Educational Foundation Inc.

A President Who is Invested – LFCC Welcomes Interim President Dr. John S. Capps

Although Dr. John S. Capps is here for a relatively short time, he arrived "on the scene" in June full of energy and purpose! He is clearly passionate about leading LFCC through this time of selecting a new president, and the College is very honored to be served by him.

Find out more about Dr. Capps and the presidential search.

"Grant-astic" – Businesses Grant Funds to the Foundation

• In March 2008, United Bank contributed $2,500 toward the 2008 Women's Luncheon. The event will raise funds for the New Beginnings Scholarship Fund, which is awarded to LFCC students who are single parents. Please visit the Women's Luncheon page for information about the 2007 Women's Luncheon.

  Additionally, United Bank contributed $1,000 toward the Science and Health Professions Building Grand Opening. The purpose of the event is to inform community members about the new building and LFCC's science and health professions programs. For more information about the Science and Health Professions Building, please visit the LFCC Science and Health Professions Building Media Kit.

• In June 2008, the Wal-Mart Foundation contributed $1,000 to purchase a picnic table for the Luray-Page County Center that will be accessible to members of the local community.

• Could your business support the Foundation by granting funds to LFCC for a specific initiative? Please view the current funding needs to see if any of the items pique your interest! Thank you!

The Power of Scholarships! – Scholarship Awards and Need for Scholarships on the Rise

The Lord Fairfax Community College (LFCC) Educational Foundation Inc. continues to make great strides toward its goal of ensuring that all students have the opportunity to realize the power of their potential, regardless of financial constraints. The total amount of Foundation scholarships awarded increased 53 percent from the 2005-06 to the 2007-08 academic year. In addition, the Foundation awarded scholarships to 141 students in 2006-07, compared to 205 in 2007-08.

According to Mangum Economic Consulting, LLC, population trends forecast a 15-percent increase in LFCC's enrollment by 2010. To respond to this anticipated enrollment surge, the Foundation is committed to raising scholarship funds to decrease and eventually eliminate the gap between the number of students who receive scholarships and the number of students who do not.

For more information about enrollment growth in the Virginia Community College System, please visit http://www.highereducation.org/crosstalk/ct0106/news0106-enrollment.shtml. For more information about scholarships at LFCC, please visit the Scholarships at Lord Fairfax Community College Web page.

Investing Made Easy – The Many Ways to Give to the Foundation

Did you know that there are many ways to give to the Foundation, thus investing in the lives of students and the community? Please read Diane Lewin's profile (in this issue) to find out more about planned giving.

Did you know that you can donate safely and securely online?

Find out more about all the ways to invest in LFCC – from naming opportunities to stock contributions!

If you have any questions, please contact Linnie S. Carter, vice president of college advancement at LFCC and executive director of the Foundation, at lcarter@lfcc.edu or 540-868-4077.

Impacting Lives in 2007

View the 2007 Foundation annual report to see how donors have invested in LFCC, impacted the community and inspired students!

"Super-Philanthropy" – March 2008 Appreciation Dinner

The March 2008 Appreciation Dinner – Celebrating the Heroes of Philanthropy – was a truly memorable occasion.

Following are some of the highlights of the evening:

• Scholarship recipients who openly expressed gratitude for receiving financial assistance
• Smiling and friendly faces of donors and guests
• Delicious food served by a professional and competent team
• LFCC's former College president wearing a cape

To view more photos from this event – as well as other Foundation and College events – please visit the Special Events Calendar section of the Foundation Web site.

We look forward to seeing you in 2009 for the next Appreciation Dinner!

Time to Nominate! – Requesting Nominations for the LFCC Distinguished Alumni Award

Please take a few minutes to nominate a deserving person for this honor. Please submit the nomination form by Sept. 12, 2008. Thank you!

Welcome A-"Board" – New Board Members Prepare to Impact the Community

Following are biographies of three of the Foundation's newest Board members. Thank you to all Foundation Board members for your dedication and service!

• 

  Tanya Kelly Hurst, representing Shenandoah County, is a Nationwide Insurance associate agent for Lewis & Sons Agency in Strasburg. As a licensed insurance agent, Hurst helps individuals, families and businesses choose insurance policies that provide the best protection for their lives, health and property and insure their future and the future of their loved ones. Hurst is also a proud LFCC alumna.

   

• 

  Gilbert M. Mack Jr., representing the City of Winchester, is senior pastor of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church and a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army Reserve. He graduated from the U.S Army Ordinance School and holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from McDaniel College and a master of divinity degree from Howard University School of Divinity. In addition, he is a doctoral degree candidate at Friends International Christian University. Mack was inspired to serve on the LFCC Educational Foundation Board after watching many of his church members improve their lives by attending LFCC. He was also inspired by the College's mission and leadership and LFCC's genuine concern for the community.

