DSLCC Making History. Imagining the possibilities. Investing in our shared future. Inspiring dreams, advances, and excellence.

Dr. John J. Rainone President Dabney S. Lancaster Community College Imagine, Invest, Inspire Imagine what can be. Invest in our students, faculty, staff, and our shared future. Inspire dreams, growth, and excellence for all of us. These are all elements of success and what we strive to do and be every day at DSLCC. I am truly humbled by the level of support and commitment you have shown to this wonderful institution. Imagine, Invest, Inspire The Campaign for DSLCC is the largest fundraising effort to date undertaken by the College and the DSLCC Educational Foundation. Not only have you helped us to meet our goal of raising $3.5 million for college and student initiatives; you have helped us surpass that goal. Your commitment to education in our region is helping DSLCC to strengthen existing programs and bring new programs to fruition. This opens new doors of opportunity for our students enabling them to gain marketable skills for in-demand trades. It also strengthens partnerships with regional industry through specialized training and collaboration. All of these are vital to individuals and businesses in staying relevant in today s fast paced job market. In addition, this helps to promote economic stability and growth, as well as a higher quality of life for our residents and our region. I am also very pleased to announce that DSLCC has launched several new programs. We now offer an Associate DSLCC Making History Imagining the possibilities. Investing in our shared future. Inspiring dreams, advances, and excellence. That s what Imagine, Invest, Inspire The Campaign for DSLCC has done and will continue to do. Because of your support, Dabney S. Lancaster Community College has the distinct privilege of helping students imagine their future, investing our collective time and energy in bringing those dreams to fruition, and inspiring others to do the same. This fundraising effort was the largest undertaking in the history of the College and the Dabney S. Lancaster Community College Educational Foundation, raising more than $4.1 million (nearly 18 percent above the goal) from gifts, pledges, and grants. The initiatives included as a part of the Imagine, Invest, Inspire Campaign were priorities based on college and community needs, derived from town hall sessions across the service region, as well as an extensive feasibility study. The information obtained was compiled, and the priorities were set, based on your insights and feedback. The goal of Imagine, Invest, Inspire was to strengthen current programming, better position the College to adapt to the ever changing needs of business and industry in the area, provide consistent and much needed support and resources to at-risk students improving retention and graduation rates, financially support student aspirations through increased and new scholarship funding, and expand the reach and accessibility of the College throughout the region. We ve accomplished our goal and more, said Rachael Thompson, DSLCC Educational Foundation Director. When we first began the campaign, we wanted to capture the essence of what could be accomplished through a joint and comprehensive community effort, thus Imagine, Invest, Inspire rose to the surface. It embodies the heart of this effort. I could not be more pleased with the outcome, said Thompson. Surpassing our goal was tremendous, but, even more importantly, we achieved an incredible 400 donors, which illustrates the collaborative community effort behind this campaign s success. Now at the close of the Campaign, it is evident that donors like you have enabled the College and the Foundation to achieve a stronger positioning within the community, thereby making the region a more vibrant place in which to work and live. Thank you for supporting this endeavor and for your continued partnership with DSLCC into the future. YOU have made all the difference! 2

Degree in Applied Science Technical Studies Electrical & Instrumentation Technology, Career Studies Certificates in Introduction to Arts Management, and Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration, a Licensed Practical Nursing to Registered Nursing (LPN- RN) bridge course, and a new Career Studies Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture that was soon followed by an expansion of the program, resulting in a Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture and Horticulture. The College, Foundation, and I could not have accomplished this amazing feat without your support. For that, I am sincerely grateful. But, our work is not done. Opportunities still exist to partner with the College, and additional work is needed to open even more doors of opportunity. Be assured that the College, faculty, staff, and I will continue to work for the betterment of our community and our students. Our purpose is to help you, your family, and your neighbors reach your goals and highest potential. On behalf of our student body, faculty, and staff, as well as the Educational Foundation, I wish to extend my most sincere appreciation and thanks for your generosity. It is a clear expression of your commitment to this great institution and what we can accomplish together. We value your trust and commitment and will continue to Imagine, Invest, and Inspire. Elaine Nelson, Rockbridge area business woman, long-time DSLCC Educational Foundation donor and Board member served as President of the Educational Foundation for Imagine, Invest, Inspire the Campaign for DSLCC. I am incredibly proud of the efforts made by the Foundation Board, Campaign Steering Committee, and community members. This was a concerted effort on behalf of the College and Foundation to strengthen college programming, initiatives, student support services, and scholarship opportunities. Mrs. Nelson adds, Thank you for your continued and generous support of the College and the Foundation. This success story is because of YOU our DONORS and we are indebted to you and your generosity. 3

