June 22 – Massanutten Regional Library (Harrisonburg); 3:30-5:30pm

June 25 – ���Ĺ��� Outpost (Waynesboro Innovation Hub); 3:30-5:30pm

July 7 – North River Library (Bridgewater); 3:30-5:30pm

July 9 – Augusta Co. Library (Fishersville); 10am-1pm

July 9 – Broadway Library; 3:30-5:30pm

July 15 – Elkton Community Center; 3:30-5:30pm

July 16 – Staunton Library; 3:30-5:30pm

July 23 – Churchville Library; 3:30-5:30pm

For more information, contact us at info@brcc.edu or (540) 453-0264.

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������ Leader Named Aspen Rising Presidents Fellow, Participating in Fellowship Preparing Next Generation of Presidents to Improve Student Outcomes

Last week, the Aspen Institute (Aspen) announced that Dr. Dave Urso, Vice President of Academic Affairs at ������ is one of 40 outstanding leaders from across the country for the 2026-27 . Chosen from a competitive pool of more than 125 applicants, these 40 executive and senior community college leaders were chosen for their potential to enact major reforms that deliver much stronger results for students.

“I expect that the Fellowship will help Dr. Urso further develop his transformational instincts while simultaneously helping him learn the most effective approaches to community college leadership,” said ���Ĺ��� President Dr. John Downey. “He is an innovative leader that is passionate, persuasive, and full of ideas.”

Over 15 years, Aspen’s research on high-performing community colleges has consistently shown that high and improving levels of student success are much more likely when an exceptional president is leading the community college. For that reason, Aspen has been working for a decade to help prepare a new generation of transformational community college leaders through this program.

Over the coming year, these fellows will:

• Deeply examine data on available jobs in their community and student outcomes at their colleges
• Learn about transformational models from 15 years of Aspen Prize research into colleges with high and improving levels of student success through the Aspen Prize process
• Receive coaching and feedback from accomplished college leaders, including sitting and retired presidents who have led transformational reforms
• Devise a concept for major reform strategy at their institution, receiving critical feedback from peers and experts along the way

“Our research shows that excellent colleges share a common trait: they are led by presidents who focus on a few transformative initiatives that extend beyond enrollment and even completion numbers, centering instead on whether graduates are prepared for transfer and bachelor’s attainment and success in the workforce or further education,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “I cannot wait to begin working with this impressive set of leaders.”  

Rising Presidents Fellows are chosen based on their commitment to improving student success and advancing economic mobility, their readiness to lead major student-success reforms, and the likelihood that they will assume a college presidency within five years of completing the program. The selected fellows come from 20 states and a wide range of institutions—from small rural colleges to large urban campuses—bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to the fellowship. They join a vibrant network of over 500 peers—including over 215 sitting presidents—who are leading colleges that help more students finish college, transfer to four-year institutions, and secure good jobs.

The Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship is made possible through the generous support of the Burton Family Foundation, Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies, College Futures Foundation, Mellon Foundation, and the Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research at NC State University.

For bios and photos of all 40 leaders, visit the .��

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Though he was born in Mozambique, and has lived in a handful of places, David and his family consider Harrisonburg their home. Learning English by watching YouTube and listening to music, David also developed an interest in taking apart electronics and trying to put them back together at an early age. That hobby eventually turned into a job in the ������ Computer Repair Shop, and now, an Associate of Science degree in Computer Science from Blue Ridge. David will transfer to Radford University this fall to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Cybersecurity.

“Some of us are parents. Some of us are still the children in our families. Some are transferring to new schools, and for others this may be the final step in our academic journey,” he said. “But no matter what our paths, we all carry different stories, struggles, and experiences that brought us to this moment.”

David recognized not only his own challenges along the way, but also those of his classmates. “The challenges we faced whether in our personal lives, our families, or even late nights with homework, those are the bricks that build who we become. So do not stop building,” he encouraged. “Maybe graduating today feels like finishing a house. But don’t stop there. Go build another one.”

Shenandoah Valley native Katie Frazier, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry for the Commonwealth of Virginia, was the keynote speaker. After pointing out how the industry affects so many aspects of daily life she asked, “But what if we went just a little deeper and thought about the other lessons you can learn from a farmer, and how they might help you in your quest to impact this region and Virginia as you take your next steps out into the world?” She went on the share five life lessons she’s learned from a career working with farmers – Patience, Collaboration, Resilience, Be Careful, and to Find Your Vocation.

