The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) has named Virginia Western Community College a Bronze Award winner of its 2016 Circle of Excellence awards program. Virginia Western was recognized for its Community College Access Program (CCAP).
The Circle of Excellence awards program recognizes outstanding work in advancement services, alumni relations, communications, fundraising and marketing at CASE member institutions worldwide. They are judged by peer professionals at schools, colleges and universities as well as by professionals from outside education.
“We are thrilled that CCAP has been recognized for this prestigious honor from CASE,” said Dr. Angela M. Falconetti, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Virginia Western. “Our numerous public and private partners have seen the indelible impact that the program has on our students and our community. We look forward to continuing to make college possible for any students in our region.”
Winners are selected based on a number of factors, including overall quality, innovation, use of resources and the impact on the institution or its external and internal communities, such as alumni, parents, students and faculty and staff. The Circle of Excellence awards program is open to professionals working at member colleges, universities, independent schools and their affiliated nonprofits around the world.
In 2016, more than 710 higher education institutions, independent schools and nonprofits worldwide submitted more than 3,350 entries for consideration in nearly 100 categories. Judges gave 331 awards: 103 bronze; 119 silver, 83 gold and 17 grand gold.
CCAP was created by Virginia Western in 2008 to bridge the financial gap for talented students with a dream, clearing the path for their journey ahead. CCAP is an innovative series of public/private partnerships that provides up to two years of tuition assistance at Virginia Western to area high school graduates who meet program guidelines. CCAP supports as many students as possible based on student need and funds available.
A panel of experts selected the institution’s entry in the Community College Public Private Partnerships category. The judges stated that CCAP is a unique and transformative program deserving of recognition. They liked how it fostered long-term relationships with civic, educational, business stakeholders and that the program not only worked to develop opportunities for students, but for the community.
The Council for Advancement and Support of Education is one of the largest international associations of education institutions, serving more than 3,600 universities, colleges, schools and related organizations in more than 80 countries. CASE is the leading resource for professional development, information and standards in the fields of education fundraising, communications, marketing and alumni relations.