Imagine Opening Even More Doors Mr. Rick Watro, WestRock mill manager and VP of Covington operations, understands that an exceptional workforce comes from exceptional training. As a long-standing partner of DSLCC, we know the value of the education and training DSLCC provides. It is through this partnership that the Mill and the College have been able to offer the Dual Craft Apprenticeship Program, which has been a huge asset to our employees and community. In addition, WestRock was a major contributor to the Imagine, Invest, Inspire Campaign and has consistently partnered with the Foundation as a sponsor for the biennial Bubbles, Bands and Brunch fundraiser, which helps to provide college support and student scholarships. Exciting new programs have been added to the College s offerings, and existing programs have been strengthened through gifts from donors, like you. The first ever graduates of the Sustainable Agriculture Career Studies Certificate Program crossed the stage during the 2016 commencement ceremony. The DSLCC Sustainable Agriculture Career Studies Certificate exposes students to cutting edge technologies in the field of agriculture, married with tried and true practices. The 2015-2016 academic year also offered the first year of the new Associate of Applied Science Program Electrical and Instrumentation Technology Technical Studies Degree, expanding a one year career studies certificate into a two-year associates degree. DSLCC graduates with this degree are prepared to enter the local workforce in a high demand field. A new Introduction to Arts Management Career Studies Certificate program was created to support the abundant, local, nonprofit arts related entities and organizations within the DSLCC community. The first course related to fundraising, taught by Dr. John Rainone, began this fall. Because of the overwhelming success of the DSLCC EMS Intermediate Career Studies Certificate, the College is currently partnering with Central Virginia Community College to offer a Paramedic Program for DSLCC students. Work is being done to expand the EMS program so that DSLCC students will be able to enroll in an Associate of Applied Science Program Emergency Medical Services Paramedic Specialization starting in fall 2017. Designation By Initiatives College Advancement $1,748,639.00 Expansion of Footprint $162,600.00 Scholarship Fund $661,095.30 Student Success $1,154,604.16 Special Event Unrestricted $60,815.00 $330,997.28 4 Partnerships within the community are key to making specialized training more accessible. Rockbridge County High School is helping DSLCC offer HVAC certification. Botetourt Technical Education Center assists the College in offering dual enrollment courses in welding, and WestRock is a key partner in the Dual Craft Apprenticeship Program. Recent studies point to a need to fill 1.5 million jobs in Virginia alone that require a post secondary certification, such as an associates degree or career certificate, but do not require a bachelor s degree. DSLCC is uniquely positioned to support the success of area residents in order to meet this need. Partnerships with local businesses and industry strengthen that positioning and speak to the desire to work with the community to provide the best possible opportunities for area residents. In short, the College was able to strengthen its existing programs and extend new program opportunities because of your gifts to the Imagine, Invest, Inspire Campaign.