“This world needs farmers and it needs public servants. But it also needs prepared minds, hearts for service, and ready hands to do good, valuable work,” she said. “And that is the bright future each of you have ahead of you, thanks to your time and experiences here.”

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Bringing experts from the automotive repair industry into the classroom has been a focus for instructors in the Automotive Repair program at ���Ĺ���. “We are grateful to have people in the community come in and talk with students so that they are prepared when they enter the work force,” Jeff Wiseman, Automotive Analysis & Repair Department Chair, explained. “Mike and I are doing our best to make sure the students who leave our program are prepared for the ‘real world’ so they have a better chance at success.”

Local shop foreman, Marcus Yeago, recently visited to demonstrate how to isolate the hybrid system from a 2024 Toyota Sienna hybrid van. Yeago works for McDonough Toyota in Staunton. Starting with an emphasis on safety, he brought common safety tools and equipment used to service hybrid and electric vehicles (EV). Marcus discussed common problems he has personally seen in the automotive industry and how important it is to be a professional in this field. 

“I learned a lot about how to safely disable the high-voltage system on a hybrid vehicle.  Having Marcus come in with a newer Toyota hybrid was very helpful in my understanding of how a hybrid works and how to stay safe while working on them,” said student Noah Mumbert.

Another guest lecturer this spring was Matt Donato from Standard Motor Products. Matt is an automotive educator who travels the country training professional automotive technicians and automotive instructors. Matt specifically wanted to demonstrate to ���Ĺ��� students an in-depth look into how to use a Pico oscilloscope. This highly-advanced tool is used to create real time graphs of electrical signals to help automotive technicians diagnosis today’s complex electrical systems.

For auto student Liam Chester, Matt’s lecture was a hit! “This was probably one of my favorite class periods for the semester. We had used the scopes a lot up to this point, but it was really neat to see someone who is super fluent in the way they operate,” he said. “You could tell throughout the presentation that he not only knew what he was talking about, but was very passionate about teaching the information.”

Classmate Edward Kirby agreed and added, “The demonstrations added a depth of knowledge and value to the class. Many things get lost in translation or become boring when reading but actually seeing it being done makes it much more interesting.”

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One of the many students who now regularly join Rasheed in the Rec Center is engineering student Izaak Mazur. Calling Rasheed, “a very down-to-earth professor with wicked dad jokes,” Izaak said they usually end up talking about food and what’s going on in their lives.

 “I think the fitness center is a wonderful space on campus and I try to go as often as I can.  I thought if more students experienced it even one time, that they would keep coming back,” Rasheed explained. And it turns out he was right; often the students who take him up on his offer end up becoming regulars at the Rec Center.

Many dedicated professors like Rasheed are finding creative ways to meet students where they are, offering extra support and adding value to the ������ experience.

English professor Pamyla Yates has begun holding early morning Student Engagement hours in a computer lab – and via Zoom – for students to practice keyboarding. “Over the years, a continual survey of my English language learning students showed that only 10-15% of the students had proficient keyboarding skills. In addition, many of our native English speakers have very spotty keyboarding skills as some schools make tech foundations optional,” Yates explained.

She said that efficient keyboarding skills can help students complete assignments in half or a third of the time, and also reduces errors. Being an English professor, she added “Students can also ask me any questions regarding English” during the help session.

An earlier riser who took full advantage of the keyboarding assistance is Sumaya Lak. Sumaya joined Yates most mornings by Zoom so she could get her children ready for school before she started her own day at ���Ĺ���. “I appreciate her,” Sumaya said about Yates. She said that the practice has helped improve her typing speed and accuracy, but also has helped with pronunciation. Seeing a word on the screen, then hearing and saying it, and also typing it, reinforced learning on multiple levels.

Dan O’Brien, ���Ĺ��� Computer Science professor and program, said that the extra keyboarding instruction has been a “huge boost for my students.” He added, “While they are familiar with using smartphones and tablets, many have never needed to use a computer keyboard. Pam has helped them with improved efficiency and accuracy when writing papers and especially with computer coding.”

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More information and registration links

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���Ĺ��� employs career coaches in each of the public high schools in our service region – it is a cost-shared position between ���Ĺ���, the ���Ĺ��� Educational Foundation, and local school districts.  Their goal is to work with the “middle majority” of students who are not sure what their next step is after high school.  The coaches help the students with career exploration, job shadowing, applying to college or trade school, accessing financial aid, and lots more. 

