Philanthropy Makes a Difference

2015

The Impact Report

IMPACT: Do it yourself? $2,140,933 raised in 2014-15 • increasing graduates • Can you recondition a diesel engine, make your own meeting workforce needs • realizing dreams wedding cake, or craft your own eyeglasses? What if you had to make your own dentures?

Thank goodness, you don’t have to. Reynolds students are training to do that for you.

A Nursing or EMT student can practice saving your life in the new Simulation Lab at the Downtown Campus, outfitted through philanthropy. Your investment in the Educational Foundation goes to work in ways you care about. 3

Supporters of the Educational Foundation provide a powerful gift to the region: an increase in the number of skilled Reynolds graduates for RVA’s workforce.

In this Impact Report, you’ll meet some of the students preparing for a new economy, one in which we all benefit from their talents and abilities.

At Reynolds, philanthropy helps outstanding careers, lives, (and sometimes cars) get started. 4

Michael Robinson and Dr. Gary Rhodes prepare for our graduation ceremony. IMPACT:

Having Varina High School graduate and Super Bowl champion Fostering a winning spirit: Michael Robinson as this year’s Commencement speaker was a real The Educational Foundation “win” for Reynolds. His advice for the Class of 2015 underscored this will award a 2015-16 point: “To get better, talk to people at the top of their game.” scholarship in honor of Mr. Robinson had a stellar football career, but some of his best and Michael Robinson. most important work is still before him through his Excel to Excellence Foundation.

To draw a parallel, Reynolds has successfully educated hundreds of thousands of students and evolved into a proven community workforce provider; yet, some of our most innovative work lies ahead. By Reynolds’ 50th anniversary in 2022, it is our vision to become the preeminent workforce pathway for RVA’s people, workforce partners, and our entire community.

How do we get there? In plotting a strategic direction, I spent the year talking with stakeholders inside and outside the college. I asked CEOs what they expect from our graduates. What influences a high school student to choose Reynolds? What makes our donors feel confident and eager to support us?

This feedback and independent research informs our strategic plan, “Reynolds 2022: Pathways to Prosperity.” Our four key focus areas are: (1) providing more help and opportunities for post-secondary 5 completion; (2) collegiate experiences that foster a sense of belonging and connection; (3) curricula aligned with workforce needs and an increase in the number of graduates with applicable credentials; and, (4) the development of Reynolds as a model for community leadership and civic engagement.

Your support illuminates those paths. With you beside us, our students will find their way to career success and go on to chart new territory. Becoming RVA’s preeminent pathway to the workforce and degree attainment will not be easy, nor should it be. But by focusing on the quality of what we do, how we do it, and what we deliver, Reynolds will rise to the occasion and fulfill its promise: helping our students, regional workforce, and community thrive.

Gary L. Rhodes, Ed.D. President, Reynolds Community College Ryan is photographed at the Goochland YMCA which shares a campus with Reynolds.

6 IMPACT:

Keeping His Head “My Valley Proteins Scholarship Through donations to the Above Water let me focus on my academics, Educational Foundation, instead of constantly worrying more than $557,000 in Even at nine years old, Ryan about earning money. Some scholarship assistance was awarded to nearly 300 Pledger had a head for business. students are working more than students in 2014-15. Surrounded by Goochland’s one job to be here. The way I generous acreage, he started looked at it, I’d budgeted costs Green Grass Landscaping for the rest of my education. My Services in elementary school, scholarship helped me stay on Graduating with honors in May, creating its LLC status by 18. track for my first two years.” his landscaping business sold, As a high school senior, Ryan Ryan will enter the University Scholarships can provide had a choice. “I could stop of ’s McIntire School something equally precious: a doing landscaping and go to a of Commerce this fall. “UVA little free time to experience four-year university, or I could is definitely going to cost. My what makes college so special. stay here, save on tuition and Reynolds scholarship helped “My first year, I just went to living expenses, and get my me focus on the long term. It school, work, and home. After business ready to sell.” also put things into perspective my scholarship, I joined JSR 7 about using the funds and the Lead, Phi Theta Kappa, and At a third of the price of the time I have in the best way became a member of the average in possible.” Virginia, Reynolds attracts savvy Student Senate. I made a lot students (and their parents) more friends and seized every eager to avoid an avalanche of opportunity I could.” college debt without sacrificing quality. For students, receiving a scholarship is a huge boost, not just financially, but academically Reynolds students and emotionally, too. who receive scholarships are nearly twice as likely to graduate as those who do not. VCU is a popular transfer choice for Reynolds students.