DSLCC Students Their Success is Our Success As the college strengthens and grows, so, too, does the student body and the community. Together, we are creating tomorrow s business leaders and owners, building higher standards of living, facilitating economic growth and viability, and enriching the region. Recently, DSLCC received updated data from the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) on its College Success Coach (CSC) program for the 2014-2015 academic year. The CSC program serves to increase the motivation, retention, and educational attainment of students from historically underserved and underrepresented populations in higher education. DSLCC is extremely proud to report that our CSC students outperformed their control group in 9 out of the 10 identified program performance measures the best in the VCCS! Markus Maier, one of the College s Success Coaches and who has been an CSC advisor since the program s inception, feels that the CSC team understands the tremendous impact of connecting with students. The strongest predictor of student success is whether a student has formed a connection with at least one college employee. Something as simple as knowing a student s name, inquiring about their classes, family or general wellbeing. Creating a sense of belonging for the students is of fundamental importance for enabling them to succeed, stated Maier. It is gratifying to see the strong performance measures associated with the students who are a part of the program. The data is a strong reflection of the efforts put forth by many DSLCC employees, as we work together to patiently and steadfastly encourage and support our students. Fellow College Success Coach, Chris Shiraki shares Maier s observations, stating, The students look to us to equip them with the necessary tools to success. Our responsibility is to help them find their own tools, to access their own dreams and to fulfill their own goals. It is a dialogue that tries to explain to students what the key tools and opportunities are which are necessary to academic and professional success. This process takes a significant amount of perseverance and courage on the part of the student. The skills learned through the coaching sessions require daily practice. Its about asking the right questions to obtain the right answers, adds Shiraki. Education is a personal responsibility and those who understand the demands and work to master the basic tools will succeed. Any milestones the CSC program achieves is in actuality an indicator of the milestones reached by our students. As we have seen, funding to the CSC program is critical and relevant to student success. The better prepared the College is to support and equip students and prepare them today, the better their tomorrows become. Ultimately, it is the students success. DSLCC is the mechanism by which they accomplish that success. BY THE NUMBERS $4.11 million raised for DSLCC $1.15 million raised from individual donors $98.5 thousand raised from in-kind donations 397 donors 646 gifts, pledges, and matching gifts 1784 gift transactions during the Campaign Rachel Lyle is a 2016 DSLCC graduate and registered nurse, who currently is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at UVA. Dabney S. Lancaster Community College is the best! They are so very supportive in every aspect of my life. I could not ask for a better school! 160 new donors 71 percent faculty and staff participation 3 times the national average 100 percent Local and Foundation Board participation 265 students received scholarships since 2014 $440 thousand in scholarship awards made since 2014 5

Investing Dabney Promise & Scholarships DSLCC s commitment to the community stretches farther than the campus or the programs offered it is committed to the accessibility of education for all. Through donor contributions, the DSLCC Educational Foundation currently has an extensive scholarship program. However, the reality exists that even with solid scholarship and financial aid programs, college is still financially out of reach for many. Having had Members of the inaugural class of the Dabney Promise Program. this issue occur each year, the College and the Foundation decided it was time to bridge this financial gap. The Dabney Promise Program provides the necessary funding to address the gap between a student s financial aid and scholarship awards and the actual cost of attending DSLCC, including tuition and fees up to 15 credit hours, as well as additional funds for books if needed. Dabney Promise recipients main responsibility continues to be their studies. However, as a member of the Dabney Promise Program, students are also asked to give back to the community each scholar completes a community service project each semester. In this inaugural year of the Dabney Promise Program, the Foundation was able to assist approximately 50 students nearly 88 percent of the students that were eligible. The average Dabney Promise scholarship award was $1,888. The Dabney Promise Program was truly a community effort, with funding coming from private individuals, matching corporate funds, local foundations, and local governments. The program adds another measure of security and accessibility to college that many do not have the luxury of experiencing. The Educational Foundation s scholarship program continues to be strong, awarding more than $100,000 to an average of 100 students annually. The generosity of donors during the Imagine, Invest, Inspire Campaign has only increased the ability of the Foundation to provide a solid financial platform from which students can springboard into a successful future. Expansion of Footprint Dr. Ben Worth recently joined the DSLCC family as VP of Academic Affairs. A native of Lexington, Dr. Worth brings with him a homegrown perspective and an enthusiasm for being a part of the DSLCC family. I feel fortunate to be working at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College. It is a very special institution; I have family and friends who have attended the college over the years. Dr. Worth also understands the pivotal role and importance of the Rockbridge Regional Center, located in Buena Vista, in serving our region. Education is the key to a better life, opening doors of opportunity, a richer quality of life, and a stronger economic viability. I believe strongly in the mission of the community college to bring quality and affordable access to higher education, and I want very much to make a real difference here, said Worth. 6 Dr. Worth s arrival is especially timely as DSLCC reviews the recent results of a feasibility study on current and emerging educational and training needs of the Rockbridge region. With the experience that Worth brings to the position and his passion for the region, he will be instrumental in working with other top DSLCC leaders to address the many opportunities outlined by the consultants from their research and focus groups. Currently, the Rockbridge Regional Center is at 71 percent capacity and houses approximately one third of DSLCC students. While expanding the physical space and offerings at the RRC is necessary, DSLCC also continues to explore the expansion of program services throughout the service area, addressing workforce needs, as well as the accessibility of educational attainment, for all of the communities that DSLCC serves.