   

•  

  Jim Wells, representing Warren County, is the director of pharmacy at Warren Memorial Hospital, which is part of Valley Health. Wells earned a bachelor's degree from the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy. In addition to his work, Wells is involved with several organizations, including the Warren County School Board and Front Royal Lions Club. He is also a former LFCC Board member.

   

Let's Meet at the Bus Stop! – The Thank-You Bus Tour

On Oct. 1, 2008, LFCC students and representatives plan to travel throughout the College's service region – by bus – to thank those who have positively impacted LFCC. The Thank-You Bus Tour 2008 promises to be a fun time, with eight scheduled stops, one in each locality of LFCC's service region. Be on the lookout for more information – coming soon!

Remember and be Inspired – Donors Who Have Left Us

Over the past year, we are aware of seven donors who passed away. We are extremely grateful to these generous individuals. Many of the College's initiatives would not have been possible without them. Please note that these individuals collectively contributed more than $2.6 million to the Foundation during their lifetimes. Their names follow:

• Mr. Dan Carney
• Mrs. Shirley Corron
• Mr. James R. Moore
• Mrs. Betty S. Riordan
• Mr. Gary L. Rutherford
• The Honorable Alson H. Smith Jr.
• Mr. Paul Wolk

A Scholarship Surprise – Retiring Employee Makes Announcement

In May, the College hosted a retirement celebration for two long-time faculty members, Charlie Spiro and Gary Tusing. Charlie served on the Foundation Board as the LFCC faculty representative for almost two years. Therefore, it was very touching – and fitting – when he made his surprise announcement toward the end of the retirement luncheon. He contributed $1,700 to the Foundation to establish a named scholarship in memory of his mentor, the late Albert M. Dryer. Thank you, Charlie!

Two Recent Graduates Who Inspire – 2008 Commencement Speakers Lois Duke and David Dutton

• Lois Duke
  

  Lois Duke, a Luray resident, has grown academically and personally since she enrolled at Lord Fairfax Community College (LFCC) in 2005.

  Lois, 33, graduated from LFCC in May 2008 with an associate degree in science. While attending LFCC, she maintained a 3.97 grade point average and juggled school and family responsibilities, including caring for her brother who has cerebral palsy.

  "Family is very important to me, and school is next," Lois said. "One of my greatest achievements in life is coming as far as I have while being a family caregiver. Most people do not understand the kind of dedication it takes to be a family caregiver. I'm really proud that I can keep my brother at home, instead of putting him in an institution."

  Despite her demanding schedule, Lois was involved in several activities both on and off campus, including serving as the vice president of the Alpha Beta Omega Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) at the Middletown Campus and the vice president of the LFCC Scientific Society.

  "When I first came to LFCC, I was very introverted and shy. As an adult student, I was scared about coming back to school, even though I had always been a good student," Lois said. "However, the more that I got involved in school activities, the more I felt like I was a part of LFCC and the more my confidence grew."

  One class in particular helped Lois' confidence to grow and helped her to decide on her future career goals. During her first semester at LFCC, Lois took an anatomy and physiology class from Ann Simpson, an instructor in biology/anatomy and physiology. "Professor Simpson encouraged me to pursue my goal of becoming a teacher. And, since she had returned to school as an adult, she could relate to my experience," Lois said. "She helped me to come out of my shell and to learn how to interact with people and speak in public."

  After taking the anatomy and physiology class, Lois realized that she had a passion for science. Through other classes, including two technical writing courses taught by professor Brent Kendrick, she rekindled her love of writing and is combining both her love of science and writing as she continues her education.

  "Without Dr. Kendrick's mentorship as a teacher and PTK advisor, I would not have received many of my awards or [spoken] at Commencement! He has always challenged and encouraged me to excel in all things," Lois said.

  Lois plans to enroll at James Madison University in spring 2009 and double major in biology and technical and scientific communications. She will be taking the fall 2008 semester off to have her and her husband's first baby. "We are very excited! It is a busy time," she said.

  Upon completing her bachelor's degrees, Lois hopes to pursue a master's degree and eventually teach at the community college level.

  Because of her academic achievements and community service, Lois has received various awards and honors, including LFCC's Outstanding Graduate in English award and the Dr. Beulah McGovern Award - Outstanding Achievement in Science. She was also named to PTK's 2008 All-Virginia Academic Team and the First Virginia Team.

  "I'm definitely going to miss LFCC and the faculty at the College," Lois said.

• David Dutton
  

  David Dutton, a Morrisville resident, is an example of how hard work and perseverance can lead to success.

