Radford residents honored for philanthropic endeavors

Tracy and Sarah Wilkins of Radford have received the 12th annual Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy. They were nominated for the award by New River Community College. The award was given at a recent luncheon ceremony at the Country of Club of Virginia in Richmond.

Hosted by the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education, the event honored leading philanthropists from each of Virginia’s 23 community colleges, as well as the statewide foundation. This year’s class of distinguished philanthropy leaders contributed a combined total of more than $10 million to Virginia’s community colleges.

“Tracy and Sarah Wilkins are tremendous believers in the power of education. Two years ago they established the Wilkins Fellows program, which provides full scholarships to first generation college students in the New River Valley. Additionally, they have been supporters of Great Expectations, and they are strong advocates for ACCE (Access to Community College Education) in NRCC’s service region. With their private support, Radford City will be fully ACCE funded for the senior class of 2017,” said Jack Lewis, recently retired president of New River Community College.

Chancellor Glenn DuBois expressed his gratitude in this address to the crowd. “You are difference-makers. You are opportunity-creators. We thank you, not just for the dollars donated, but for the standard of leadership you represent. Your example motivates and challenges us all to do more to ensure that opportunity is there for those who come next.”

Keynote speaker John O. “Dubby” Wynne, chairman of GO Virginia and Reinvent Hampton Roads, said he was honored to be a part of the event and he emphasized the positive impact the generous donations have on the communities Virginia Community Colleges serve. Wynne also issued an appeal to members of the audience to increase their level of support to help train and educate Virginia’s workforce for economic growth.