Richmond – Sylvia and Bill Solari have received the 17th Annual Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy. They were nominated for the award by Southside Virginia Community College.
More than two dozen individuals, families, and organizations have earned the 2023 Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy. The awards were presented at a luncheon ceremony in Richmond on Tuesday, April 18, 2023. New VCCS Chancellor Dr. David Doré was the keynote speaker.
“It is a privilege and an honor to be in the company of such an esteemed group of philanthropists,” Doré observed. “Were it not for your generosity, some of our students would have to put their hopes and dreams on hold, while others might have to abandon them altogether. Thanks to you, however, our students will be able to work in an environment that is relatively free of the kind of financial pressures that can paralyze or even derail their forward progress, and for that, we are extremely grateful.”
The annual event, hosted by the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE), honors leading philanthropists from each of Virginia’s 23 community colleges as well as the statewide foundation. Recipients are nominated for their outstanding commitment to the growth and development of Virginia’s community colleges and their respective foundations.
This year’s class of distinguished philanthropy leaders has collectively contributed $14 million dollars to Virginia’s Community Colleges.
Sylvia and Bill Solari understand that the cost of education can be a barrier for many of the people who stand to benefit the most. Through their endowed scholarship, they leave a permanent legacy that provides aid to encourage and assist everyone to get an education.
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Recipients of the 2023 Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy:
|
BLUE RIDGE |
Carr Family Foundation/ Mitch and Iris Carr |
|
BRIGHTPOINT |
William “Bill” Van Arnam |
|
CENTRAL VIRGINIA |
Dr. Kathryn M. Pumphrey |
|
DANVILLE |
Leah Shields and Family |
|
EASTERN SHORE |
Philip E. and Carole Ratcliffe Foundation |
|
GERMANNA |
John “Jack” Rowley |
|
LAUREL RIDGE |
Steve and Reta Rodgers |
|
MOUNTAIN EMPIRE |
The Slemp Foundation |
|
MOUNTAIN GATEWAY |
Lumos Foundation |
|
NEW RIVER |
New River Valley Health Foundation |
|
NORTHERN VIRGINIA |
Kimmy Duong Foundation- Kimmy Duong & Long Nguyen |
|
PATRICK & HENRY |
ValleyStar Credit Union |
|
PAUL D. CAMP |
Obici Healthcare Foundation |
|
PIEDMONT VIRGINIA |
Bobbie and Bob Bruner |
|
RAPPAHANNOCK |
The Harding Family |
|
REYNOLDS |
Patricia and Andrew Gibb |
|
SOUTHSIDE VIRGINIA |
Sylvia and Bill Solari |
|
SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA |
Dr. Peter Mulkey |
|
TIDEWATER |
TowneBank |
|
VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS |
Virgil Wimmer |
|
VIRGINIA PENINSULA |
Dr. Jonathan Romero |
|
VIRGINIA WESTERN |
Deborah L. Petrine |
|
WYTHEVILLE |
Patricia McClane |
|
VFCCE |
Betty and Ben Davenport Jr. |
About Virginia’s Community Colleges: Since 1966, Virginia’s Community Colleges have given everyone the opportunity to learn and develop the right skills so lives and communities are strengthened. By making higher education and workforce training available in every part of Virginia, we elevate all of Virginia. Together, Virginia’s Community Colleges serve more than 252,000 students each year. For more information, please visit www.vccs.edu.
About the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education: As the supporting arm of Virginia’s 23 community colleges, the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE) broadens access to educational opportunities for all Virginians, while ensuring the long-term success of the Commonwealth and the needs of its workforce. To ensure access to high quality, affordable degrees and certifications, the Foundation’s statewide leadership raises funds and resources in order to supplement and support the activities of both individual students and community colleges. For more information on VFCCE and its mission, and to provide your support, visit www.vfcce.org.