8 IMPACT:

A Degree with Teeth Shauneal’s smile has a lot to do Reynolds alumni are critically with her decision to become a important for the region’s Shauneal Bobb suggested Biology major and a Ram. At workforce. meeting at VCU’s Student Huguenot High School, she Commons for this interview. participated in the dual enrollment “I’ve been learning my way Dental Assistant program around. I’m still exploring, but through Richmond Technical I’ve been to Shafer Court and Center. “I started to like the library. It feels big compared a lot. Since having my braces “Reynolds helped me in so many to Reynolds, but I like it.” put on, I’ve been considering ways. Taking the Human Anatomy , but I’m also drawn class with Dr. [Danette] Young Having earned her associate to the variety of general dentistry. opened me up to dentistry or degree in Science, graduating It’s very competitive to get into even medical school. The tutoring with honors in May 2015, the VCU School of Dentistry, but center helped me, and then I Shauneal joins scores of Reynolds that’s my goal.” actually became a tutor in graduates who continue their statistics and technology. My education at Virginia A Reynolds scholarship recipient, advisor explained my GPA Commonwealth University, Shauneal is continuing her 9 requirements and gave me all making Reynolds one of the studies through a transfer grant. the information to come to VCU. largest feeders to VCU. Students in the Virginia I had my resume critiqued. And, Community College System can our Phi Theta Kappa ceremony; receive up to $2,000 annually that was the best day ever.” for tuition upon transferring to a public or private four-year With a great future ahead of her, institution in Virginia, if they Shauneal has plenty of reasons complete a transfer associate to smile, starting with her degree degree with a 3.0 GPA and meet from Reynolds. The majority of financial eligibility requirements. Reynolds graduates Students receive $1,000 for the remain in the academic year, with an extra Richmond area. $1,000 for undergrads majoring in STEM, nursing, or teaching. Sofia, photographed at the Virginia Aviation Museum, is a Reynolds Engineering student.

10 IMPACT:

Critical Thinkers The currency of time is as The gap is significant Wanted precious as money. Advising between available industry helps students make the best use jobs and qualified applicants. Sofia Duarte is the first person of both. Reynolds is embracing Filling that gap requires instruction aligned with in her family to go to college in a more direct approach to marketplace needs. the United States. The benefit of realistically assessing a student’s Reynolds extends beyond her skills, devising a road map to own education. “If I didn’t come follow, and stepping in if the to Reynolds, my sister wouldn’t student begins to drift. That advice echoes the plea be able to go to college.” from business leaders in every Sofia is finishing up a graphic segment of industry: Send us design internship with the Sofia’s workforce pathway has recruits who can think, reason, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, its beginning at Godwin High and question, while maintaining and participated in the Virginia School. “I’ve always loved design, high standards for customer Space Grant Consortium’s 2015 but I began to understand what service. Reynolds is doing more Student Research Conference. I could do with it when I was on to prepare students to show up “The engineers we met were the robotics team. Engineering on Day One with the technical complimentary of community 11 was the perfect fit.” proficiencies to generate ideas and college students, because we’re solutions, and the communication At Reynolds, the emphasis on balancing school and work loads. skills to articulate them. career planning begins even They also stressed to us the before students enroll. Career importance of communicating Sofia is on her way to becoming Coaches embedded in local high effectively.” one of those graduates. “I really schools, help students identify like how my professors are their career interests and get guiding me to think of the next positioned for the right workforce step I’ll take after this. I’ve credential. The Reynolds Advance learned that you get out what College Academy is rigorous, Support for the you put in.” giving students an avenue to Educational complete an associate degree Foundation provides while still in high school. money for new equipment, curricula, and staff development. Jeremy, here at the Virginia Aviation Museum, hopes to work for NASA one day.