Samantha Hughes, the career coach at Wilson Memorial took 26 students to participate in the Day in the Life of a Line worker at Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative.  She said that “SVEC had different stations set up for students to explore, including a climbing demonstration, an opportunity to try their hand at wiring and tools, and a demonstration of ways electric lines can be damaged (the students called it “what happens when a squirrel gets on a line”).  

Similarly, the career coach at Stuarts Draft, Margo McIntire, took about a half-dozen students to a Day in the Life at SVEC at their Staunton location this past fall. She said that “the students saw active simulations and participated in hands-on activities representing the day-to-day activities of linemen.  It was a lot of fun and the presentation was very age appropriate and educational.”

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Together, we can nourish both minds and futures.

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One of SOAR’s most effective and immediate supports is Lunch2Go, a simple yet powerful program that addresses food insecurity among qualifying students. Students receive $10 meal vouchers on days they attend on‑campus classes, redeemable at the bookstore or campus food trucks – providing nourishment, flexibility, and dignity.

Since January 2024, participation in Lunch2Go has more than tripled, reflecting both a growing need and increased awareness across campus. SOAR Coordinator Donna Clem explains that the program goes beyond meals. Regular interactions with students help staff identify academic, financial, and personal challenges early and connect students with the appropriate campus and community resources.

Other services offered through SOAR include:

• Single Stop, a free screening tool that assesses a student’s eligibility for federal, state and internal benefit programs and offers information about local resources
• TimelyCare, a free virtual health and well-being platform for students. It offers on-demand emotional support 24/7 from a licensed mental health professional and counseling
• Temporary Emergency Financial Assistance, for students facing unexpected financial challenges and hardships
• ���Ĺ��� Cares, a program that provides basic personal hygiene essentials to students in need

Many of the services provided by the SOAR Center are funded through the ������ Educational Foundation. Donor generosity makes it possible for ������ to sustain a broader safety net for students when they need it most.

Foundation Executive Director Amy Kiger explained that tuition and book assistance – in the form of student scholarships – is a significant priority for the ���Ĺ��� Educational Foundation. She added that in addition, for many years, the Foundation has also provided emergency funding to students as they deal with unexpected life challenges.  “We are grateful to have generous donors who have made this funding possible!  They understand that helping a student navigate a difficult financial situation may be the very thing that allows them to persist with their education.”

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During fiscal year 2025–2026 to date, the Foundation has awarded $565,902 in scholarships to 328 students, opening doors to opportunity, stability, and success. That impact was on full display at the annual Scholarship Luncheon Celebration on March 6, 2026, where more than 220 supporters and student scholarship recipients gathered to honor the life‑changing power of education and philanthropy.

A Student’s Journey of Resilience and Hope

Student speaker Amina Anwar, soon to be a ������ IT and cybersecurity graduate, shared a deeply moving story of perseverance, courage, and transformation. Originally from Pakistan, Amina spoke candidly about surviving an abusive relationship, navigating a new country and culture, and rebuilding her life as a single mother, all while pursuing her education at ������.

Through online classes, supportive faculty, and scholarship assistance, Amina found not only academic success but also confidence, leadership, and a professional identity. Scholarships allowed her to leave multiple jobs and fully focus on her studies, ultimately leading to leadership roles on campus and an IT internship at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community.

“Blue Ridge didn’t just give me a degree. It gave me confidence. Skills. Leadership. Experience. A professional identity. A voice.”

Amina reminded attendees that scholarships do far more than cover tuition—they bring peace into students’ homes, reduce stress, and make it possible to dream beyond survival.

“I came here broken, scared, and unsure. I am leaving confident, skilled, independent, and hopeful.”

Investing in Education, Investing in the Future

Foundation supporter Ed Morse (top image) reflected on why he and his wife, Debbie, chose to establish endowed scholarships at ���Ĺ���—both in celebration of family members and in honor of careers dedicated to service, education, and community well‑being. Drawing on a quote from Benjamin Franklin, Ed captured the heart of donor impact:

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

For the Morse family, supporting scholarships is both personal and purposeful—helping students pursue careers in agriculture, education, counseling, and human services, while giving back to the college that played a formative role in their own lives.

Thank You for Making This Possible

The Scholarship Luncheon was a powerful reminder that behind every award is a story of determination—and behind every success story is a community of supporters who believe in the promise of education.

Because of you, thousands of ���Ĺ��� students are building brighter futures for themselves, their families, and our region. Thank you for making 2025–2026 another extraordinary year of impact.

Videos from this event can be found on the .

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