TCCF receives 19th Annual Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy
Pictured: (L to R) Mrs. Janie Hardin Sprinkle (Wytheville Community College), Dr. Robert Pryor, (Twin County Community Foundation), Dr. Dean Sprinkle (Wytheville Community College), Dr. David Doré (Virginia Community College System), Ms. Mariah Evans (Twin County Community Foundation), and Ms. Deanna Bradberry (Wytheville Community College)
Link to article: https://swvasun.com/wcc-philanthropists-honored-with-chancellors-award-for-leadership-p12225-33.htm
The Twin County Community Foundation, of Galax has received the 19th Annual Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy. The Foundation was nominated for the award by Wytheville Community College.
Hosted by the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE), more than two dozen individuals, families, and organizations were honored with the Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy.
The awards were presented at a luncheon ceremony in Richmond on Tuesday, April 15. VCCS Chancellor Dr. David Doré served as the emcee, and Mr. MarkHourigan, founder and CEO of Hourigan, delivered the keynote address.
“Every time our donors support a scholarship, fund a new program, or an emergency grant, they are not just giving back, they are lifting up,” said Hourigan. “They are invaluable partners whose generosity can and does make the difference between a student dropping out or staying the course and realizing their true potential.”
Doré echoed those sentiments, adding that a culture of care can have a profound impact on student performance. “When our students realize that someone cares enough to help remove the formidable obstacles standing in their way, it’s life-changing,” he said. “The things they thought impossible suddenly become doable, and their confidence soars as a result.”
This year’s class of distinguished philanthropy leaders has collectively contributed 24 million dollars to Virginia’s Community Colleges.
The Twin County Community Foundation has made a significant impact on Wytheville Community College (WCC) students from the Twin County area by providing last dollar scholarships to eligible students who graduate from a Twin County high school.
These scholarships help bridge the financial gap between Federal Financial Aid and the actual cost of attending WCC. These scholarships ensure that students who might otherwise struggle to afford tuition, books, or essential supplies can stay enrolled and focused on their studies. By removing financial barriers, the foundation empowers students to pursue and achieve their educational goals, ultimately strengthening both their futures and the local community through access to higher education.
TCCF Executive Director Mariah Evans and Dr. Robert Pryor, Chair of TCCF Board of Directors, represented the Foundation at the honoree luncheon.
“We’re incredibly honored to receive the 19th Annual Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy,” said Mariah Evans. “This recognition means so much to us. We’re especially grateful for our partnership with Wytheville Community College and all we’ve been able to accomplish together. At TCCF, we believe in showing up for our communities with heart, and this award is a reflection of the collective impact we can make when we work together.”
WCC President Dr. Dean Sprinkle “We are extremely grateful to the Twin County Community Foundation for its extraordinary last-dollar tuition program for high school students from Carroll County, Grayson County and the City of Galax who attend Wytheville Community College. This scholarship program is not only an investment in the lives of students and their families, but it is also an investment in the economic vitality and future of our community. I applaud the leaders of the Twin County Community Foundation for their vision in implementing this incredible program.”