VA 24038-4007 

Fax: (540) 857-6370 Phone: (540) 857-8914 

Or join online instantly by visiting 

virginiawestern.edu/alumni 

NON-PROFIT 

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PAID 

ROANOKE, VA 

PERMIT #78

OUR REGION'S FUTURE. - Virginia Western Community College

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