New Student Co-Op opens with support from Kroger, Kraft Heinz
The Virginia Western Community College Educational Foundation, in partnership with Kroger and Kraft Heinz, proudly announces the launch of the Virginia Western Student Co-Op fueled by Kroger. This pioneering initiative, the first of its kind at a community college, is aimed at eliminating student food… Continue Reading New Student Co-Op opens with support from Kroger, Kraft HeinzRead More
Community Arboretum launches fundraising campaign to replace gazebo
Organizers at the Community Arboretum at Virginia Western hope to soon replace the gardens’ aging gazebo. While the arboretum celebrated its 25th anniversary in May 2018, Virginia Western students constructed the gazebo a couple of years prior to the garden’s official dedication. In the years… Continue Reading Community Arboretum launches fundraising campaign to replace gazeboRead More
Local tech company with VWCC connections partners with NASA
When scientists at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) capture future pictures of Earth’s atmosphere, they might end up using technology containing components manufactured by former Virginia Western Community College faculty and students. Based in Fincastle, Va., Micro Harmonics Corporation (MHC) is a technology… Continue Reading Local tech company with VWCC connections partners with NASARead More
Chef Polfelt awarded Endowed Teaching Chair
The Virginia Western Community College Educational Foundation has awarded the Donald G. Smith Endowed Teaching Chair to Ted Polfelt, an award-winning local chef and instructor in the Al Pollard Culinary Arts Program. The Donald G. Smith Endowed Teaching Chair is intended to honor an outstanding… Continue Reading Chef Polfelt awarded Endowed Teaching ChairRead More
Cooke named new manager at Hall Associates Career Center
At the start of the Spring 2019 semester, the Hall Associates Career Center at Virginia Western Community College welcomed a new manager. Although Shonny Cooke’s title is new, she is already well-acquainted with the Career Center. She first joined Virginia Western in 2012, where she… Continue Reading Cooke named new manager at Hall Associates Career CenterRead More
Virginia Western presents Distinguished Alumni Award to Deborah L. Petrine
The Virginia Western Community College Educational Foundation recognized Deborah L. Petrine (’74), Chairman and CEO of Commonwealth Care of Roanoke and Chair of the Foundation’s Advocacy Council for the Virginia Western Forward Endowment Fund: A Vision of Dr. Charles W. Steger Jr., with its 2019… Continue Reading Virginia Western presents Distinguished Alumni Award to Deborah L. PetrineRead More
VWCC Educational Foundation launches innovative Fralin Futures scholarship program
In a recent survey of incoming Virginia Western Community College students, 92 percent reported they planned to work while pursuing their degree. Nearly a third expected to log at least 20 hours a week, on top of tackling a full-time or near full-time class load.… Continue Reading VWCC Educational Foundation launches innovative Fralin Futures scholarship programRead More
American Electric Power Foundation awards $100,000 grant to CCAP
The American Electric Power Foundation has awarded a $100,000 grant to support Virginia Western’s Community College Access Program (CCAP), a nationally recognized effort that provides up to three years of tuition to qualified Roanoke Valley high school graduates. Brad N. Hall, vice president of external… Continue Reading American Electric Power Foundation awards $100,000 grant to CCAPRead More
Educational Foundation announces two new board members
Virginia Western Educational Foundation announces two new members join Board of Directors Joseph M. Hoff and Mark R. Pace have joined the Board of Directors of the Virginia Western Community College Educational Foundation. Hoff is President and Chief Executive Officer of Friendship Health & Living… Continue Reading Educational Foundation announces two new board membersRead More
Virginia Western dedicates Maury and Sheila Strauss Family Student Life Center
ROANOKE – Virginia Western Community College dedicated the Maury and Sheila Strauss Family Student Life Center on Friday in recognition of the philanthropic leadership of the Strauss Family. Maury Strauss, a Roanoke business leader and founder of the Strauss Development Corp., donated $1 million to… Continue Reading Virginia Western dedicates Maury and Sheila Strauss Family Student Life CenterRead More
Recent News
- Military Friendly Survey recognizes Virginia Western with Silver Designation July 2, 2025
- Mural adds artistic note to Virginia Western’s campus June 27, 2025
- Virginia Western Community College Educational Foundation reaches initial $15 million goal for unrestricted endowment June 23, 2025
- Virginia Western Community College Educational Foundation names new leadership for Board of Directors June 12, 2025
- Virginia Western honors faculty and staff emeriti May 28, 2025