Steve and Reta Rodgers’ support of the college has been so extensive that when President Kim Blosser announced they would be recipients of a 2023 Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy, she said “they are part of the blueprint of our Fauquier Campus.”
“We especially appreciate being able to give them this award because we know they prefer to give quietly and not be the center of attention,” President Blosser said.
The Chancellor’s Award recognizes outstanding contributions made towards the growth and development of Virginia’s community colleges and foundations.
The couple, who own S.W. Rodgers Inc., have supported Laurel Ridge for nearly 30 years, and have had a role in all three of the new buildings that have gone up on the Fauquier Campus. When Steve joined the College Board in 1996, the only structure on the Fauquier Campus was The Barn, which was part of the original farm that became the college’s home.
During the construction of Wolk Hall, Steve actively oversaw site development work, and provided soil and equipment to Laurel Ridge at no cost. Heavy rain had caused soil issues at the site.
“In came his dump trucks with soil,” then-President Marilyn Beck noted, college archives reveal. “Then came big equipment for spreading and compacting the soil, with Steve himself driving one of them.”
These actions saved Laurel Ridge substantial time and money. But, the Rodgers didn’t stop with Wolk Hall. In 2012, the couple made a generous donation to the building fund for Hazel Hall. Most recently, the Rodgers provided the largest leadership gift for the Center for Skilled Trades – opening this October – in 2021.
The Laurel Ridge Educational Foundation’s most successful fundraiser, Dollars for Scholars, was co-chaired by Steve. He was awarded an honorary degree from the college in 2000.
S.W. Rodgers has been a valued partner in Laurel Ridge’s groundbreaking heavy equipment operator program – the college was the first community college in Virginia to offer statewide industry credential programs for the in-demand trade – and several of our graduates have gone on to work for the company.
“Steve and Reta have helped our college in many ways, for many decades – including site development, board service and financial support,” said President Blosser. “Their philanthropy is quiet, generous and rooted in a deep love for their community.”
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.