The Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy luncheon is hosted by the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE) to honor the leading philanthropists from each of Virginia’s 23 community colleges as well as the statewide foundation. And the deserving 2013 recipient was Barry Nelson and Family.
Nelson and his family have always been strong supporters of the college, particularly the Athletic Program, college officials say. In addition to his cash donations, totaling in excess of $100,000, Nelson has given numerous in-kind donations from sports equipment and transportation for athletic teams, to providing retail space for teams to use in inclement weather. For his work in revitalizing the PHCC baseball program, he was named to the PHCC Athletic Hall of Fame as part of the inaugural class of 2007.
“Education is the most important thing we can do in this region to bring us out of the economic spiral,” Nelson says of his motivation for giving. “I’m delighted to help this next generation become prepared for what’s next.”
This year’s class of distinguished philanthropy leaders has contributed a combined total of more than $17 million dollars to Virginia’s Community Colleges.
“The generosity of the two dozen philanthropy leaders we honor represents a brilliant collection of individuals, foundations and employers who believe in the sheer beauty of transformation,” says VCCS Chancellor Glenn DuBois. “They believe in the knowledge and skills that Virginia’s Community Colleges offer to every Virginian. We thank them deeply for the partnerships that demonstrate the brilliance of philanthropy.”
The honored philanthropists will all have scholarships named after them which will be awarded to a deserving student attending their respective community colleges.
In the fall of 2013, the Barry L. Nelson and Family Commonwealth Legacy Scholarship was awarded to Taylor Keith.
