WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Council for Resource Development (CRD) recently recognized Dabney S. Lancaster Community College supporter, The Alleghany Foundation, with its 2015 Community College Benefactor Award.
The national CRD Benefactor Award recognizes individuals, foundations, or businesses/corporations for outstanding contributions to community colleges. The award embodies the ideals of philanthropy, leadership, and volunteerism in the service of community, technical, and junior colleges.
The winners are recognized at the CRD Benefactor Awards Banquet in conjunction with the CRD annual national conference in Washington. The Alleghany Foundation was one of only nine benefactors honored during the awards dinner.
The Alleghany Foundation was established in 1995 with $35 million in proceeds from the sale of Alleghany Regional Hospital. Since then, the Foundation has awarded $47 million in grants to improve the quality of life in the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia. The Foundation seeks applications in five focus areas: economic transformation, educational attainment, health and wellness, leadership and civic vitality, and community capacity.
“We are happy that The Alleghany Foundation's strength as a leader is being recognized at a national level,” noted DSLCC President Dr. John Rainone. “The Foundation has provided more than $3 million to the college for support of campus facilities, college programs and student scholarships. The funds have provided a margin of excellence that help DSLCC be one of the finest of its kind in the country.”
The Foundation recently awarded $1.4 million to “Imagine, Invest, Inspire – The Campaign for DSLCC”, the second largest gift ever received by the College, funding faculty and equipment for the new Sustainable Agriculture, Electrical and Instrumentation Technology, and Engineering programs. It will also support Dabney Promise Scholarships and college activities related to the Rural Virginia Horseshoe Initiative.
The Foundation’s gifts to the College over the years have enabled DSLCC to meet many needs, such as EMS training for volunteers, updated healthcare training equipment, security enhancements, staff and equipment for a STEM-focused Regional Governor’s School and Virginia’s first college certificate program that trains wind turbine service technicians, meeting emerging renewable energy industry needs.
“The Alleghany Foundation and DSLCC leaders agree that transformative change can only occur if there is an educated, engaged citizenry,” said Dr. Rainone in his nomination proposal. “The Alleghany Foundation is truly an example of a benefactor that reflects the origin of the word – literally – to “do good” (to)” – and they know that means supporting partners beyond awarding financial help.”
The Council for Resource Development is the essential education and networking choice for all community college development professionals. CRD connects, educates, supports, strengthens, and celebrates community college development professionals. An affiliate of the American Association of Community Colleges, CRD serves over 1300 members at more than 700 institutions.
“Imagine, Invest, Inspire – The Campaign for DSLCC” is a comprehensive major gifts campaign with the goal of raising $3.5 million for student scholarships and success, college advancement and new initiatives, and expansion of services throughout DSLCC’s footprint. Publically announced in September 2015, The Campaign for DSLCC has raised over $2.6 million to date.
For more information about the campaign contact Rachael Thompson, DSLCC Education Foundation Director, at (540) 863-2837 or email rthompson@dslcc.edu.