April 27, 2017
The PATH Foundation, of Warrenton, has received the 12th Annual Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy. Laurel Ridge nominated the foundation, formerly known as Fauquier Health Foundation, for the award, which was presented at a luncheon ceremony at the Country Club of Virginia in Richmond on April 18. PATH Foundation President/CEO Christy Connolly and Board Chair John McCarthy represented the foundation at the event.
Pictured left to right are VCCS Chancellor Glenn DuBois, PATH President/CEO Christy Connolly, PATH Board Chair John W. McCarthy III and Laurel Ridge President Dr. Cheryl Thompson-Stacy
Hosted by the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education, this annual event honors leading philanthropists from each of Virginia’s 23 community colleges. This year’s class of distinguished philanthropy leaders has contributed a combined total of more than $10 million dollars to the commonwealth’s community colleges.
The PATH Foundation invests in organizations that enhance health and wellness on a broad scale in Fauquier, Rappahannock and Northern Culpeper counties. In February 2016, the foundation announced a $1 million gift to the Laurel Ridge Educational Foundation to support its campaign to build the Eleanor C. and William A. Hazel Hall, a new building to house science, engineering and health professions programs on the Warrenton Campus. The following month, the General Assembly approved $17 million in construction funds for Hazel Hall.
Chancellor Glenn DuBois expressed his gratitude to the recipients. “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.”
Laurel Ridge President Cheryl Thompson-Stacy adds: “By investing in Laurel Ridge through such a transformational gift, the PATH Foundation is investing in a skilled workforce and access to education — particularly in the health professions. We are so grateful for their leadership in philanthropy and in our community.”
One Laurel Ridge student will receive a one-year scholarship of $3,500 next fall in honor of the PATH Foundation. Wells Fargo is underwriting such a scholarship at each Virginia community college.
Founded in 1970, Laurel Ridge Community College is a multi-campus public institution of higher education. With three locations — Middletown, Warrenton, and Luray-Page County — the College serves eight localities in the Shenandoah Valley and northern Piedmont regions. The localities are the counties of Clarke, Fauquier, Frederick, Page, Rappahannock, Shenandoah and Warren and the city of Winchester. Laurel Ridge offers more than 75 associate degree and certificate programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Laurel Ridge also serves the business community by offering workforce preparation programs for employees and employers. Laurel Ridge serves more than 9,000 unduplicated credit students and more than 11,000 individuals in professional development and business and industry courses annually.
Laurel Ridge Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Laurel Ridge Community College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Laurel Ridge Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Laurel Ridge Community College is an equal opportunity institution providing educational and employment opportunities, programs, services, and activities. Laurel Ridge shall promote and maintain equal employment and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, age (except when age is a bona fide occupational qualification), status as a veteran, national origin, or other non-merit factors. Laurel Ridge also prohibits sexual misconduct including sexual violence or harassment. Inquiries may be directed to the Associate Vice President, Human Resources, [email protected], 173 Skirmisher Lane, Middletown, VA 22645, 540-868-7226.
Laurel Ridge Community College was known as Lord Fairfax Community College until June 2022. For consistency purposes, the college will be referenced as Laurel Ridge going forward.