  David, 20, graduated from Lord Fairfax Community College (LFCC) in May with an associate degree in liberal arts with a fine arts specialization. He maintained a consistent cumulative grade point average of 4.0 for all four semesters that he attended LFCC.

  Because of his academic achievements and community service, David received various awards and honors, including LFCC's Outstanding Graduate in Fine Arts award, Phi Theta Kappa's (PTK) Distinguished Member Award on the regional and international level and the Virginia Community College System Student Showcase Award.

  "My two years at LFCC have increased my desire, not only for scholastic achievement, but also for higher education and going above and beyond," David said.

  He plans to transfer to the University of Mary Washington to study historical preservation and pursue an internship with the Smithsonian Institution. He eventually wants to become a conservator for a museum.

  "One thing that pushes me to pursue this career goal is my desire to preserve our history in an age where the past seems irrelevant," David said. "By preserving the past, we can experience history firsthand and better understand the changes that have shaped humanity today."

  David has overcome numerous challenges in his life. He was born profoundly deaf and had limited exposure to extracurricular opportunities for many years due to his family situation and other factors. Seven years ago, by chance, David met Jim Baird at the Warrenton Caboose open house and a connection was made. Baird became David's mentor and biggest hero.

  "He literally changed me into who I have become today, and I am forever in debt to him for his loving care and guidance," David said.

  LFCC was an ideal choice for David, because he had no financial support. "The scholarships that I received through the LFCC Educational Foundation [Inc.] made my higher education possible and made the difference between attending LFCC and not attending," he said. "The scholarships empowered me to strengthen my self-confidence, both as a successful scholar and as a positive contributor to my community."

  David will also be receiving financial assistance as he transfers to the University of Mary Washington. He was selected to receive a Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. This prestigious scholarship is designed to help community college students with exceptional promise and demonstrated financial need make the transition to four-year colleges and universities. The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship is the largest offered in the U.S. to community college transfer students, with awards totaling up to $30,000 per year for three years. David is LFCC's first student to receive this scholarship.

  As David looks toward the future, one thing matters most to him. "How I can make a difference in someone's life."

From Student to Leader and Donor – A Foundation Board Member's Story

Diane Lewin is committed to paying forward to Lord Fairfax Community College (LFCC), so that others may experience the same life-changing opportunity she received as an LFCC student. Diane currently serves on the LFCC Educational Foundation Board as treasurer. She also chairs the Foundation's finance and audit committees.

"LFCC significantly improved my life in many areas," she said. "The education and increased self-esteem I received in the wonderfully supportive atmosphere at LFCC – with the kind and personal attention of the professors – allowed me to become a self-confident, professional and productive member of the community."

In 1986, as a single mother in her late thirties, Diane enrolled at LFCC. She recalls being so nervous before her first class that she had to stop the car three times on the way there to reassure herself she was doing the right thing. She proceeded to triumph over those fears, becoming a straight-A student. All of her anxiety was put to rest when she joined the welcoming, diverse student body. She found the students and faculty fostered an environment of inclusion rather than exclusion.

After graduating in 1988 from LFCC with her associate degree in business administration, Diane went on to earn her bachelor's degree in business administration from Shenandoah University in 1989. She credits LFCC with providing her the necessary foundation to pass the certified public accountant exam on the first attempt!

Diane is now retired from her position as comptroller for the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley in Winchester, Va., and is still a certified public accountant. A self-described "beach bum" at heart, she and her husband spend winters in Florida. Though during those times she is physically away from LFCC, modern technology allows her to remain connected to the College.

Diane says that attending LFCC gave her the push she needed to become successful, and she is committed to making sure other potential students are able to receive the same exceptional level of education that she did.

As a member of the Foundation Board, she has already contributed a great deal to the College. In 2006, Diane made a donation in honor of her late parents, and, in 2007, she established the Dolores Lewin Stryker Health Professions Scholarship in memory of her late sister. The scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate financial need, maintain a 2.8 grade point average and are enrolled in a health professions program at LFCC.

To further demonstrate her investment in the College's success, she plans to endow scholarships in memory of her parents and sister in her last will and testament. This type of gift is known as planned giving.

"Education is so important, and this is a beautiful way to honor their memories and continue what is important to me, while providing a strong academic model for my children and grandchildren. There is no mission nobler or more important than changing lives for the better," she said.

This summer, Diane attended the Practical Nursing pinning ceremony of the first recipient of the Dolores Lewin Stryker Health Professions Scholarship. "Dolores loved nursing. I know she is pleased to help others continue in her chosen profession."

Diane's commitment to "paying it forward" will impact lives for years to come. Thank you, Diane!