May 1, 2019
Russell and Elta Rae Jenkins, and their son, Rodney, and his wife, Karen (Laurel Ridge Class of 1988) have received the prestigious Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy. The family was nominated for the award by Laurel Ridge.
The award was presented by Dr. Glenn DuBois, Chancellor of the Virginia Community College System, during a luncheon in Richmond on April 16. The luncheon was hosted by the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE) to honor the leading philanthropists from each of Virginia’s 23 community colleges.
The award is accompanied by funds for the Commonwealth Legacy Scholarship named in honor of the Jenkins family and which will be awarded to an Laurel Ridge student.
While Laurel Ridge has had a center in Luray since 2006, it has always been in leased space. The Jenkins family’s donation of eight acres in Luray to the Laurel Ridge Educational Foundation has made possible a permanent home for the Luray-Page County Center.
Besides donating property behind the Luray Walmart, the family has also provided a generous financial contribution and significant site work through their company, General Excavation Inc.
In recognition of the family’s generosity, the new building will be named Russell A. and Rodney A. Jenkins Hall.
“We are so grateful to the Jenkins family for their contribution to the future of Page County,” says Laurel Ridge President Kim Blosser. “Their donation has sparked enthusiasm in the community, and $2.6 million has already been raised for the project.”
Now in its 14th year, the Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy recognizes outstanding leaders who have helped support Virginia’s Community Colleges and their respective foundations. This year’s class of distinguished philanthropy leaders has contributed a combined total of more than $18 million dollars to Virginia’s 23 community colleges.
Photo (L to R) – Laurel Ridge Educational Foundation Executive Director Liv Heggoy, Laurel Ridge President Kim Blosser, VCCS Chancellor Glenn DuBois, Elta Rae Jenkins and Karen Jenkins.
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.