Inspiring & Celebrating Tomorrow Each year, students from across the region step onto the DSLCC campus, hoping and dreaming of a brighter tomorrow. The work of the faculty, staff, volunteers, board members, and the community continues to make a real impact on the students, their families, and our community. It is with this knowledge, this promise of hope, and this commitment to our shared future that the DSLCC Educational Foundation and the College decided to embark on the exciting journey that has been Imagine, Invest, Inspire The Campaign for DSLCC. Elaine Nelson, DSLCC Educational Foundation President, shared her thoughts on the impact of the Campaign, stating, Real gifts, from real donors, make a real difference in the lives of DSLCC students. During the 2015-2016 academic year, more than one-third of all DSLCC Educational Foundation scholars were on the President s or Vice President s honors list. This statistic speaks to the caliber of students that attend DSLCC, as well as the significant impact that contributions to the Foundation make on the lives of the students that we serve. Finances are a very real concern for many of our students and their families. Foundation scholarships, and now the Dabney Promise Program, help to relieve those burdens. Because of the generous contributions received from donors, the Foundation has been able to award more than 1,100 student scholarships, worth more than $1.63 million throughout the course of the history of the Foundation, to students right here in our community making educational attainment a reality, building our regional workforce, and, ultimately, helping advance the local economy. The Imagine, Invest, Inspire Campaign has built, and will continue to build, upon these successes thanks to your generosity. In addition, your gifts, and those from donors like you, have enabled the Foundation to contribute more than a quarter million dollars ($250,000) in College support during the Campaign. This has helped the College establish new programs of study in in-demand fields, and provide cutting-edge equipment and technology to Dabney students, so that they are ahead of the curve when they enter the workforce. It has also helped launch student success initiatives to drive higher retention and graduation rates, helping DSLCC students to earn workforce credentials and degrees and contribute to our Real gifts, from real donors, make a real difference local workforce. ~ Elaine Nelson, DSLCC Educational Foundation Board President For Foundation Director, Mrs. Rachael G. Thompson, these numbers translate into real world impacts. Thompson added to Nelson s comments, stating, We see the positive growth and achievements of our students each day. It is incredibly rewarding to know that because of the generosity of our donors, students lives are being changed for the better. Thompson continued, thanking the many donors and supporters, Your generosity continues to help us advance our mission, nearly 40 years strong, of Building Futures, Building Lives, and Building Hope. The future is, indeed, incredibly bright for DSLCC, our students, and our community. Future success stories like these will be built upon continued support, involvement, volunteerism, and philanthropy. Together, DSLCC can continue to be a beacon of hope. We extend our most sincere appreciation for all that you do to support DSLCC. Thank you! Margaret Burks served on the College Local Board representing the City of Covington for 8 years, as a special educational aide for the City of Covington School System. She recently joined the DSLCC Educational Foundation Board of Directors, because she recognized the significant impact the Foundation and College were making on students and the region. The College has always been a great example of local, affordable, higher education. Being a part of both boards has been an extremely rewarding and enriching experience, said Burks. We are reaching residents, changing lives, and building hope. As a former educator, I have always understood the value of DSLCC within our community. When I became directly involved with the College and Foundation as a board member, I was able to see the faces of the students light up as they realized their potential, investing their time and talents in their dreams, and imagining all the possibilities to be explored. How awesome to be a part of such magic! 7