12 IMPACT:

Taking Off with Fear of math is a troubling loss To meet Math Central Math Central point in higher education. Low demand, placement scores can discourage Reynolds is creating Meeting Jeremy Walko-Frankovic, students from enrolling. Majors permanent Math Central locations at the Downtown & an Engineering major making are switched and coursework is Parham Road campuses. straight As in Calculus, it’s hard delayed. Yet, the sooner a student to imagine him barely passing successfully completes a math Algebra in high school. “I just class, the likelier they are to didn’t see the practicality of it graduate. Math Central gives The payoff for students who then. Here, I see all you can do. students the skills and confidence complete their developmental Math is the true language of the to stay in the running. coursework and meet the Math world.” Central participation criteria is First enrolled in Automotive having their first college-level Technology, Jeremy had to The key to this growing fluency math course paid. “Saving that improve his math skills before a is Math Central, a program much was a big incentive. Plus, switch to Engineering. “It was a helping students move from it’s rare to find true altruism in little disappointing to learn I’d developmental coursework into the world.” college-level math. In turn, need another semester of 13 students avail themselves to developmental courses before I Fortunately, the Educational peer-to-peer tutoring, group moved to the college level, but Foundation has been able to tap sessions, and advising. then they announced Math into the altruism that makes Central.” The individual attention Math Central possible. Grants and stop-by-anytime approach from Altria and Universal Leaf worked. “For the first time I felt Foundation have moved it from like I could actually do it. And, pilot to program. For Jeremy, they paid for Calculus.” Math Central gave him the runway to take off. “I have a paid In the 2014-15 internship with NASA Langley, academic year, there were more than 2,300 working on magnetic docking student visits to systems for satellites. After Math Central. Reynolds, I hope to continue at . My dream is to go into aerospace engineering. Maybe I’ll be able to return to NASA.” Charles is using what he is learning at Reynolds to empower others.

14 IMPACT:

Walking a New Path Often, students are drawn to A very special donation from Human Services for personal the Cornelia Hodges Fund Charles Fitzgerald knows what reasons, says program head Dr. to provide stipend assistance can keep a substance-addicted Pamela Ratliff. “Often, they’ve will help ease the burden person on the streets. “First, had, or have seen someone else of missed income. you’re already feeling bad about have, a really good or really yourself. Then, to ask for help lousy experience in recovery. and be treated like you’re nobody. Others are career switchers and How do you get housing? You they’ve always been drawn to Reynolds gave me the boldness can’t get employment without counseling.” to go forward. My first class was an address, and if you find a job, public speaking, which I ducked Students learn skills such as you can’t keep it because of and dodged at first. But, that intake, screening, and how to your addiction.” class gave me everything I needed. co-facilitate groups. They apply I can stand in front of someone Charles entered treatment in what they learn, clocking 130 or and talk about my experiences. I 2006, where his counselors more hours in local human even helped with a fundraising encouraged him to continue his services agencies. Mr. Fitzgerald’s campaign. I hear people complain education. While earning a internship helped him transition 15 about the system, but what can Career Studies Certificate in into employment after graduation you do to help change it? That’s Substance Abuse Counseling at and spurred him to start his own why I’m back in school.” Reynolds, he completed his venture. “I focus on helping internship required for graduation. people get housed and stable so “It gave me the chance to look they can begin working. People deep into the shelter system. I want to work. They need believe housing must come first routines. for a person with an addiction. Plenty of people in shelters Human Services could succeed with pre-housing students often sacrifice and case management.” paid wages as they complete experiential learning hours required for an internship. 16

Standing from left: West End Community Center’s Susan Beller and Sherry Kerley Seated: Shirley Barlow (student) and Jean Ray IMPACT:

