Community College Philanthropists Honored with Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy

Charlottesville, Va. – May 28, 2026 Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) is proud to announce its nominee, UVA Community Credit Union of Charlottesville, Virginia, as a recipient of the 20th Annual Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy. The organization was recognized at the annual luncheon held in April.

“University of Virginia (UVA) Community Credit Union has been an invaluable supporter of PVCC, significantly investing in college initiatives including the Pathways Campaign and Annual Fund,” shared PVCC Vice President of Advancement and External Affairs Harry Stillerman. “Their commitment is further demonstrated through employees’ volunteer leadership on the Educational Foundation Board of Directors over the last decade. In addition to philanthropic and governance leadership, UVA Community Credit Union actively engages students and employees through campus events, career fairs, and financial literacy initiatives, and supports multiple career exploration and youth education programs. We are immensely grateful for their commitment to PVCC’s mission and for the countless ways their generosity continues to benefit our students and community.”

The luncheon, hosted by the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE), brought together over 200 guests to recognize outstanding philanthropic contributions to Virginia's Community Colleges. The celebration honored more than two dozen individuals, families, and businesses from all 23 of Virginia's Community Colleges, as well as the VFCCE. Award recipients were nominated in recognition of their exceptional commitment to the growth and development of Virginia's community colleges and their respective foundations.

In his welcoming remarks, Chancellor David Doré saluted and thanked the donors for their unwavering commitment to students whose potential might otherwise go unrealized. This year’s class of philanthropy leaders collectively contributed an extraordinary $27 million dollars to Virginia’s Community Colleges.

“UVA Community Credit Union has played a pivotal role in the College’s growth and success—not only through extraordinary generosity to PVCC, but through a deep and sustained commitment to strengthening our broader community,” stated PVCC President Dr. Jean Runyon. “As visible and enthusiastic ambassadors for the College, they consistently champion the PVCC story and its impact. We are deeply grateful for their belief in our mission and their enduring commitment to inspiring successful lives and strong futures for every PVCC student.”

UVA Community Credit Union President/CEO Susan Gruber shared, “At UVA Community Credit Union, we are grateful for the opportunity to support PVCC and the students who rely on it. PVCC plays a vital role in strengthening our community by providing accessible education, practical training, and encouragement for learners at every stage of life. We are honored to be recognized and deeply value our partnership with an institution that continues to make such a positive difference for students, families, and our region.”

Distinguished guests included Secretary of Education Jeffey Smith, VCCS State Board members, as well as members of the VFCCE Board of Directors. Author, philanthropist, and educator Brent L. Kendrick, Ph.D., whose career reflects a lifelong commitment to teaching and community college education, delivered the keynote address.

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2026 Chancellor's Award for Leadership in Philanthropy Recipients

Photograph:
Row 1, Left to right: UVA Community Credit Union Board Chair Pam Higgins, UVA Community Credit Union Board member Marie Melton, UVA Community Credit Union Affairs Vice President Janine Williams, Virginia Community College System Chancellor David Doré, PVCC President Jean Runyon, UVA Community Credit Union Chief Operating Officer Belinda Tucker, PVCC Vice President of Advancement and External Affairs Harry Stillerman

Row 2, left to right: UVA Community Credit Union Chief Financial Officer Peter Holman, UVA Community Credit Union Chief Lending Officer Joe Raichel.

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About UVA Community Credit Union:
UVA Community Credit Union is an award winning not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative. The Credit Union provides a wide range of convenient and professionally managed personal and business financial services to support the financial wellness of its more than 85,000 members. Membership is open to individuals who live, work, or attend school in, and to any business located in, Virginia’s Central Piedmont and Valley area.

The Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE) is a supporting arm of Virginia’s 23 community colleges. It works to broaden educational access, promote student success, and provide innovative solutions to workforce needs. To ensure access to high quality, affordable education, the VFCCE provides statewide leadership in raising funds for community college education, supplementing the activities of the 23 individual colleges, and advocating for major system-wide initiatives that could not be undertaken by any single college. For more information, please visit https://vfcce.org/.
 
About Virginia’s Community Colleges
Since 1966, Virginia’s Community Colleges have given everyone the opportunity to learn and develop the right skills, so lives and communities are strengthened. By making higher education and workforce training available in every part of Virginia, we elevate all of Virginia. In academic year 2024, Virginia’s Community Colleges served more than 232,000 students across 23 colleges throughout the Commonwealth. Learn more at vccs.edu.