Leading the Way Imagine, Invest, Inspire The Campaign for DSLCC was an undertaking like no other in the history of the College or the Educational Foundation. It surpassed the original goal of $3.5 million, raising more than $4 million in college initiatives, scholarships and program support a significant investment in our students and, thereby, our community. As with any campaign, its success is only as strong as its leadership. Both the College and the Foundation extend a tremendous thank you to David Newkirk and Ward Robens, Campaign Steering Committee Co-Chairs, for strategically leading the way to a successful culmination of the Campaign. David Newkirk, retired VP and plant manager of the Covington paper mill, now WestRock, understands that an investment in the College is an investment in the regional economy. The economic impact of the college is very tangible. For every dollar invested in DSLCC, we return $2.16 to the service region. That is a significant return with real world positive implications for our area, said David Newkirk, campaign co-chair. Ward Robens, campaign co-chair, Foundation Board Past President, and former forestry instructor for DSLCC, also knows the value of a DSLCC education. Nearly 450 jobs across the service region can be attributed to DSLCC. As the former program head to the DSLCC Forestry program, I can attest to the caliber of graduates that this institution produces. They are bright, talented individuals, working towards a fulfilling future. DSLCC provides them an avenue of success. I am proud to be a part of such an impactful partnership. At the close of the campaign, the entire Campaign Steering Committee team joined the Foundation, the College, and the community to celebrate the joint success of this campaign and the path to a brighter future that it has helped create. Nearly 100 donors, volunteers, faculty, staff, community leaders, and friends gathered at the Moomaw Center on June 30th to celebrate and announce the final number of dollars raised. It was an exciting event, shared Mr. Newkirk. We are truly indebted to all of those involved in this effort. In addition, it was very gratifying to be able to celebrate with those who made this success story possible. The Campaign Steering Committee Jack and Mitzi Hammond, Honorary Chairs Ward Robens, Co - Chair Dave Newkirk, Co - Chair Tina Dressler, Internal - Faculty/Staff/Retirees/Boards Chris Shiraki, Internal - Faculty/Staff/Retirees/Boards Donna Vaughn, Botetourt County Michelle Crook, Botetourt County Matt Paxton, Rockbridge County/Lexington/Buena Vista Bob Claytor, Rockbridge County/Lexington/Buena Vista Teresa Hammond, Alleghany County/Covington Brandon Caldwell, Alleghany County/Covington Nick Moga, Bath County Ramona Garcia, Bath County Dr. John Rainone, College President Campaign Staff Rachael Thompson, Campaign Manager Jodi Burgess, Campaign Coordinator It s because of you that we are able to make a positive impact on the lives of DSLCC students. It starts with your generosity. And for that, we are forever grateful. 8

Planning for the Future The spring of 2016 saw the revitalization of the Lancaster Society a group of individuals that understands and values the impact that DSLCC has on the community and has decided to include Dabney S. Lancaster Community College in their estate plans. Bequests have the ability to leave a lasting contribution to educational attainment for the service region. In addition, they help to ensure the future sustainability and viability of the College. Many of our donors understand this value and have named DSLCC in their wills. Contributions to the Foundation through these planned gifts provide critical support, enabling the Foundation to keep moving forward Ramona Garcia, County of Bath resident and retired educator, has been involved with both the College and the Educational Foundation for several years. She began as a College Local Board member, then became a liaison for the Local Board as a Foundation Board Member over two years ago. Ms. Garcia s passion for education and the opportunities afforded to DSLCC students is evident. "As a lifelong educator, I am passionate about the community college mission of educational attainment for all. By utilizing planned giving and naming the Educational Foundation in my estate plans, I was able to illustrate my passion and ensure a future endowed scholarship for deserving students. I am delighted to leave such a lasting legacy and make a more substantial gift through planned giving." Jack and Mitzi Hammond have been friends of DSLCC and the Educational Foundation for more than 30 years. Mr. and Mrs. Hammond served as Honorary Co-Chairs for Imagine, Invest, Inspire The Campaign for DSLCC, because they have longed realized the value of the College within the community. DSLCC is in integral part of the economic viability of our region. The College not only offers a low cost alternative to higher education, but is a well-spring for industry and workforce training for local businesses and residents. We are proud to serve and support such a wonderful institution. DSLCC College & Foundation Boards, 2014-2016 Local Board Dan Collins, Chairman Margaret Burks Bob Claytor Steven Douty Ramona Garcia Eddie Graham Laura Hoofnagle Kyle Keyser Janet Nelson Dr. Glenn Sullivan Dr. John Rainone, President Kathy Smestad, Exec Assistant Educational Foundation Board Elaine Nelson, President Gretel Anderson Dr. James Ballou Donna Beirne Kathy Bryant Margaret Burks Nancy Caperton Betsy Carter Michelle Crook Steven Downs Harrison Fridley Ramona Garcia John Hillert Teenie Kegley Helen Kostel Kathy Landreth Ray Lipes Nick Moga David Newkirk Virginia Nowlin Dr. John Rainone H. C. Rhodes Ward Robens Jackie Stephenson John Stone Lois Switzer Donna Vaughn William Wilson David Minter, Emeritus Karin Ellis, Emeritus Rachael Thompson, Executive Director Jodi Burgess, Advancement Coordinator 9

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1000 Dabney Drive, Clifton Forge, VA 24422 (540) 862-2800 www.dslcc.edu