Keeping the But, times have changed. With The Educational Foundation’s Tradition Alive more neighborhood clubhouses 50 endowed funds and rental options available, the provide annual investment payouts that not only help Endowing a scholarship at West End Community Center’s students today, but create a Reynolds is becoming a more doors have been shuttered – continuing income stream to attractive option for service but, not its spirit. WECC President support future generations. organizations seeing their Jean Ray explains, “After selling membership numbers or the building, we had those fundraising efforts evolve. In proceeds, and wanted to do The West End Community 2013, The Short Pump Ruritan/ something to benefit the Center is no more, but Jean Ray Civic Foundation fully endowed community. One of our member says members are still excited a scholarship at Reynolds; in club’s strong interests has always about their future of helping keeping with the clubs’ missions, been to help women. They have students. “We’re sad about recipients must be residents of sponsored a scholarship at closing, but it’s been wonderful the Short Pump or Glen Allen Reynolds for years, and the hearing people’s enthusiasm community, or served by high WECC wanted to continue that when we’ve visited with a schools in those areas. support. donation. It’s like Santa showed 17 up in the middle of spring.” In its heyday (“Back when Ridge The WECC created the West Road was the Far West End,” End Community Center quips Jean Ray) the West End Endowment to assist female Community Center (WECC) was students in science, technology, one of Richmond’s most popular engineering, and math (STEM), event sites. Created through the all career fields which are efforts of the Thomas Jefferson, under-represented by women. Westwood, and Westhampton Junior Clubs and The Tri Club Women’s Club – the West End Community Center served as library, clubhouse, rental space, and the site of the Colony Cotillion. Kimberly Frith (right) at the Parham Road Campus with Dr. Barbara Glenn, dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

18 IMPACT:

What Reynolds Has Another valuable lesson I learned The Educational Foundation Meant to Me is punctuality. Before Reynolds, I secures funding for Career didn’t comprehend the value of Coaches in area high schools by Kimberly Frith being on time. I thought, “What’s to help students successfully five minutes?” I learned it’s the transition into occupational and academic programs. Education was not a priority in difference of interrupting others my family, nor was it important who are on time, which is very to me. When I enrolled in 2009, disrespectful. Holding myself I was the first in my family to accountable is now an important When I brought my high school attend college. I dove in head quality. transcripts that were littered first. Guess what? I landed flat with negativity, Reynolds opened My instructors and the staff at on my face! I had a series of its doors. When I came back Reynolds are inspirational. I’ll unfortunate events during my after not completing my first never forget speaking to Dean first semester and dropped out, semester, Reynolds opened its Barbara Glenn about an issue embarrassed, and ashamed. doors. Whenever I’ve had an that had me particularly worried. issue with coursework, my I re-enrolled in 2012, knowing I She said to me with conviction, professors have opened doors would have to reinvent myself. “At Reynolds, we open doors, 19 of knowledge for me to walk With the support of my instructors, we don’t close them.” Those through. I’m inspired to dream. I regained my academic confidence words have held a heavy weight The door is always open and the and became a straight-A student. in my heart, because they’re true. possibilities are endless. The confidence has spilled over into my personal life. The diverse student body attending Reynolds has made me less ethnocentric. You can learn a lot about life and the world from the different Reynolds is people who are in it. focused on increasing the numbers of students who complete, and not just begin, their degree programs. J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Financials Educational Foundation, Inc. Statement of Financial Position June 30, 2015

2014-2015 Raised by Donor Type ASSETS Cash & Cash Equivalents $ 227,261 Investments $ 10,167,925 Unconditional Promises to Give $ 741,752 TOTAL $ 2,140,933 Other Receivables and Prepaid Expenses $ 16,089 Community Groups $ 49,336 Charitable Gift Instruments $ 567,724 Individuals* $ 1,354,627 Net Investment in Property $ 47,321 Corporations $ 151,931 20 Foundations $ 585,039 TOTAL ASSETS $ 11,768,072 *Includes realized bequests

LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS Total Liabilities $ 43,673 Net Assets: Unrestricted $ 633,481 2014-2015 Temporarily Restricted $ 3,355,807 Distribution Permanently Restricted $ 7,735,111 of Gifts TOTAL NET ASSETS $ 11,724,399

TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS $ 11,768,072 TOTAL $ 2,140,933

Unrestricted $ 97,996 Scholarships $ 1,141,803 Programs $ 901,134 J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College J. Sargeant Reynolds Stephen E. Baril Educational Foundation, Inc. Reynolds Community College Community College Board Chair, Kaplan Voekler 1651 East Parham Road Educational Foundation, Inc. Cunningham & Frank PLC Post Office Box 26924 Richmond, Virginia 23261-6924 2015-16 Board of Directors Amelia M. Bradshaw Reynolds Community College (804) 523-5181 phone (804) 523-5107 fax President Dorothy Reynolds Brotherton Community Volunteer www.reynolds.edu/givenow E. Massie Valentine, Jr. Katherine E. Busser Virginia Children’s Hospital Alliance Vice President Gianna C. Clark Gianna C. Clark Dominion Directors Emeriti Dimitri B. Georgiadis (1927–2012) Lawrence Doyle Capital One L. H. Ginn III Secretary Lucylle F. Gordon (1920–2005) Patrick W. Farrell Jeanette S. Lipman Dorothy Reynolds Brotherton Community Volunteer J. Sargeant Reynolds, Jr. J. Douglas Freeman, Sr. Patricia L. Robertson Treasurer Tucker Pavilion (Retired) Patrick W. Farrell Julie H. Gustavsson Keiter CPA’s Special Advisor Assistant Treasurer R. Roland Reynolds Mitchell F. Haddon Industry Little Hawk LLC Amelia M. Bradshaw ColonialWebb Contractors William E. Hardy 21 Harris, Hardy & Johnstone, P.C. We welcome Stephen E. Baril, Thomas N. Hollins, Jr. Lawrence Doyle, Jean P. Holman, and Reynolds Community College Theresa K. Nöe to the Board. Jean P. Holman Virginia Credit Union We thank Mark A. Creery, Sr., Jerry P. Fox, J. Hunter Hoggatt, and David R. Loope Reynolds Community College Deborah J. Johnston for their service. Margaret E. ‘Lyn’ McDermid Federal Reserve To learn more about the J. Sargeant Theresa K. Nöe Reynolds Community College Patient First Educational Foundation, please contact

J. Sargeant Reynolds, Jr. Executive Director Reynolds Development Bess Littlefield The Honorable Anne J. G. Rhodes 804-523-5812 Richmond, Virginia [email protected] Gary L. Rhodes Reynolds Community College Director of Development Marianne McGhee E. Massie Valentine, Jr. 804-523-5810 Davenport & Company LLC [email protected] Benjamin J. Warner Henrico Doctors’ Hospital 22

Massie Valentine (right), talks with Ryan Pledger, who will begin UVA this fall. See page 7 for more of Ryan’s story.

WHERE OUTSTANDING CAVALIERS GET STARTED IMPACT:

I’ll be honest. When I meet a Reynolds student bound for Your support makes a difference at Reynolds. my alma mater of UVA, I’m thrilled for them. True, it’s because I have such fond memories of my own time there, but also because I know how well prepared our graduates are for the rigors ahead.

Every student has a different journey. Thank you for walking with our graduates as they take that important next step, whether it’s transferring to a four-year school or entering their career field of choice.

Whether our students go on to become Rams, Hokies, Panthers, or Earners, they have a wonderful community 23 of supporters to thank for the instruction and training they received at Reynolds.

Thank you for another year of impactful giving. Your partnership is powerful, and we appreciate it!

E. Massie Valentine, Jr. President, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Educational Foundation

WHERE OUTSTANDING CAVALIERS GET STARTED Getting this scholarship pushed The scholarship covered the gap The scholarship award provided me to achieve higher grades in my Army funding, making it a huge spiritual support. The because I wanted my donor to possible for me to go to school understanding that there are be proud of who was chosen to and support my family. people who believe in you and win their scholarship. Jordan K. trust you is fulfilling and Shelby E. motivating. Elena G.

Gratitude

reynolds.edu/foundation

Photography by Cabay Fine Photography